 |
2008/2009 Recommended
Computer Specifications
(Updated 05/12/2009)
Suggested Specifications for New Computer Purchase
Component |
Desktop PC |
Laptop PC |
Apple Desktop |
Apple Laptop |
CPU |
Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core |
Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core |
iMac G5 |
iBook G4 or PowerBook G4 |
System Ram |
2 GB |
2 GB |
512 MB |
512 MB |
Optical Drive |
DVD-RW/CD-RW |
DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Super Drive (DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Super Drive (DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Hard Drive |
100 GB |
80GB |
60GB |
60GB |
Monitor/ Display |
17" LCD Flat Panel |
15.4” LCD Display |
17”LCD |
12” LCD Display |
Operating System |
Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) |
Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) |
OS 10.4 |
OS 10.4 |
Ethernet Adapter |
Built In |
Built In |
Built In |
Built In |
Firewire |
Not a requirement |
Not a requirement |
Built In |
Built In |
USB |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Modem |
Not required, but would be needed if dial up is used at home |
Usually Built In |
Usually Built In |
Usually Built In |
Wireless |
Yes (*See Below) |
Yes (*See Below) |
Yes (*See Below) |
Yes (*See Below) |
Warranty Service |
3 year on-site parts and labor |
3 year on-site parts and labor |
3 year AppleCare Protection Plan |
3 year AppleCare Protection Plan |
(This set of specifications should be used when purchasing a new computer)
(* Wireless is required for use for students residing in Pacer Crossing. Wireless is also recommeneded for those living in Pacer Commons. However, it is not currently available in Pacer Downs.)
Minimum Required Specifications for Existing Computers
Component |
Desktop PC |
Laptop PC |
Apple Desktop |
Apple Laptop |
CPU |
Intel PIII 1.0 Ghz/ AMD Athlon 1.0 Ghz Processors |
Intel PIII 1.0 Ghz/ AMD Athlon 1.0 Ghz Processors |
G3 Processor |
PowerBook G3 |
System Ram |
256 MB |
256 MB |
256 MB |
256 MB |
Optical Drive |
CD Rom Drive |
CD Rom Drive |
CD Rom Drive |
CD Rom Drive |
Hard Drive |
20 GB |
20 GB |
20 GB |
20 GB |
Monitor/ Display |
15" CRT Monitor |
14” LCD Display |
15" CRT Monitor |
12” LCD Display |
Operating System |
Windows XP Home w/ Service Pack 2 |
Windows XP Home w/ Service Pack 2 |
OS X |
OS X |
Ethernet Adapter |
Required for Internet Access while on Campus |
Required for Internet Access while on Campus |
Built In |
Built In |
Firewire |
Not a requirement |
Not a requirement |
Built In |
Built In |
USB |
Not a requirement but definitely recommended (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Not a requirement but definitely recommended (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Built In (*See USB Flash Drive info below) |
Modem |
Not required, but would be needed if dial up is used at home |
Usually Built In |
Usually Built In |
Usually Built In |
Wireless |
Yes, 802.11B/G* |
Yes, 802.11B/G* |
Yes, 802.11B/G* |
Yes, 802.11B/G* |
(This set of specifications should be used for existing computers)
Suggested Specifications for USB Flash Drive
Component |
Minimum |
Suggested |
Storage Size |
512 MB |
at least 1 GB |
Speed |
USB 1.1 |
USB 2.x |
(Most recently manufactured computers, including most campus lab computers,
no longer contain floppy disk drives.)
(The obsolete technology of the floppy has been phased out by manufacturers over the last couple of years. As a result, and due to their greater storage capacity and reliability, CSD recommends all students purchase a USB flash drive in place of floppies and writeable-CDs.)
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