Recommended Technology Materials
Hardware Recommendations
Almost any new computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus. If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, etc.), then you'll want to make sure that you purchase a faster system that has more memory and storage space. Please check with your appropriate advisor to determine if you require a faster system.
If you intend to connect your computer to ResNet, you need to purchase a computer that is designated "Ethernet Ready". If your computer is not Ethernet Ready then you will not be able to access network-based services. Ethernet Ready computers must include either an Ethernet card or a wireless network card.
Windows Computers
We currently use the Windows XP Professional & Windows 7 Enterprise operating systems on campus. We also use Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). We recommend, if possible, using compatible software. This way, if something happens to your personal computer, you can easily use a computer center.
Below you will find MINIMUM and RECOMMENDED computer specifications for personal computing (particularly laptops) at Western Connecticut State University. These specifications should be used as a guide when making decisions on what type of computer to bring to WCSU. MINIMUM specifications are for those who are choosing not to buy a new computer and want to bring an existing one to WCSU. RECOMMENDED specifications are for those who are choosing to purchase a new computer and need guidance on which specifications to go with. As a rule of thumb, if you are buying a new laptop, most, if not all, specifications will be fine. However, these guidelines will provide you with a good starting point and reference.
| WINDOWS PC | APPLE MACINTOSH | |
| Operating System | MINIMUM Windows XP Professional SP2 Windows XP Home SP3 Vista Home Premium SP2 Vista Home Basic SP2 Vista Business SP2 Vista Ultimate SP2 RECOMMENDED Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate |
MINIMUM Mac OS X 10.4.11 (Tiger) RECOMMENDED Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) |
| Productivity Tools | Microsoft Office 2007/2010 | Microsoft Office for Mac 2004/2008 |
| Windows Emulation Software | N/A | Parallels Desktop for Mac or VMware Fusion |
| Processor Type | MINIMUM XP: Intel Core Duo or Atom VISTA: Intel Core Duo RECOMMENDED Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor |
MINIMUM 1.8 GHz PowerPC G5 RECOMMENDED Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz or higher |
| Memory | MINIMUM 2 GB RAM RECOMMENDED 4 GB RAM |
MINIMUM 2 GB RAM RECOMMENDED 4 GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | MINIMUM 100 GB RECOMMENDED 250-500 GB |
MINIMUM 100 GB RECOMMENDED 250-500 GB |
| Graphics Card | MINIMUM 128 MB Video memory RECOMMENDED 256 MB Video Memory or higher |
MINIMUM Integrated card RECOMMENDED NVIDIA GeForce 320M or higher |
| Specialized Software | See your academic department | See your academic department |
A note on Netbooks: Netbooks are becoming increasingly popular computing devices. If you are considering buying a Netbook, it is advised to stay with Intel Atom processors. Also consider maximizing the amount of RAM and hard drive space. Netbooks are suitable for basic internet browsing and word-processing but are not recommended for students whose needs are greater than these basic functions.
Free Microsoft Software for Students!
Through WestConn’s Campus Agreement Student Option with Microsoft, all undergraduate and graduate students, full-time or part-time can receive free Microsoft software. [Learn more here]
Residence Hall Students:
If you are using ResNet, your computer must be up to date with all the latest security updates. You must also have an active, up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer. We recommend that you set your anti-virus software to automatically update at least once a week, if not daily. Currently, ResNet supports many anti-virus software packages; view the full list of supported virus clients. McAfee Anti-virus software is available to students for a free download. For more information on protecting your personal computer, please go to the Information and System Security webpage.
