Information Technology Services

ITS provides services and solutions that advance the UIS vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Technology Support Center

2008-09 Academic Year Student Computer Recommendations

Below are guidelines for students and parents who are interested in purchasing a computer for the upcoming academic year. These configurations are designed for a minimum 4 year usability expectation.

Deciding between laptop or desktop

Desktop Pros: Generally you can get more processing power than a laptop for the same amount of money.
Desktop Cons: It is generally not portable so you have to work with the computer in a fixed location

Laptop Pros: It is mobile so you can use it to take notes in class or take it anywhere you want to use it.
Laptop Cons: It is mobile so there is a greater risk of theft or damage due to accidents.

Apple Macintosh
Processor: Intel - Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz or better
Memory: One GB or better
Hard Drive: 60GB or larger
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.3 or better
Network Card: 10/100 MB Ethernet
Wireless Card: Airport Extreme
Graphics Card Memory: nVidia GeForce FX 5600 or better, ATI Radeon 9600 or better
Warranty: 3 year full replacement (4 year preferred)
USB Flash Drive: One gigabyte or larger

Desktop Computer
Processor: Intel - Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or better, AMD – Athlon 64 X2 2ghz or better
Memory: Two GB or better
Hard Drive: 80GB or larger
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
Display: 17" (or larger) LCD Flat Panel
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Network Card: 10/100 MB Ethernet (Either PCI or Integrated)
Graphics Card Memory: 128 MB or higher
Warranty: 3 year full replacement (4 year preferred)
USB Flash Drive: One gigabyte or larger
Category 5 Ethernet cable

Laptop Computer
Processor: Intel - Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or better, AMD – Athlon 64 X2 2GHz or better
Memory: Two GB or better
Hard Drive: 60GB or larger
Optical Drive: DVD/CDRW or DVD+/-RW
Display: 15.4" (or larger) WXGA or higher (preferred) or SXGA+ or higher
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Wireless: 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b or 802.11a/b/g
Network Card: 10/100 MB Ethernet (Either PCI or Integrated)
Graphics Card Memory: 128 MB or better
Warranty: 3 year full replacement (4 year preferred)
USB Flash Drive: One gigabyte or larger
Category 5 Ethernet cable

NOTE: All incoming students are strongly encouraged to choose Microsoft Windows XP as the operating system on their personal computers. There are currently several issues related to Microsoft's newest operating system (Vista) and communication with the campus wireless and wired network. Due to these and other issues the ITS department is not currently able to support Vista effectively so it is not recommended for incoming students.

UIS Dell store [through the OBFS website]

UIS has a contract with Dell to provide computers to UIS students at the discounted education rate. You will need a UIS campus netid and password in order to access Dell's special education rate. Visit the UIS Dell store.

Software

Microsoft Office 2003 Professional is widely implemented on the UIS campus and is highly recommended for all incoming students. UIS students qualify for several discounted software packages (including MS Office for under $100). You can check them out at the Campus Web Store http://webstore.uis.edu or http://webstore.uiuc.edu before you buy from a retailer.

Capital Scholar Honors Students

Every incoming Capital Scholar Honors student will be provided a new laptop by the University for their use while they are in the honors program at UIS.

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