ComputerGuide: Recommendations and common questions
On this page:
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Supported operating systems
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New computer hardware minimum recommendations
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Minimum requirements for existing hardware
(i.e., a computer you already own)
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Should I use Windows or Mac?
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What type of computer should I buy?
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Do I need to have a printer in the dorms at IUB?
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What about networking hardware?
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What wireless protocols will work at IU?
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Which Ethernet switches should I use?
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Can I have my computer delivered to my residence
hall at IU?
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Can I get special computer deals as a student?
- What software do I need to buy?
Supported operating systems
Windows
Windows 7 is the preferred Windows operating system at IU, while Vista (Enterprise or Ultimate), and XP Professional are also supported. UITS strongly discourages using Windows 95, 98, Me, or 2000 for reasons of security and full access to IU resources.
For more, see Recommended Windows operating systems at IU.
Mac
UITS recommends Mac OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or greater, and strongly discourages use of older versions of Mac OS; older versions may have compatibility issues with some university online resources.
Mobile devices
iPhone, iPad, Android, and other mobile devices can access the wireless network and use some online services at IU; however, not all online services have been optimized for these devices and their smaller screens.
Linux
IU has a license for students, faculty, and staff to use Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Numerous community-based distributions, such as Ubuntu Linux and Fedora Core, may prove suitable for some as they tend to offer more recent hardware drivers. For more about Linux distributions, see DistroWatch.com.
UITS also mirrors many popular Linux distributions.
Note: The Dell wireless bundle, which is a Broadcom chipset with Broadcom drivers, won't work with the IU Secure wireless network on laptops running Linux.
The Linux distributions installed on most netbook-class computers, such as Asus Eee PC and the Acer Aspire One, will not work with the IU Secure wireless network. These distributions are very limited in the software available to them and they do not tend to support the wireless security levels IU has in place.
The Dell devices that come with Linux use Ubuntu, which supports connecting with IU Secure, but will have difficulties if purchased with the Dell wireless bundle. Additionally, installing Ubuntu 10.04 on the Eee PC should allow you to connect to IU Secure.
New computer hardware minimum recommendations
To use all the technology services available at IU, UITS suggests the following minimum hardware components for a new purchase. IU students, faculty, and staff can take advantage of special computer deals; see ComputerGuide: Deals by vendor. Also, on this page, see the networking hardware section.
Laptop
| New Windows laptop | New Mac laptop | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.2 GHz or higher | Any currently shipping Apple portable computer (MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air) |
| Memory (RAM): | 3 GB or more | |
| Hard drive: | 250 GB or more | |
| Network card: | Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n (5GHz) | |
| Optical drive: | DVD burner | |
| Operating system: | Windows 7 |
Desktop
| New Windows desktop | New Mac desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.3 GHz or higher | Any currently shipping Apple desktop computer (iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro) |
| Memory (RAM): | 3 GB or more SDRAM | |
| Hard drive: | 500 GB or more | |
| Optical drive: | DVD burner | |
| Operating system: | Windows 7 |
Minimum requirements for existing hardware (i.e., a computer you already own)
If you own a computer you plan to bring to campus, it should meet certain hardware requirements to function effectively within the IU computing environment. Do not use these specifications for a new computer purchase; instead, see the New computer hardware recommendations above.
| Minimum Windows requirements | Minimum Mac requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor: | 1 GHz | 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory (RAM): | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| Hard drive: | 40 GB | 80 GB |
| Network card: | Ethernet or wireless 802.11 g | Ethernet or wireless 802.11 g |
| Optical drive: | CD burner | Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) |
| Operating system: | Windows XP with Service Pack 3 | Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) |
If you use a computer with the above specifications, you may find it sluggish when opening more than one program at once. If you need to only check email and do simple word processing, you may find these minimum hardware specifications adequate.
UITS strongly recommends that you use Windows 7, Vista, or XP Professional, or Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. When using older operating systems, you may find it difficult to use certain IU network services.
Note: When bringing your own computer to IU, be sure to bring all your software installation media and documentation.
