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Computer Requirements

When coming to campus, we want you to be able to have reliable access to all University services. Provided are recommended computer configurations for accessing resources at the University when purchasing a new system, as well as recommended configurations for bringing a machine you already have to campus.

Purchasing a New Computer

When purchasing a new computer, there are a number of options to consider. Most important is the price, as this will help define what options you can get in the computer. Another option is going to be whether you are going to get a laptop or desktop system. Then you will want to decide whether you are interested in an Apple or Windows computer.

Desktop or Laptop?

When deciding between purchasing a desktop or a laptop, a few things to consider are:

• Price – laptops are slightly more expensive than desktops.
• Portability – do you want or need a computer that you can take to classes or study sessions?
• Expansion – if you are looking for a machine that can grow (add drives, memory, etc.), you probably want a desktop, because it is more difficult and expensive to add on to a laptop.
• Gaming – if you like to play high-end computer games, a desktop generally has superior video and audio capabilities.

Apple or Windows?

Music, graphic arts, or journalism students will want to be familiar with the Apple platform when they graduate. Students in the College of Business or the College of Law should use a Windows system. Most other areas of study are platform independent. Your departmental advisor should be able to help you with specific questions about your field of study.

After you have made these choices, you can start to narrow down what other options you want on your computer. Below are suggested specifications for new computers.

Suggestions for New Computers

Bringing a Computer to Campus

Computers that are less than two years old running Windows XP or Vista or Mac OS 10.4 or 10.5 with 1 GB RAM or more should function both on University of Iowa computer networks and with the software students will be using over the next couple of years. If you want a computer that will be functional for the next four years or more, you may want to purchase a new computer.

There are some hardware options that are recommended for every computer being brought to campus. These include:

• Ethernet card (on campus) - A standard 10/100 PCI ethernet card is encouraged for the dorms to allow access to the high speed Internet access, ResNet.
• Modem (off campus) - A modem will allow access to the free Internet service, UI Remote Access from an off campus location.
• Hard drive space - This is where you will save your documents and other information on your computer.  Hard drive space can be at a premium on some older computers, so you will want to be sure you have an adequate amount of free space for storing documents and files and for installing new programs.
• Memory and processor speed - These specifications will depend on what operating system you are using. As noted above, computers that are less than two years old running Windows XP or Vista or Mac OS 10.4 or 10.5 with 1 GB RAM or more should function both on University of Iowa computer networks and with the software students will be using over the next couple of years. Computers with older operating systems or less RAM may function okay, but at reduced levels.

In addition, Information Technology Services requires all those using the University's network to have the most recent critical updates for your computer's operating system. The best way to ensure the latest updates are installed on a computer you bring to campus is to turn on automatic software updates. See the ITS Help Desk Security Center's Updating Your Operating System page for more information.

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Last Updated: 08/18/2008