Services :: Hardware :: Minimum Computer Configurations
Humboldt State University (HSU)
Suggested Minimum Computer Configurations
What computer should I bring?
- Be sure the computer you bring can run either Windows XP or higher or Apple 10.4 or higher.
- 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 (see below).
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?
You may choose to purchase your computer from any dealer who carries the recommended standards.
The HSU Bookstore staff is well informed of HSU's computing standards. The Bookstore sells network-ready computers to Humboldt State University students, faculty and staff at educationally discounted prices. For more details you can visit:
http://www.hsubookstore.com/SiteText.aspx?id=3499
It is recommended that you understand how you will have repairs made on your computer. The 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. The Bookstore's Apple authorized service center for warranty repair is Capital Business Machines, located in Eureka.
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.
Recommended Macintosh Desktop
Models: Mac Mini, iMac, or Mac Pro
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or higher
Memory: 2 GB memory (RAM) or higher
Optional: 4 GB memory (RAM) for virtualized Operating Systems (i.e. Windows)
Hard Drive: 320 GB hard drive
Optical Drive: SuperDrive 8x
Built-in Ethernet for on campus connections.
20” Monitor or Larger
Keyboard
Mouse
Recommended Macintosh Laptop
Models: MacBook or MacBook Pro
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo 2 or higher
Memory: 2 GB memory (RAM) or higher
Optional: 4 GB memory (RAM) for virtualized Operating Systems (i.e. Windows)
Hard Drive: 120 GB hard drive
Optical Drive: SuperDrive 8x
Built-in Ethernet for on campus connections.
Wireless G/N (802.11 G/N) for on campus wireless access
13” screen or larger
Recommended Windows Desktop
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista
Processor: AMD Phenom Quad-Core or Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66 GHz or better
Memory: 3 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 320 GB SATA Hard Drive
Optical Drive: 16x max. DVD +/-R/RW
Built in Ethernet for on campus connections.
20” monitor or larger
Keyboard
Mouse
Recommended Windows Laptop
Processor: AMD Turion Dual Core or Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.2 GHz or higher
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista
Memory: 3 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA Hard Drive
Optical Drive: 16x max. DVD +/-R/RW
Built in Ethernet for on campus connections.
Wireless G or N (802.11 G/N) for on campus wireless access. Wireless N is preferred.
15.4” Screen or larger
Storing your Files
- HSU Network Folder: HSU offers central file storage for all current students, staff and faculty accessible from on or off campus. Computer labs and most office computers automatically connect to your Network Folder when you log in.
- 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 .
- 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 .
Networking
- Wireless Networking: The HSU campus has wireless available throughout most of campus. If you are buying a laptop, it likely comes with a wireless adapter. Your wireless adapter must support at least 802.11g. 802.11n is preferred. If you have an older machine without wireless (or with 802.11b), you might consider purchasing an additional wireless network card to access our wireless network.
- Ethernet Adapter (residence halls): Obtain and Install a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Adapter Many computers have these built in.
Please be sure to bring CDs 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 wireless network?
- 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?
You may want to purchase a printer to make your work easier. While you can copy your work to your Network Folder, 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.
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.
