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): |
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.66 GHz |
Operating System: |
MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 3) or Vista (with Service Pack 1) |
Memory: |
2 GB RAM |
Storage: |
160 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Monitor/Display: |
LCD monitor |
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): |
Pentium 4, at least 1 GHz |
Operating System: |
MS Windows XP (with Service Pack 3) |
Memory: |
512 MB RAM |
Storage: |
60 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD/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 Configurations
We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core Duo, 2.26 GHz |
Operating System: |
MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 3) or Vista (with Service Pack 1) |
Memory: |
2 GB RAM |
Storage: |
160 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD-RW/CD-RW |
Monitor/Display: |
14"/15" LCD |
Other: |
802.11b or 802.11g - compliant wireless network 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.
Processor (CPU): |
Pentium 4, at least 1 GHz |
Operating System: |
MS Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 3) |
Memory: |
512 MB RAM |
Storage: |
40 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD/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 Configurations
We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following basic specifications.
Processor (CPU): |
Interl Core 2 Duo, 2.4 GHz |
Operating System: |
MS Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 or Vista Business |
Memory: |
2 GB RAM |
Storage: |
120 GB internal hard drive |
CD-ROM: |
DVD/CD-RW Drive |
Monitor/Display: |
13"/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.
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Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
