Recommended Computer Configurations

The following recommended configurations represent "middle-of-the-road" systems that will have no problem running the basic programs you'll need to compute on campus, but will also give you more power to work with digital media, play games, and communicate wirelessly. A computer with specifications like these can reasonably be expected to last for three to four years, and virtually every new computer bought today would meet these recommendations.

These recommendations are just a starting point, though, and you may want to exceed some of these specificiations, depending on how you plan to use your computer. For example, if you plan to use advanced applications such as Adobe Creative Suite or computer-aided design (CAD) programs, consider a faster processor and more memory (RAM) to help those programs run more smoothly.

Desktop or laptop?

Either a desktop or a laptop will work on the University's network; what you buy is a matter of fitting your needs. Apple, Dell, and HP laptops are available for online purchase anytime through University of Illinois WebStore,in partnership with the Illini Flash Drive. Once on campus, you can stop into the Illini Flash Drive store, located on the first floor of the Illini Union. For personal assistance through the buying process, you can call an Illini Flash Drive representative at 1-800-455-2365.

If you think you’ll be doing most of your computing work in your dorm room or apartment, a desktop computer may fit your needs. Desktops are somewhat less expensive than comparable laptop machines.

Laptop computers offer the advantages of compact size and portability. If you travel or want a computer for impromptu study sessions outside of your room, a laptop may be ideal.

Here are some other laptop features to consider:

• Security: The compact size and portability of laptops make them easy to conceal and steal, so make sure you take security precautions to prevent theft, such as purchasing a laptop lock. Similar to bicycle locks, the cables in a laptop lock will securely attach a laptop to a solid piece of furniture. All laptops have a slot designed for these locks. Laptop locks can be purchased at the Illini Flash Drive or the Illini Union Bookstore.
• Battery life: Most new laptop batteries should last two to five hours or more. Activities that use a lot of memory (such as playing a DVD or editing videos and music) drain your battery faster. Consider upgrading to an "extended-life" battery if you know you'll have to rely on battery power a lot. Power outlets aren't always available, so you'll need to rely on battery power sometimes.
• Networking and wireless: Wired network connections are available in many libraries, the University Residence Halls, and various other locations across the campus. There are wireless connections in several University buildings, including the Undergraduate Library and the public areas of the Illini Union.

PC or Mac?

The University is equally accessible to both PC users and Mac users. Deciding between getting a PC or Mac, then, is largely a matter of personal preference, though certain programs or units may recommend one platform over the other (check the Undergraduate and Graduate Program Recommendations page for information about your department).

Windows-based PCs are more prevalent and widely used, but many commonly-used Windows programs (such as Microsoft Office) are also available for the Mac. In addition, the latest models of Apple computers feature an Intel processor, which allows you to run both Mac OS and Windows on the same machine.

PC recommendations

Operating system
The operating system is the part of the system that you interact with the most because it is the interface between you and all the programs on your computers. In most cases, you won't have a choice about what operating system comes on your computer. If you have a choice, know that you don't have to upgrade to the latest operating system (Windows Vista) to remain compatible with campus services.

CITES recommends: Windows XP or Windows Vista

CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brains behind your computer and controls everything about your computer. Today, there are "single core" and "dual core" CPUs made by Intel or AMD. In general, a dual core CPU will give you more performance than a single core CPU.

CITES recommends: A dual core CPU

Memory (RAM)
CITES recommends: 2 gigabytes (GB)

Hard drive
Any computer purchased today comes with at least a 40 GB hard drive. Everything you need to run your computer and do your school work will comfortably fit, but if you plan on buying music or vides online or installing new software packages, the more hard drive space you have, the better.

CITES recommends: Any hard drive 40GB or larger.

Internet access
You can access the Internet through either through the building wired networks or the wireless network. Wired Ethernet cards (also known as 10BaseT; 10/100 network cards; or Ethernet NICs) can connect to a wired connection at at least one of the following speeds: 10 megabits/sec, 100 megabits/sec, or 1000 megabits/sec (also known as gigabit or gig speeds). The dorms are wired at 10mb.

