Services :: Hardware :: Minimum Computer Configurations
Humboldt State University (HSU)
Suggested Minimum Computer Configurations
- What computer should I bring?
- Be sure the computer you bring meets HSU's published Computer Standards as explained in this document.
- If you buy a computer, see our Current Year Purchase Recommendations below.
- In either case, make sure it is able to connect to the HSU Network.
- For most purposes at HSU, either an Apple Macintosh or PC (Windows 98 or newer) is equally appropriate.
- Should I purchase a new computer? What if I already have a computer?
If you already own a computer, we recommend that you bring it with you and use it until you become familiar with your departments computing practices and recommendations. Each discipline has its own unique technology needs. For example, graphics or video intensive disciplines may require larger Hard Drive (HD) storage and more Random Access Memory (RAM). Some computers may not be sufficient for the duration of your stay at HSU. Our recommendations are updated annually to reflect the evolving minimum requirements of computers in a modern university.
- Where should I purchase a new computer?
The HSU Bookstore staff is well informed of HSU's computing standards. The Bookstore sells network-ready computers from both Apple and Gateway to Humboldt State University students, faculty and staff at educationally discounted prices. For more details you can visit:
http://www.humboldt.org/bookstore/cmptrs/cmptrs.html
The Bookstore's Apple authorized service center for warranty repair is Capital Business Machines, located in Eureka. Gateway offers 24/7 telephone support with mail-in laptop and on-site desktop repair. You may choose to purchase your computer from any dealer who carries the recommended standards.
It is recommended that you understand how you will have repairs made on your computer. HSU Bookstore or HSU Computing Services will not repair or configure your computer for you, therefore it may be advisable to obtain an extended warranty on new purchases.
- Should I purchase a notebook/laptop computer?
Today it is possible to have all the power of a desktop computer in a notebook computer. You can take notes in class, carry it to your classmate's house, and even sit under a redwood tree while you do school work. While a notebook computer gives you freedom to work anywhere, notebook systems usually cost a bit more than desktop systems. Notebook computers are also more susceptible to theft and are more fragile in construction.
Losing a laptop is devastating both in terms of property and data loss, and few avenues for recourse exist once a laptop is gone. If you decide to bring a laptop to Humboldt State, you should consider purchasing insurance coverage for theft, damage, and loss. Some computer dealers/manufacturers sell such insurance. And, of course, no matter what type of computer you have, back up your data regularly.
HSU Current Year Purchase Recommendations for
Incoming Students
The following recommendations are made for the computers of incoming students, anticipating that they may want to use the computer for the duration of their stay at HSU. While computers of lower power are usable, they are not recommended as new purchases.
If you are considering a new purchase, HSU recommends the following:
Recommended Macintosh System:
- Laptops: iBook or PowerBook
- Desktops: eMac, iMac or Power Mac G4, 700MHz or higher
- Macintosh Operating System 9.2.2 and/or OS X
- 128 MB memory (RAM) or higher
- 20 GB hard drive or higher with at least 1 GB free space
- CD-ROM R/W Drive
- Built-in Ethernet for on campus connections. Built-in Ethernet or 56Kbps modem for off campus connections, depending upon your housing.
- 15" monitor or larger
- Keyboard
- Mouse
Recommended Windows System:
- Processor - 1GhZ or faster
- Windows 2000, or Windows XP
- 128 MB memory (RAM)
- 20 GB hard drive with at least 1 GB free space
- CD-ROM R/W Drive
- Built-in Ethernet for on campus connections. Built-in Ethernet or 56Kbps modem for off campus connections, depending upon your housing.
- 15" monitor or larger
- Keyboard
- Mouse
Storing your Files
Academic Computing is embarking on Phase II of the removal of floppy drives. Currently machines in Library 121, Harry Griffith Hall 105, Siemens Hall 1 and MS Windows workstations in Gist Hall 218 do not have floppy drives; therefore, the following is a partial list of more reliable alternatives to using a floppy disk for personal storage.
