Recommended minimum specifications for new computer purchases
If you are planning on buying a computer to use for the next three or more years, we would recommend that the computer you select meet the following minimum specifications:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor: | Intel Core i5, 1.6 GHz Processor or better |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 8 Home Premium, Business or Ultimate or Macintosh OS X 10.8.X “Mountain Lion” |
| Office Suite*: | Microsoft Office 2013 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2011 Mac *note that buying Microsoft Office software through our agreement will be less costly than buying it through the hardware vendor, like Dell or Apple. |
| Memory (RAM): | 4 GB of RAM |
| Storage: | 120 GB Hard Disk or better |
| Monitor: | for desktop: 19″ widescreen flat-panel display for notebook: 13′ – 17″ display |
| Optical Drive: | 6X DVD+/-RW Drive or better |
| Mouse: | USB, 2-button, optical mouse |
| Sound: | Sound card or built-in audio, and speakers |
| Network: | 10/100Base-T ethernet networking capability (built-in, or an add-in adapter) and, a 25′ CAT-5 network cable [sometimes called "patch cable or station cable"] |
Highly-Recommended Accessories: USB Inkjet Printer, USB A to B Cable, USB Flash Memory Drive (“USB key” or “thumb drive”), surge supressor, carrying Case for notebooks. Mac users wishing to connect their notebook computers to projectors for presentation purposes should purchase VGA adapters appropriate for their Macintosh notebook (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, etc.) computer model. |
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