Should I use Windows or Mac?
Both operating systems are well supported at IU. The most useful software packages (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, communication software, and web browsers) look similar and perform well on both platforms. Some academic programs that rely heavily on business-oriented software are better served by the Windows platform, but some programs that rely heavily on graphics and multimedia software are better served by the Mac platform.
Consult your department for recommendations. IU has a diverse environment; choose the computer you prefer, or the one that best fits your budget. Be sure you use the New computer hardware minimum recommendations to make your purchase.
What type of computer should I buy?
Laptops are far more popular than desktop workstations. Netbooks (defined by size, price, horsepower, and operating system) are small, inexpensive, and have more limited functionality. Unfortunately, the distributions of Linux bundled with many netbooks do not work with IU's wireless network, IU Secure. Most netbooks running Windows are compatible with IU Secure.
Laptops allow you to take your work with you and to connect to IU Secure, available in most areas on campus. IU's minimum hardware specifications for used laptops are the same as for used desktops. Laptops typically use less electricity than desktops; see How can I minimize my computer's impact on the environment?
Do I need to have a printer in the dorms at IUB?
You do not need to bring a printer to campus, as printers are available in the Student Technology Centers and Residential Technology Centers (STCs/RTCs), but you may find it convenient to have a printer in your room. If you don't bring a printer to school and you live in campus housing, you can use the Printer Configuration Utility to configure your computer to print to the network printers in your residence hall or apartment building.
What about networking hardware?
If you live on campus, you'll use your computer's Ethernet card and an IU Network ID to use the campus network cable in your dorm room. Each double-occupancy dorm room on campus has one phone jack and two Ethernet jacks. If your computer does not have an Ethernet card but does have a wireless card, you should be able to access the Internet over the wireless network from your dorm room.
If you live off campus, you may have a choice of using an Ethernet connection offered by your leasing agent or getting cable modem or DSL service. These options both require a network card to connect. Contact your leasing office about available Ethernet or wireless connections. To set up cable modem service, contact a local cable company; to set up DSL service, contact a local phone company.
What wireless protocols will work at IU?
Secure wireless access is widely available at IUB, IUPUI, and IU East over 802.11 b/g. 802.11n in the 5 GHz spectrum is available in some areas and will continue to expand. The 802.11 n network should provide a more stable wireless connection. UITS strongly recommends purchasing a laptop with an a/b/g/n wireless card.
Which Ethernet switches should I use?
Routers are only allowed in selected areas on campus; see At IU, may I add a wireless access point to my campus housing residence, classroom, or office? However, Ethernet hubs, repeaters, and switches are a cost-effective way to provide network connectivity to multiple devices via a single data jack. Unfortunately, improperly implemented switches can result in network problems for an entire building or even, in some rare cases, an entire campus.
To prevent network problems, end-user Ethernet switches on the IU network must meet the basic requirements published by UITS. For an explanation of these requirements, and for testing instructions, see Testing Ethernet switches for compatibility
For recommended Ethernet switches, see Recommended Ethernet switches
Can I have my computer delivered to my residence hall at IU?
To have your computer delivered to your residence hall at IU, see At IUB or IUPUI, can I have my new computer shipped to my campus residence?
Can I get special computer deals as a student?
See ComputerGuide: Deals by vendor for information on deals with a wide variety of manufacturers, such as Apple, Dell, HP, Sony, and others.
At IU Bloomington, the Computer Connection in IMU M074 carries computer accessories, as well as Apple laptops.
What software do I need to buy?
IU has software licensing agreements with different software companies, allowing IU to distribute software at a discounted educational price. For more, see At IU, how can I get university-distributed software?
As an IU student, you are also eligible for free downloads of many software packages including those offered by Adobe and Microsoft. See http://iuware.iu.edu/ for more information. Given that, you need not purchase any Microsoft packages (such as "trial" or "student edition" versions). Nor do you need to pay for any anti-virus packages, since they are also available for download at no additional cost.