- Firewire Drive: For larger storage requirements, such as those required by video editing, portable firewire drives work well. These devices are larger than USB flash drives, but still easily transported. Note that firewire connections are not yet available in all facilities. For more information about using firewire drives see Academic Computing's guide on Firewire Use .
- USB Flash Drive: Available in various sizes up to multiple gigabytes. To assist in making these devices more easily used Academic Computing is installing keyboards with USB ports on them in all facilities not having USB ports on the workstation's front panel. These devices are very small and reliable. USB Flash Drives can be obtained at the HSU Bookstore. For more information about using USB drives see Academic Computing's guide on USB Drive Use .
- Zip Disk: 100MB Zip drives are available in most facilities managed by Academic Computing. The new machines will have 250MB Drives. Note that the 250MB disks will not work in the 100MB drives. Zip Disks can be obtained from the HSU Bookstore. For more information about using Zip drives see Academic Computing's Guide on Zip Drive Use .
- Email Attachment: Smaller files can be easily emailed to yourself and collected later. For more information about email see the ITS Tech Guide on Email .
- SFTP: For larger files SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) can be an easy way to move your file electronically. Move the file to a server and collect it later. The amount of space available will be dependent upon your server. For information on using SFTP see the ITS Tech Guide Publishing with SSH/SFTP.
- USB Floppy Drive: A workaround for those that absolutely must have a floppy drive. USB floppy drives are available from many stores. These drives can be used similarly to the USB flash drive. Note that USB floppy drives usually will not work when chained (e.g. plugged into a keyboard). Even if one's home computer does not have USB, a typical USB floppy drive is more expensive than buying both a 128MB USB flash drive and a PCI card containing 2 or more USB 2.0 ports.
Networking
- Ethernet Adapter: Obtain and Install a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Adapter Many computers have built in.
- Wireless Networking: HSU has recently started deploying a small wireless network on campus in a few selected locations. If you are buying a laptop, you might consider purchasing an additional wireless network card to access our wireless network. Cards should be compliant with the Standards for Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Any network card bearing the Wi-Fi logo should be compatible with HSU's wireless network. Typically, laptop computers with wireless capability built-in are Wi-Fi compatible, but make sure you check with your dealer.
Please be sure to bring CDs/floppies of your computer's Operating System (OS), the software drivers for your Ethernet adapter, and any instruction manuals.
Questions to Ask Your Authorized Computer Dealer
- What kind of warranty does my computer have? Where do I take it for repairs?
- Does my computer have a licensed operating system and software? Does it come with manual, original disks and CD-ROMs?
- What sort of technical support am I entitled to?
- What does my computer need to connect to a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network?
- What is my Ethernet Hardware Address?
Ask your dealer to check the configuration information in this handout to make sure your computer is HSU Network Ready.
Additional Considerations
- Will I need a printer or modem?
You may want to purchase a printer to make your work easier. While you can copy your work to a zip disk, burn to CD, or copy to a USB memory stick, and print it in one of the HSU labs, most people find it more convenient to print it while they are doing their work.
For a student who does not want the added bulk of a printer in a dorm room or to buy expensive ink cartridges, not bringing a printer should pose no problems. People who want the flexibility and convenience of always having an available printer are encouraged to bring them.
If you live in a residence hall, you will not need a modem, but you may find one useful if you intend to send and receive faxes from your computer. You will need a modem to connect to the HSU network only if you are living off-campus. We recommend a 56 Kbps modem or broadband with a suitable Internet Service Provider service.
- How can I protect my computer?
- Be sure to purchase a power surge protector with a replaceable fuse or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
- Verify that your system is covered in a homeowner's insurance policy. The University is not responsible for loss or damage to your computer. You may need to consult with an insurance specialist to be that your homeowner's or renters' insurance will be sufficient.
- A good back-up system and an independent copy of all the software and data on your computer is strongly advised.
- Install and use virus detection software. Make a practice of regularly updating the virus definition files. Find more information on virus protection and vendor links to software on the ITS Services page, Virus Protection.
