New Computer Recommendations

Academic Technology Services
New Computer Recommendations

The three most important features to look for in a new computer are (1) RAM, (2) CPU speed, and (3) disk storage. Please consult the table below for our recommended optimal specifications for a new computer purchase (we encourage you to exceed these specifications):

Platform	Windows	Apple
Processor Speed	2 ghz or Faster Intel® Core Duo, i5 or i7 Processor
Operating System	Windows 7 Home Premium	Mac OS X Snow Leopard v10.6
RAM	2 GB Minimum (with ability to upgrade if possible)
Hard Disk (storage)	250 GB or larger recommended
Ethernet	10/100 or Gigabit (1000) BASE-T
Display	17" or 19" LCD (flat screen)
Productivity Software	Microsoft Office 2010	Microsoft Office 2011
Virus & Malware Protection	Microsoft Security Essentials	Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition

last updated on 06.07.2011

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Suggestions:

Although printing is available through campus labs we recommend that students purchase a personal printer.

Whether to bring a desktop or laptop is a matter of personal preference; each has its own set of advantages as well as disadvantages.

All computers should have some type of removable media drive for data backups and storage. We recommend a CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW drive or an external usb hard drive.

We highly recommend purchasing an extended warranty with your computer. Depending on the system, this may be a 3-year or 4-year warranty.

Students must purchase a computer with network hardware pre-installed by the vendor. This helps ensure that you can connect to the Internet as soon as you get on campus and plug in your computer. On-campus students use 10/100 BaseT (RJ-45) ethernet. Many new Macintosh and Windows based PCs now come with Gigabit ethernet which is backwards compatable with our network and will work fine here. You must supply your own ethernet cable in either case. (It is easier to bring one than purchase it locally. We recommend a 25' cable.)

Wireless computing is currently supported in many University buildings. A current listing of all University Wireless access points can be found at http://www2.sewanee.edu/wireless/accesspoints. We currently have wireless access that supports 802.11b/g/n equipment.

With any new computer purchase we strongly suggest that you also purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). Power sags, spikes, and brownouts are sometimes responsible for loss of equipment and data. The power supply to residential halls is often less stable than you would find in your home or in an office.