Recommended Configuration for Student Computers

Operating System

  • Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 3 (SP3 can be downloaded for free at windowsupdate.microsoft.com)
    or
  • Windows Vista (Home Premium or better)

Hardware

  • Pentium 4 processor (equivalent or newer - Celeron, Pentium M, etc. are fine)
  • at least 1GB RAM
  • at least 80GB hard drive
  • 10/100 wired Ethernet port
  • Ethernet cable (CAT5, not more than 10' long)
  • Wireless adapter (802.11b/g) (optional)
  • USB flash drive (optional, but recommended for backing up and transporting files)

Software

  • Microsoft Office Suite 2007 or 2003 (must include Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Antivirus software with real-time protection & automatic updates

Warranty

We recommend an extended 3-year warranty.

Macintosh

Operating System

  • OS X (10.2.8 or newer)

Hardware

  • Intel processor or G4/G5 (PowerPC)
  • at least 1GB RAM
  • at least 80GB hard drive
  • 10/100 wired Ethernet port
  • Ethernet Cable (CAT5, not more than 10' long)
  • AirPort wireless adapter (optional)
  • USB flash drive (optional, but recommended for backing up and transporting files)

Software

  • Microsoft Office Suite 2008 or 2004
    (must include Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Antivirus software

Warranty

We recommend an extended 3-year warranty. Apple offers the Apple Care Protection Plan. For more information, visit http://www.apple.com/support/products

Wireless

If you choose to bring a laptop, you may also want to include a wireless network adapter. Wireless access is currently available in the library and in the Quarry. Students are not allowed to bring their own wireless access points (WAPs) for use on campus. Please refer to our Wireless Internet policy.

If you have any questions about the above recommendations, or if you already own a computer which you would like to bring to campus with you, please email the Help Desk at helpdesk@dickinson.edu or call 717-245-1000, and we will be happy to answer questions about your system and its compatibility with Dickinson's network.