Purchasing standards for university computers used by faculty, staff, classroom, and labs are available on the university purchasing standards page.

Please consider the following recommendations when choosing a personal computer to use at Appalachian. These configurations allow computers to run operating systems and application software in a satisfactory manner.  These recommendations take into account the performance levels needed to effectively execute applications used by the majority of Appalachian students.

These configurations are sufficiently robust to handle the current operating systems and the associated application software.  Currently we are supporting Windows XP (either Home or Professional), Windows Vista, Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger) and Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) for personal use. The recommended hardware systems specified for new purchases are sufficient to run new operating systems as they are made available. Over the past several years, students at Appalachian have had the greatest success in purchasing name-brand computers.

Student Computer Standards: Minimum Configurations

Please note: Intel based wireless cards are recommended for use with the university wireless network. Other cards may be untested and not compatible.

PCs

• Intel Dual Core or Core Duo (Pentium D or AMD Dual Core)
• 1 GB memory (2 GB if you plan to upgrade to Vista)                                      
• 60 GB hard drive or higher
• DVDRW
• Ethernet card and cable
• Stand-alone, dedicated Video Card (if you are considering Vista)       

Macs

• Intel Mac
• 1 to 2 GB memory
• 60 GB hard drive or higher                                           
• Super Drive
• Ethernet card and cable

Student Computer Standards: Recommended Configurations

PCs

• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo
• 1 GB Memory (2 GB recommended for Vista)
• 80 GB hard drive
• DVDRW
• Ethernet card and cable
• Stand-alone Video Card (if you are considering Vista)
• WPA compatible wireless card
• Software – Windows OS, office application software

Macs

• Intel Mac
  
• 2 GB memory
  
• 80 GB hard drive
  
• Superdrive
  
• Ethernet card and cable
  
• WPA compatible wireless card
  
• Software – Mac OS, office application software