Wireless Ethernet cards (or "wi-fi") are built into most laptops and will run some or all of the three wireless protocols (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g). If you have a choice, getting a wireless card that can access 802.11a, b, and g will give you the most flexibility.

CITES recommends: At least a 10mb Ethernet card (10baseT). A wireless card would also be helpful. All brands will work on campus, but if you are able to get one with 802.11a, b, and g it will give you more options for accessing wireless networks at places like coffeeshops and bookstores.

Monitor
There are two kinds of monitors and many sizes of both. The big microwave-shaped ones are called CRT monitors. The thin laptop-like ones are called LCD monitors.

CRT monitors are large and heavy, but they can be inexpensive. Often, they cost more to run, can get very hot, and are hard to dipose of. LCD monitors use much less energy and don't add as much heat to the room. They also use much less desk space, which makes them good for smaller living spaces like dorm rooms or apartment bedrooms.

CITES recommends: Strongly recommend LCD monitors.

Software
For most people, the only software they really need is antivirus protection, a web browser, word processor, and a spreadsheet program. Operating systems come with a web browser pre-installed (Internet Explorer or IE in Windows; Safari in OS X), though you can download others such as Firefox or Opera. Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are commonly used programs for word processing and spreadsheets. OpenOffice is a free software package that includes compatible word processors and spreadsheet programs, but it has fewer features than Microsoft's commercial package.

CITES recommends: Check the University of Illinois WebStore before you purchase your software from a store. The WebStore offers software at educational discounts, sometimes as much as 90% off retail prices and 50% off software upgrades. You’re even eligible to get some software, like antivirus protection, for free.

File storage
You can store files on removable media (such as CDs, USB flash drives, or floppy disks) or on non-removable media, like a hard drive. CITES computer labs do not have floppy or zip drives; however, they do support DVDs, CDs, and USB drives. You will want a CD drive that can burn CD-R and CD-RW disks on your computer. CD-RW disks cost a little more than CD-R, but CD-RW can be "rewritten"(reused).

Tiny devices (known as thumb drives, flash drives, pen drives, and jump drives) that plug into a PC USB port have large capacities and low prices. Newer USB ports (USB 2.0) are faster than USB 1.1 ports and make file transfer to your flash drive much easier. Note: It is easy to misplace a small USB drive, so always keep a backup copy of your files on your hard drive or a network drive.

Another good file storage solution is CITES NetFiles, which gives you 500 MB of storage that you can access anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection.

CITES recommends: A CD-RW drive, USB 2.0 ports

Printing
If you have your own computer, you may also find it convenient to have your own printer. There are several varieties of printers available at affordable prices. Laser printers produce much cleaner images than inkjet printers, and while they tend to be more expensive than inkjets, you can still find a reasonably affordable laser printer. A black-and-white printer should be fine if you plan on printing out mostly essays and spreadsheets, but consider a color printer if you intend to print out a lot of digital photos or other design-heavy documents. Printers also take up desk space, so make sure you have room for a printer before you purchase one. If space or cost is an issue, consider sharing a printer with a roommate.

If you choose to not bring a printer, you can print to the University Residence Hall printers either from the residence hall lab computers or from your dorm room, using your own computer. Charges are applied to your printing account, and you can check your account balance online. You can also use the laser printers at any of the six CITES ICS computer labs for a fee.

Mac recommendations

Operating system
The operating system is the part of the system that you interact with the most because it is the interface between you and all the programs on your computers. In most cases, you won't have a choice about what operating system comes on your computer. If you have a choice, know that you don't have to upgrade to the latest operating system (OS X Leopard) to remain compatible with campus services.

CITES recommends: Mac OS X Tiger or OS X Leopard

CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brains behind your computer and controls everything about your computer. Today, there are "single core" and "dual core" CPUs made by Intel or AMD. In general, a dual core CPU will give you more performance than a single core CPU.

