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Introduction
This page contains information about recommended computer configurations for
the campus. It includes specifications for minimum hardware and software
standards. These are established at the start of each calendar year and take
effect in the summer so that departments and individuals have time to plan
for needed technology replacement purchases.
Do You Have Comments or Questions?
We have a handy Comments
& Suggestions form that you can use to email us your inquiry.
What Does Supported Mean?
CaTS makes every effort to support the hardware and software listed on this
page. This includes expertise in system configuration and operation. The Help
Desk is your first line of support for all your computing and
telecommunications needs. If you choose to use non-supported hardware or
software, CaTS can not guarantee assistance or compatibility with supported
systems.
For more information on supported software, please see the
CaTS Software Support Policy
document on the CaTS Documentation web page.
For more information on recommend hardware, please visit the
CaTS Purchasing Guides. Only hardware
from recommended suppliers is fully supported.
Minimum Hardware Guidelines
In order to properly access the campus network and the internet, minimum hardware and operating system guidelines must be met. Note, these are minimal standards. With this basic configuration you may not be able to fully access all features of recommended software and internet resources. For best performance and responsiveness, better hardware may be required.
| June 2005 Minimum Hardware Guidelines | |
| Intel/Microsoft Windows Platform Intel Pentium 650mHz processor 256mb RAM (512mb highly recommended) 10 gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Display at 1024x768 Windows 2000 (XP Pro strongly recommended) |
Apple Macintosh Platform Power Macintosh G4 550 mHz 256mb RAM (512mb highly recommended) 10gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Display at 1024x768 MacOS X 10.3 |
| June 2004 Minimum Hardware Guidelines | |
| Intel/Microsoft
Windows Platform Intel Pentium 650mHz processor 256mb RAM 10 gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Monitor Windows 2000 (XP strongly recommended) |
Apple Macintosh
Platform Power Macintosh G4 450 mHz 256mb RAM 10gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Monitor MacOS X (10.3 strongly recommended) |
| June 2003 Minimum Hardware Guidelines | |
| Intel/Microsoft
Windows Platform Intel Pentium 550mHz processor 256mb RAM 6 gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Monitor Windows 2000 |
Apple Macintosh
Platform Power Macintosh G3 500mHz or G4 450 mHz 256mb RAM 6gb Hard Drive CD-ROM 17" Monitor MacOS 9.1 |
| June 2002 Minimum Hardware Guidelines | |
| Intel/Microsoft
Windows Platform Intel Pentium II 350mHz processor 128mb RAM (256 highly recommended) CD-ROM 17" Monitor Windows 98 or 2000 operating system |
Apple Macintosh
Platform Power Macintosh G3 300mHz Processor 128mb RAM - 256 highly recommended CD-ROM 17" Monitor MacOS 9.1 |
NOTE: Non-supported hardware includes all 486-based PCs and any Macintosh that does not use a Power PC processor. These systems may have significant difficulty with Year 2000 compliance and are unable to run currently recommended software.
Below the Minimum?
If your primary computer system does not meet these minimum standards, we strongly urge you to replace this system. For more information on the purchase of new systems, please see the Recommended Systems page.
If you have a system that falls below the guidelines but that is currently connected to the campus network, you can continue to use this system, however no upgrades or new services will be offered. We can not guarantee that changes to the campus network will not impact your system.
If you have a system that falls below the minimum guidelines that is not currently on the campus network it CAN NOT be installed onto the network. Once a system that falls below the guidelines is removed from the network it will not be reinstalled.
RAM and Such
Many people may have a computer system that meets the speed requirements but that does not have 256mb RAM or does not have a 17" monitor. While these features are important, if you do not meet these portions of the guidelines CaTS will make every effort to accommodate you. However, it may be necessary to purchase an upgrade in order to properly run applications such as Microsoft Office or access web resources such as those provided by the Library. Please note, the CD-ROM guideline is an important requirement that can not be waived.
Operating Systems Guidelines
In order to properly access the campus network and the internet, minimum software and operating system guidelines must be met.
Windows Operating System Windows XP Pro is the recommended operating system for new desktop PCs, however, Windows 2000 is also supported for older systems. Windows 3.1, 95, and 98 are no longer supported. The university has a site license agreement with Microsoft and CaTS can provide operating system upgrades when necessary.
Macintosh Operating System MacOS X 10.2 is the minimum operating system. MacOS 9.x and earlier versions are no longer supported. The university has a volume license agreement with Apple and CaTS can provide operating system upgrades when necessary.
MacOS X 10.3 is supported by CaTS; however, the "Classic" MacOS 9 mode is not. Users with previous versions of MacOS X can upgrade for free by contacting the CaTS Help Desk.
