Our recommendations and minimum system requirements are meant to provide general guidelines on which computer configurations work best in the UMass Amherst computing environment.
Desktop Computers
Recommended Configurations
We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.
Processor (CPU): |
Dual-core PowerPC G5 (2 GHz) |
Operating System: |
Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) |
Memory: |
1 to 2 GB RAM |
Storage: |
250 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
16x Super Drive (double-layer) |
Monitor/Display: |
20" Cinema |
Other: |
network interface card |
Minimum Requirements
We support the following minimum computer configurations which you can use to connect to the campus-wide network.
Processor (CPU): |
PowerPC G4 (400 MHz) |
Operating System: |
Mac OS 10.1 |
Memory: |
128 MB RAM |
Storage: |
20 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
combo DVD-ROM/CR-RW |
Monitor/Display: |
15" color monitor |
Laptop Computers
Recommended Configurations
We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.
Model: |
MacBook |
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core Duo 2.0 GHz |
Operating System: |
Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) |
Memory: |
2 GB RAM |
Storage: |
160 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
Super Drive DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Monitor/Display: |
13.3" LCD |
Other: |
AirPort Extreme card, network interface card, lock, carrying case |
Minimum Requirements
We support the following minimum computer configurations which you can use to connect to the campus-wide network.
Model: |
PowerBook |
Processor (CPU): |
G4, 1 GHz |
Operating System: |
Mac OS 10.3 |
Memory: |
512 MB RAM |
Storage |
60 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD/CD-RW |
Monitor/Display: |
15" LCD |
Other: |
AirPort Extreme card, network interface card, lock, carrying case |
Related Pages
Need Help?
If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