CITES recommends: A dual core CPU

Memory (RAM)
CITES recommends: 2 gigabytes (GB)

Hard drive
Any computer purchased today comes with at least 40 GB of hard drive. Everything you need to run your computer and do your school work will comfortably fit, but if you plan on buying music or vides online or installing new software packages, the more hard drive space you have, the better.

CITES recommends: Any hard drive 40GB or higher.

Internet access
You can access the Internet through either through the building wired networks or the wireless network. Wired Ethernet cards (also known as 10BaseT; 10/100 network cards; or Ethernet NICs) can connect to a wired connection at at least one of the following speeds: 10 megabits/sec, 100 megabits/sec, or 1000 megabits/sec (also known as gigabit or gig speeds). The dorms are wired at 10mb.

Wireless Ethernet cards (or "wi-fi") are built into most laptops and will run some or all of the three wireless protocols (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g). If you have a choice, getting a wireless card that can access 802.11a, b, and g will give you the most flexibility.

CITES recommends: At least a 10mb Ethernet card (10baseT). A wireless card would also be helpful. All brands will work on campus, but if you are able to get one with 802.11a, b, and g it will give you more options for accessing wireless networks at places like coffeeshops and bookstores.

Monitor
There are two kinds of monitors and many sizes of both. The big microwave-shaped ones are called CRT monitors. The thin laptop-like ones are called LCD monitors.

CRT monitors are large and heavy, but they can be inexpensive. Often, they cost more to run, can get very hot, and are hard to dipose of. LCD monitors use much less energy and don't add as much heat to the room. They also use much less desk space, which makes them good for smaller living spaces like dorm rooms or apartment bedrooms.

CITES recommends: Strongly recommend LCD monitors

Software
For most people, the only software they really need is antivirus protection, a web browser, word processor, and a spreadsheet program. Operating systems come with a web browser pre-installed (Internet Explorer or IE in Windows; Safari in OS X), though you can download others such as Firefox or Opera. Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are commonly used programs for word processing and spreadsheets. OpenOffice is a free software package that includes compatible word processors and spreadsheet programs, but it has fewer features than Microsoft's commercial package.

CITES recommends: Check the University of Illinois WebStore before you purchase your software from a store. The WebStore offers software at educational discounts, sometimes as much as 90% off retail prices and 50% off software upgrades. You’re even eligible to get some software, like antivirus protection, for free.

File storage
You can store files on removable media (such as CDs, USB flash drives, or floppy disks) or on non-removable media, like a hard drive. CITES computer labs do not have floppy or zip drives; however, they do support DVDs, CDs, and USB drives. You will want a CD drive that can burn CD-R and CD-RW disks on your computer. CD-RW disks cost a little more than CD-R, but CD-RW can be "rewritten"(reused).

Tiny devices (known as thumb drives, flash drives, pen drives, and jump drives) that plug into a PC USB port have large capacities and low prices. Newer USB ports (USB 2.0) are faster than USB 1.1 ports and make file transfer to your flash drive much easier. Note: It is easy to misplace a small USB drive, so always keep a backup copy of your files on your hard drive or a network drive.

Another good file storage solution is CITES NetFiles, which gives you 500 MB of storage that you can access anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection.

CITES recommends: A CD-RW drive, USB 2.0 ports

Printing
If you have your own computer, you may also find it convenient to have your own printer. There are several varieties of printers available at affordable prices. Laser printers produce much cleaner images than inkjet printers, and while they tend to be more expensive than inkjets, you can still find a reasonably affordable laser printer. A black-and-white printer should be fine if you plan on printing out mostly essays and spreadsheets, but consider a color printer if you intend to print out a lot of digital photos or other design-heavy documents. Printers also take up desk space, so make sure you have room for a printer before you purchase one. If space or cost is an issue, consider sharing a printer with a roommate.

If you choose to not bring a printer, you can print to the University Residence Hall printers either from the residence hall lab computers or from your dorm room, using your own computer. Charges are applied to your printing account, and you can check your account balance online. You can also use the laser printers at any of the six CITES ICS computer labs for a fee.