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(Updated July 2008)
This chart, adapted from the NC
State University Information Technology Division website, provides
minimum recommendations for students bringing older computers to campus. Clicking
on "Tell Me More"
will provide detailed information about a component.
Depending on your needs, you should not expect an older computer to be useful
for more than a year. If you plan to bring an older computer to campus, it should
meet or, preferably, exceed these minimum recommendations. Contact your department
office for specific hardware and software requirements for coursework.
Minimum
Recommendations for Older Computers
2008 Specifications |
| Component |
Windows Desktop or Laptop |
Macintosh Desktop or Laptop |
| CPU |
Intel-compatible (Pentium, Core Duo, AMD):
700 MHz or higher |
Minimum: G4 500 MHz
Preferred: iBook, PowerMac G4, or PowerBook G4 800 MHz or higher |
System RAM
Tell
me more |
256 MB minimum,
512 or more preferred |
256 MB minimum,
512 or more preferred |
CD/DVD
Tell
me more |
CD-ROM minimum,
DVD/CD-RW preferred |
CD-ROM minimum,
DVD/CD-RW preferred |
Hard Disk Size
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me more |
40 GB with 5 GB available |
40 GB with 5 GB available |
| Operating System |
Windows XP Professional
or higher
(Windows Home Editions NOT recommended) |
MacOS X version 10.4 minimum;
MacOS X version 10.5 preferred |
Monitor
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me more |
Desktop: 15" to 17" preferred
Laptop: 12" to 15" preferred |
Desktop: 15" to 17" preferred
Laptop: 12" to 15" preferred |
| Sound Card |
100% Sound Blaster 16 compatible |
Built-in |
| Ethernet Adapter
Tell me more
|
Built-in RJ-45 connector
(802.11g compatible
wireless ethernet card optional,
but needed for wireless network access) |
Standard on Macintosh
(Wireless Airport or Airport Extreme
card needed for wireless network access) |
Wireless Network Adapter (optional)
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802.11b or 802.11g compatible |
Airport or Airport Extreme card |
Questions?
For additional assistance, please contact your departmental office
or send email to: design_help@ncsu.edu
Go back to the College's Student
Computing Requirements and Information page for
general information.
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