Windows, Macintosh, RAM, Gigabytes...
Choosing the right computer can be a confusing task. It is often difficult for a new college student to make an informed decision about what type and speed of computer to buy. Don't worry! Computing & Telecommunications Services (CaTS) can help!

Computer Deals | Residence Network | Student Computing Guide

A Computer - An Essential Tool for Your Education
Many of the courses at Wright State University directly utilize computers as part of the curriculum. In addition, computers can help you write reports, store class notes, and access the wealth of information available to you on the campus network and the Internet.

CaTS maintains a number of computer classrooms so that you can successfully complete your coursework. However, you may wish to purchase a computer of your own. One important question stands out: What kind of computer should you get? In the next few paragraphs, we hope to answer that question for you.

Do You Need a Computer?
Don't feel obligated to run out and buy a brand new computer.  Remember, you'll probably be in college for four or more years and the computer you buy as a first year student will be fairly old by the time you're taking advanced senior level classes.  

There are plenty of ways to use technology on campus at no additional cost.  For instance there are more than 1,000 computers available in public labs, computer classrooms, the university libraries spread all across campus.  Many of these systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  CaTS also offers the free Laptops2Go service so that students can check out a laptop computer for up to 4 hours at a time.  

You may also have an existing computer at home that you might want to use to start your college career.  Even if your existing PC is a few years old, it should get you started in your first year or two here at the University.  Then, you can make that big investment in a fast new computer when you reach your Junior or Senior year - when you'll need it most.  But is that existing PC good enough to get started at school?  Here's your answer:

Minimum Hardware Requirements

If you have an existing computer that you'll be using while you are a student here at Wright State, CaTS recommends the following minimum equipment guidelines.  Remember, these are minimums to run software such as Microsoft Office and to access important university web sites.  A faster computer may be more suitable to run software more quickly and conveniently.


Windows XP 

Do you have an existing Windows PC?  Start by right-clicking on the My Computer icon on your desktop and comparing the system information to this list of features:

Pentium 4 processor - 650mHz or greater

512mb RAM

Ethernet or wireless networking

CD or DVD-ROM drive

Windows XP

Apple Macintosh

If you already have a Mac computer you'd like to use, compare its features to the list below by going to the Apple menu, selecting the About this Mac option and then finally click on the More Info button.  You'll want a Mac that meets or exceeds this list of features:

PowerPC G4 - 800mHz or greater 

512mb RAM

Ethernet or Airport wireless networking

CD or DVD-ROM drive

MacOS X 10.3 or greater

Note: Please remember that these are minimum guidelines.  A system that meets these specifications is approximately 4-5 years old and may not run important applications as fast as you prefer.  

Other Systems
If you have a system that runs an alternative operating system than listed above, please contact the CaTS Help Desk for additional information.

What About Software?
You've asked another good question - what about the software and applications you might need while you're taking classes here at WSU?  The university has contracts with several companies allowing us to provide you software for free or at much lower prices than ordinary retail stores.  For more information, please visit the Student Software Licensing web page.