Computer Configurations
These are the minimum hardware configurations recommended for new computer purchases. Most computer companies sell computers with hardware configurations above and beyond these requirements as their own minimum standard, so you won't have any trouble finding one that meets your needs.
Note: For questions concerning curriculum-specific recommendations, please visit the specific department Web page.
Windows Systems
| Desktop | Laptop | |
| Key Features | Recommended System | Recommended System |
| Processor | 2.8GHz | 2.1GHz |
| RAM | 2-4GB | 2-4GB |
| Hard Drive | 120GB | 80GB |
| Monitor | 17" | 8"-13" |
| Optical Drive | 48x/16x/48x CD-RW/DVD Combo drive | Integrated 24x 10/24x CD-RW 8X DVD Combo |
| OS | Windows Vista or higher | Windows Vista or higher |
| Application Software | Microsoft Office 2007, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download here) | Microsoft Office 2007, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download here) |
| Keyboard & Mouse | 3+ button optical scroll, standard keyboard with or without number pad (personal preference) | Supplied trackpad and keyboard |
| Network Adapter | 10/100 Ethernet | 10/100 Ethernet |
| Wireless Adapter | N/A | 802.11b/g 17/54mbps |
| Warranty | 3 year on-site* | 3 year on-site* |
Please be advised that any major changes to a computer typically void the warranty (for example, upgrading an operating system from Windows Vista to Windows 7, etc.).
Macintosh Systems
| Desktop | Laptop | |
| Key Features | Recommended System | Recommended System |
| Processor | 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| RAM/Memory | 2-4GB | 2-4GB |
| Hard Drive | 120GB | 80GB |
| Monitor | 17" | 13"-15" |
| Optical Drive | Combo Drive | Combo Drive |
| OS | Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) or higher | Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) or higher |
| Application Software | Microsoft Office 2008 OR iWork 2008, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download here) | Microsoft Office 2008 OR iWork 2008, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download here) |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Apple Mighty Mouse or Magic Mouse, Apple keyboard with or without number pad (personal preference) | Supplied trackpad and keyboard |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Ethernet | 10/100 Ethernet |
| Wireless | None | Airport Extreme |
| Warranty | 3 year AppleCare | 3 year AppleCare |
Please see our software page for deeply discounted software for both Windows and Mac.
