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K-State at Salina Computer Recommendations
Before making any computer purchase, check your college's and department's requirements for your field of study.
Components 
and factors
If already have
a computer
Buying a new PC
Economy PC Power User PC
Capabilities
word processing word processing
e-mail and Internet access e-mail and Internet access
word processing basic gaming
word processing word processing
database & spreadsheet database & spreadsheet
multimedia multimedia applications
basic gaming basic / intermidiate gaming
e-mail and Internet access e-mail and Internet access
hi-res 3-D graphics applications Economy PC capabilities, plus:
hi-res 3-D graphics applications hi-res 3-D graphics applications
intermediate-advanced gaming intermediate-advanced gaming

Antivirus software K-Staters are required to run the university-supplied anti-virus software on their computers.  Available at antivirus.k-state.edu.
Processor (CPU) 
type and speed
dual core processor multi core: 2.2 GHz (gigahertz) or > multi core: 2.66 GHz (gigahertz) or >
Color monitor
and video card
Any monitor compatible with existing system.

Video card Integrated (on-board) video graphics, or a separate video card with 128 MB (megabyte) of RAM, or better.
21" LCD Flat panel or better

Video card Integrated (on-board) video graphics, or a separate video card with 256MB (megabyte) of RAM, or better.   DirectX 11 or > capable
24" LCD Flat panel or better

Video card:  usually a separate card with 512 MB (megabyte) of RAM, or better.

CAD users should look at NVidia Quadro series or ATI FirePro 3D series cards.
Hard drive (HD) 80 GB (gigabyte) or better 250 GB (gigabyte) or better 500 GB (gigabyte) or better
Memory (RAM)
1GB (gigabyte) or better 1 2 GB (gigabyte) or better 1 4 GB (gigabyte) or better 1
File transfer/storage USB Flash Memory Device,   K-State Zimbra Briefcase (online storage)
CD-ROM drive or 
DVD drive
12x DVD ROM or better DVD+-RW or better
Operating system Windows XP SP3 or newer 2
  Windows 7 2
Sound system
sound (audio) system with choice of speakers
Optional
Mac OS 10.6 or > 3, Linux operating system 3,4
Expected Price Range n/a Desktop $400 - $700
Portable $400 - $800
Desktop $900 - $1700+
Portable $1300 - $2400

1 More RAM = improved performance.  32-bit Windows can use nearly 4GB of RAM.  64-bit Windows can access up to 128GB of RAM.
2 Windows XP Home Edition, and Windows 7 Home Premium are not recommended for residence hall computers, or other networked environments.
3 Windows operating systems are required for specific software used in some academic programs.
4 For experienced Linux users.

last updated 12/02/2011

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