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Recommended & Minimum Systems

Windows

Operating System: Win

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 System Configurations

We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.

Processor (CPU):

Intel Core 2 Duo

Operating System:

MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2) or Vista

Memory:

2 GB RAM

Storage:

100 GB internal hard drive

CD-ROM:

Combo DVD/CD-RW

Monitor/Display:

LCD monitor

Other:

Network Interface Card

Minimum System Configurations

We support the following minimum computer configurations which you can use to connect to the campus-wide network.

Processor (CPU):

Pentium III, at least 800 MHz

Operating System:

MS Windows 2000 Professional (with Service Pack 4)

Memory:

128 MB RAM

Storage:

20 GB internal hard drive

CD-ROM:

CD-RW

Monitor/Display:

LCD monitor

Other:

Network Interface Card

Laptop Computers

More and more students are bringing laptop computers to UMass. More portable and, of course, much smaller than their desktop counterparts, these computers can take advantage of wireless networking available in many buildings and outdoor spaces on campus.

Recommended System Configurations

We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.

Processor (CPU):

Intel Core Duo, 2.0 GHz

Operating System:

MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2) or Vista

Memory:

1 to 2 GB RAM

Storage:

80 GB internal hard drive

CD-ROM:

DVD/CD-RW

Monitor/Display:

14"/15" LCD

Other:

802.11b or 802.11g - compliant Wireless Network Card, Network Interface Card, Lock, Carrying Case

Minimum System Configurations

We support the following minimum computer configurations which you can use to connect to the campus-wide network.

Processor (CPU):

Pentium III, at least 800 MHz

Operating System:

MS Windows 2000 Professional (with Service Pack 4)

Memory:

128 MB RAM

Storage:

20 GB internal hard drive

CD-ROM:

CD-RW

Monitor/Display:

12" color monitor

Other:

802.11b or 802.11g - compliant Wireless Network Card, Network Interface Card, Lock, Carrying Case

Tablet Computers

More and more students are bringing laptop computers to UMass. Tablets are a unique laptop where a stylus pen and touchscreen are used as input. Tablets are of growing interest in the classroom environment and an innovative method for note-taking. Consult with your academic advisor if you are unsure about the need for a tablet in your field of study.

Recommended System Configurations

We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.

Processor (CPU):

Centrino M, 1.8 GHz

Operating System:

MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2)

Memory:

1 to 2 GB RAM

Storage:

80 GB internal hard drive

CD-ROM:

DVD/CD-RW Drive

Monitor/Display:

14" LCD

Other:

802.11b or 802.11g - compliant Wireless Network 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.

Last revised May 16, 2007