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Note: These are minimum recommendations for existing hardware. For new hardware purchases, ask for Windows Vista Certified Hardware.
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Processor:
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- Recommended for laptops: Mobile Intel® 943GML Express Chipset
- Minimum for desktops: Intel® Pentium® 4 805
- Recommended for desktops: Intel® Pentium® 2 Core Duo T2310 or greater
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Note: Intel has changed their processor naming convention to a more
intuitive method; the greater the number on the end, the more power and
capability it will have. To see technical specifications for Intel specific
processors go to: http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number/info.htm
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RAM:
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- Minimum: 1GB
- Recommended: 2GB+
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Hard Drive:
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- Minimum: 80GB
- Recommended for laptops: 80GB+
- Recommended for desktops: 250GB+
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Warranty: 2+ years is highly recommended
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CD/DVD Drive:
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- Minimum: 8x DVD drive
- Recommended: CD-RW/DVD combo drvie
- High End: CD/DVD burner with light scribe
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Note: If you purchase a drive that burns CD's or DVD writeable,
you should also seek burning software. Most pre-built computers will come with some included.
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Video Card:
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- Vista Compatible
Aero Interface usually requires 128MB, but Vista will run on minimum 64MB
- Minimum: 64MB
- High End: 256MB+ PCIEx16
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Sound Card for Desktops:
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- Minimum: Sound card built in
- Recommended: 3rd party sound card
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Monitors:
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- Recommended for desktops: 19 inch monitor
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Optional for laptops: 19 inch monitor.
A monitor for a laptop is not required because it
already has an LCD screen built-in, yet it is possible
to work on a full-fledged external monitor using your laptop.
If you wish to do this, consult your laptop documentation on
how to access this feature.
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Laptop Batteries:
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- Minimum: 1
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Some laptop batteries have extended battery life when compared to similar batteries for
the same laptop. These are recommended.
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Note: Laptop batteries, just like AA batteries do expire (or become unable to
carry a worthwhile charge) so having a spare battery to distribute the stress of
normal use will extend battery life.
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Note: Never use a laptop battery in a laptop it was not designed to work with.
Consult the manufacturer for compatibility information.
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Wireless:
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- Minimum: Should support 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a.
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Recommended: Should support 802.11n. Please note that many manufactures
have released 802.11n ready cards before the standard was ratified and may
require a firmware upgrade.
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USB Thumbstick/Thumbdrive/Flashdrive/Jumpdrive:
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- Recommended: 512MB+
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Note: Due to the size of the physical drive, the drive should contain data
on how to contact the owner and the drive itself should be marked distinctively.
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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):
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A UPS functions like a big battery that will power any device plugged into it for a
short time during a power outage. Often not needed, but it may allow you to save a term
paper if a power outage strikes. Due to the size and weight, this is not recommended
for mobile laptops.
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Upgrading your computer hardware:
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Laptops: It is generally best to maximize the capacity, as much as you are willing to,
when purchasing. Upgrading a laptop may be possible with some special offers from the
manufacturer but it is generally not available.
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Desktops: Upgrades usually consist of buying the desired part and inserting it.
If you don’t feel confident with upgrading your computer, consult your community for
a qualified technician.
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For students interested in receiving a free copy of Windows Vista and Microsoft
Office 2007 go to the following link: http://apps.business.colostate.edu/softwarecheckout/.
You will be prompted to log in and you will use your College of Business domain, user name and password.
Domain: business
Username: first.mi.lastYY (YY is the year you began taking business courses) up to 20 digits including periods and the YY. Your last name may be truncated.
Password: (patterned after your birth date): mmddyy!Biz
Example: Username: business\john.d.smith07
(birth date: January 5, 1990) Password: 010590!Biz
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Operating System (OS):
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- Minimum: Microsoft Windows Vista Home
Note: Windows provides multiple versions of Vista
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Antivirus Software: REQUIRED
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With newer and more malicious viruses, it is imperative that antivirus software
be installed and be updated on a weekly basis. McAffee, Symantec Antivirus, and
Once Care are recommended.
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Adware/Spyware Removal Tools:
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- Highly Recommended
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As the internet grows, more types of programs appear that are automatically
downloaded to your machine. Some can be classified as Adware and or Spyware.
Adware means the software pops up ads and Spyware tracks your activities and
reports them. Side effects can range from unnoticeable to annoying popups to a
fully fledged system take over. These types of programs typically run without
your consent and or knowledge. To combat this, we recommend running
Spybot
Search and Destroy alongside Ad-Aware (you want to download the free personal
version). Microsoft also puts out a free utility from their Windows Update Service.
It is unclear at this time if Microsoft will charge for this in the future.
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Searching Google will yield a wealth of information if you are interested in learning more.
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