THese are archived specs.
find the current specs here.
2007-2008 Computer specifications
If you are buying a new computer, the following are recommended configurations:
(jump to exisiting computer requirements)
(get a printer-friendly PDF of requirements for NEW or EXISTING computers)
| Recommended Configurations for New Computers |
| Hardware | Windows | Macintosh |
Processor |
Pentium Dual Core, |
MacPro Dual-Core 2.0 GHz or MacBook Pro Dual-Core 2.16 GHz |
| Memory (RAM) |
1 GB (minimum) |
1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 120 GB (desktops) |
80 GB (minimum) 120 GB recommended |
| Monitor | 17" Color SVGA, 75Hz refresh rate (desktop) 12" color (laptop) | 17" Color, 75Hz refresh rate (desktop) 15.4" color (laptop) (minimum) |
| Video Adaptor | 128 MB RAM (minimum), 256 MB recommended, full DirectX 9 support |
128 MB video RAM (minimum), 256 recommended; (64MB okay for non-art majors only) |
| Multi-Media | Audio w/ speakers and/or headphones | Built-in with speakers and/or headphones |
| CD-RW/DVD | Required | Required |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro SP2 or Windows Vista Business or higher | MacOS System 10.4 (or higher) |
| Software | MS Office 2003 or higher, VCU-provided antivirus, any software required by your program | MS Office 2004 or higher, VCU-provided Antivirus, any software required by your program |
| Optional (these items will be helpful to many or most students) | ||
| Removable Media | USB Memory Key (Flash Drive) | USB Memory Key (Flash Drive) |
| Miscellaneous Hardware | 15" or larger flat panel monitor (for laptops), ink-jet or laser printer; flat-bed scanner, DVD burner |
15" or larger flat panel monitor, ink-jet or laser printer; flat-bed scanner |
| Security Devices | security cable and locks for computer and printer | security cable and locks for computer and printer |
| Network Connection | ||
| On-Campus | 10/100 BaseT Ethernet; 25 foot cable | 10/100 BaseT Ethernet; 25 foot cable |
| Off-Campus | 56 Kbps V.90 modem and ISP Service (minimum), Broadband service is strongly recommended |
56 Kbps V.90 modem and ISP Service (minimum), Broadband service is strongly recommended |
| Optional Wireless Adaptors for Laptop Computers | ||
Must support standard 802.11b/g (NOTE: Wireless routers, hubs and/or switches are not allowed in the residence halls) |
Must support standard 802.11b/g (NOTE: Wireless routers, hubs and/or switches are not allowed in the residence halls) |
|
| Minimum Configurations for Existing Computers |
| Hardware | Windows | Macintosh |
| Processor |
Pentium IV (or equivalent) |
PowerPC G5 (1.6 GHz) or Powerbook G4 (1.25 GHz) |
| Memory (RAM) |
512 MB | 512 MB, 1 GB recommended |
| Hard Disk | 20 GB | 40 GB (minimum) |
| Monitor | 15" Color SVGA, 75Hz refresh rate |
15" Color, 75Hz refresh rate |
| Video Adaptor | 16MB RAM (desktop); 8MB RAM (minimum) 16MB recommended (laptop) | 32MB RAM |
| Multi Media | Audio w/ speakers and/or headphones | Built-in with speakers and/or headphones |
| CD/DVD Drive |
CD-ROM required |
CD-ROM required |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro or higher | MacOS System OSX 10.4 or higher |
| Software | MS Office 2003 (standard) or higher, VCU-provided Antivirus, any software required by your program | MS Office 2004 or higher, VCU-provided Antivirus, any software required by your program |
| Optional (these items will be helpful to many or most students) | ||
| Removable | USB Memory Key (Flash Drive) | USB Memory Key (Flash Drive) |
| Miscellaneous | CD-RW and/or DVD, ink-jet or laser printer; flat-bed scanner | CD-RW and/or DVD, ink-jet or laser printer; flat-bed scanner |
| Security Devices | security cable and locks for computer and printer | security cable and locks for computer and printer |
| Network Connection | ||
| On-Campus | 10/100 BaseT Ethernet; 25 foot cable | 10/100 BaseT Ethernet; 25 foot cable |
| Off-Campus | 56 Kbps V.90 modem and ISP Service (minimum), broadband service recommended | 56 Kbps V.90 modem and ISP Service (minimum), broadband service recommended |
| Optional Wireless Adaptors for Laptop Computers | ||
|
Must support standard 802.11b/g (NOTE: Wireless routers, hubs and/or switches are not allowed in the residence halls) |
Must support standard 802.11b/g (NOTE: Wireless routers, hubs and/or switches are not allowed in the residence halls) |
|
Specs updated March 22, 2007
Page maintained by the Student Computer Initiative Coordinator
Date Last Modified: July 1, 2008