Student Computer Recommendations 2010 - 2011
Important Note: MSV and Gunsaulus Hall are transitioning to wireless n. Ethernet ports will no longer be available in these residence halls.Educational Discounts
Recommended Computer Specifications:
IIT encourages students to provide their own laptop/desktop to supplement their course work and enhance their learning experience. OTS offers the following suggestions to help you select a computer to support your academic goals.
To determine the best computer to suit your needs, first consider your primary usage. OTS highly recommends that you consult your major department to find out what types of programs you will need to use on your computer and their specific recommendations or requirements.
Consider the following questions before purchasing your computer:
- Are you primarily writing papers and accessing the Internet?
- Do you need to use your computer for programming?
- Do you need to use your computer for multimedia work?
- Will you be creating graphics, music, or video?
- Do you need to burn CDs or DVDs?
Example Hardware configurations:
Recommended new computer specifications for the average student user using the computer for Internet access and word processing.
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Component |
PC |
Macintosh |
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CPU |
Intel or AMD dual core 2.0 GHz or higher |
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or faster |
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System RAM |
4 GB |
4 GB |
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Hard Drive |
250 GB Hard Drive at 7200 RPMs |
250 GB Hard Drive at 7200 RPMs |
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Removable Storage |
8X (DVD+/-R DL, DVD +/-RW,CD-RW) Drive |
8X SuperDrive (DVD+/-R DL,DVD+/-RW,CD-RW) |
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Monitor |
1024X768 Min. Resolution |
1024X768 Min. Resolution |
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Video Card |
ATI or NVIDIA Graphics 256MB DDR2 SDRAM |
ATI or NVIDIA Graphics 256MB DDR2 SDRAM |
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Operating System |
Windows 7 recommended or Windows XP SP3 minimum |
Mac OS X.6x or latest version |
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Wireless Network Card |
802.11 b/g/n |
AirPort Extreme |
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Recommended Add-ons
- Anti-virus software installed and properly configured (OTS provides free McAfee Antivirus Software for PCs, which can be downloaded from the "OTS Downloads" channel located on the Training and Support tab in the myIIT portal.)
- Three-year warranty
- Theft and damage insurance
- USB Flash drive (1-2GB recommended)
Remote Printing
Students can use their computer lab account to send a print job from their personal computer to a printing queue accessible at five Printing Release Stations located on campus.
Dell info:
Dell Computers has partnered with IIT's Office of Technology Services to offer a premier site for members of the IIT community. Access the IIT Dell Web Store. It allows members of the IIT community to work directly with Dell to configure and purchase home computing system at educational discounts. On the IIT Dell website you can select a preconfigured bundle, one of the bundles for Architecture Students, or receive an IIT educational discount when you build your own system through the Full Catalog.
The site is for use by members of the IIT community only, and is accessible through the IIT domain. For more information please contact the Support Desk at ext. 73375 or go to the OTS Support Website.
Apple info:
Access the IIT Apple Web Store
Wireless Adapter Information
There are many options on the market for Wireless Network to Wired Connection Devices.
New wireless adapter recommendations coming soon!