Recommended specifications for administrative computer purchases
Hardware information
Keeping your computing technology up-to-date ensures that you will be able to run the latest software. Computers with the system configurations below will run the latest applications, including the Microsoft Office suites, and support Oracle and Peoplesoft. Systems with these specifications, purchased from our recommended vendors, will fit within a four-year replacement cycle. Administrative systems you purchase must meet these minimum specifications. If your computers don’t meet these minimum specifications, we cannot guarantee compatibility with the latest software required to do business on campus, and support from IT will be limited.
While advertised systems may meet these specifications, we recommend that you do not purchase the lowest priced system you find. To offer these low prices, vendors compromise on the quality of their components, limit expandability, and offer shorter warranty periods. Click the link to the right, “Buy Institutional” to find UD IT recommended vendors and links to their sites. For technology purchasing help, “Contact us” in the menu above.
It is important to note that these specifications are recommendations for computers running typical administrative applications on the UD campus. If you run specialized software, please contact the IT Support Center (askIT@udel.edu) for specifications that meet your needs.
| Desktop | Notebook | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 Processor, 3.0 GHz, or better, with a TPM (trusted platform module) or Apple Silicon M1 or M2 family CPU required. | Intel Core i7 Processor, 2.4 GHz, or better, with a TPM (trusted platform module) or Apple Silicon M1 or M2 family CPU required. |
| Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Monitor | 24″ Wide Flat-Panel display or bigger | 13″-17″ full 1080p integrated display or better |
| Graphics | Intel HD integrated graphics, or discrete graphics card | Intel HD integrated graphics, or discrete graphics card |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), or better | 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), or better |
| Audio | Integrated audio and powered or built-in stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, line-in and line-out mic jacks, optional digital I/O | |
| Network Adapter or Modem | Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter | Integrated 802.11ac or better Wireless Networking |
| Mouse | USB Optical Mouse or Trackpad | Trackpad |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise (can be upgraded to from any version of Windows 10 at no charge), or macOS Monterey 12.X or newer |
|
| Service Program | 4 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty. | 4 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty, plus Accidental Damage Protection (ADP, sometimes called Complete Care) |
updated 8/31/2022
Ways to Save
You may want to consider reusing existing monitors with your new computers. Consider the actual usage requirements before making this decision. If you or your staff would benefit from larger monitors and the additional space they provide, purchase new monitors and consider ways to repurpose current monitors within your department for the most efficient use.
Bundle your purchases. Purchasing large numbers (10+) of multiple identical systems may get you a better price from a vendor. If possible, work with others within your college to get the best price.
Consider keeping your computers longer. Check this page and compare the specifications to those of your existing computers. Contact the IT Support Center if you need help determining the specifications.
Software Information
The University of Delaware has signed an agreement with Microsoft that entitles all departments—and every faculty and staff member—to licenses for Microsoft Office for Windows and Macintosh. This includes Word, Excel, Access (Windows-only), and Powerpoint. When purchasing systems do not include Microsoft Office. It is available for download on UDeploy. You will need your UDelNet ID and password to download the software.
Microsoft Windows is also available under our licensing agreement. In most cases you cannot purchase a system without an operating system. You may want to consider upgrading other systems in your office to maintain consistency. Please contact the IT Support Center (consult@udel.edu) for advice on operating system upgrades.
All systems should run the latest anti-virus software.
The recommended email client depends on what computer you have and what email system you use. Check with your departmental IT professional or contact the IT Support Center (consult@udel.edu) for advice on which email client to use.
Remember to back up your data frequently. Instructions on this are available at: