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University of Massachusetts Amherst. • Site Policies.
Office of Information Technologies - UMass Amherst
Office of Information Technologies - UMass Amherst
Our recommendations and minimum system requirements are meant to provide general guidelines on which computer configurations work best in the UMass Amherst computing environment.
OIT recommends models of computers that have at least an EPEAT Silver rating (preferably EPEAT Gold). These computers meet the latest ENERGY STAR specifications and are designed to be easily recycled. Learn more about the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) [2].
We recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications:
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core i5-2520M, 2.5 GHz or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional [3] x64 SP1 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
4 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
320 GB internal hard drive |
|
CD-ROM: |
DVD-RW/CD-RW |
|
Monitor/Display: |
14" LCD |
| Network Adapter: | Dual-band WiFi-certified 802.11a/b/g/n - compliant adapter (3X3 Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 strongly recommended) and an Ethernet (wired) network port. |
|
Other: |
Internal or external Webcam, lock, carrying case |
We support the following minimum computer configurations which you can use to connect to the campus-wide network.
Note: The following lists minimum requirements that allow for network connectivity and other basic functions. If you are planning on purchasing a new computer, please use the recommended configurations above.
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows XP Professional [3] SP3 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
1 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
100 GB internal hard drive |
|
CD-ROM: |
DVD/CD-RW |
|
Monitor/Display: |
13" color monitor |
| Network Adapter: | Dual-band 802.11a/g - compliant wireless network card; Ethernet network card |
|
Other: |
Lock, carrying case |
We recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications:
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core i5-2400, 3.1 GHz or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional [3] x64 SP1 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
4 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
500 GB internal hard drive |
|
Sustainability |
EPEAT Silver rating (preferably EPEAT Gold) |
|
CD-ROM: |
DVD +/- RW |
|
Monitor/Display: |
21.5 " LCD monitor |
|
Other: |
Dual-band WiFi-certified 802.11 a/b/g/n - compliant adapter and an Ethernet (wired) network card |
We support the following minimum computer configurations.
Note: The following lists minimum requirements that allow for network connectivity and other basic functions. If you are planning on purchasing a new computer, please use the recommended configurations above.
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows XP Professional [3] SP3 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
1 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
100 GB internal hard drive |
|
CD-ROM: |
DVD/CD-RW |
|
Monitor/Display: |
15" LCD monitor |
|
Other: |
Dual-band WiFi-certified 802.11 a/g - compliant adapter and an Ethernet (wired) network port. |
Tablets are a type of portable computer where a stylus pen and touchscreen are used as input. Tablets are of growing interest in the classroom environment and are an innovative method for note-taking. Tablet computers are different than Apple iPads or Android Tablets, which are not supported by OIT. Consult with your academic advisor if you are unsure about the need for a tablet in your field of study. Microsoft OneNote software for tabled computers is available for free through the MSDNAA [3] program.
We recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications:
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows 7 [3] x64 SP1 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
4 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
320 GB internal hard drive |
|
CD-ROM: |
DVD/CD-RW Drive |
|
Monitor/Display: |
12" LCD |
| Network Adapter: | Dual-band WiFi-certified 802.11a/b/g/n - compliant adapter (3X3 Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 strongly recommended) and an Ethernet (wired) network port |
|
Other: |
Internal or external Webcam, lock, carrying case |
Netbook computers are relatively popular among students at UMass Amherst, although they don’t offer the same options as standard laptops. Netbooks are affordable, lightweight laptops that sacrifice standard features for increased portability and lower costs.
We recommend that you purchase a system that meets or exceeds the following specifications.
|
Processor (CPU): |
Intel Atom N470, 1.83 GHz or equivalent |
|
Operating System: |
Microsoft Windows 7 [3] Professional SP1 (free via MSDNAA [3]. Restrictions may apply.) |
|
Memory: |
2 GB RAM |
|
Storage: |
250 GB internal hard drive |
|
CD-ROM: |
External DVD/CD-RW Drive |
|
Monitor/Display: |
10.1" LCD |
| Network Adapter: | Dual-band WiFi-certified 802.11a/b/g/n - compliant adapter (3x3 Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 strongly recommended) and an Ethernet (wired) network port. |
|
Other: |
Internal or external Webcam, lock, carrying case |
Links:
[1] http://www.oit.umass.edu/support/hardware/recommended-minimum-computer-configurations-windows
[2] http://www.epeat.net
[3] http://msdnaa.oit.umass.edu/