SNAP (Replaced MUST II) |
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Hardware Recommendations
for New Purchases: Desktop Systems
Desktop systems for administrative and general faculty use should meet the following minimum configuration.
However, the purchase of a computer system for developing multimedia courses may require additional components, software and specialized equipment. Information regarding this type of equipment is available to faculty through the Instructional Resource Center (IRC).
ITU fully supports standalone Apple computers (hardware and software) and Apple computers with Ethernet connectivity to the Mason network and Internet.
The following are
the recommended and supported manufacturers and models for administrative
and general faculty systems:
Desktop
Systems Manufacturers & Models -
The following "energy smart" systems were chosen to meet Mason's commitment to climate neutrality.
Only the above recommended system manufacturers and models will receive Premier Support. Systems that do not appear on the Desktop Systems Manufacturers & Models list above are considered Non-Supported. ITU will make the final determination whether it can, or cannot, satisfy the request for service.
Minimum Configuration for New Desktop Systems
Windows - general recommendations
- Energy "smart"
- 2-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 2 GB RAM
- Windows Aero-capable graphics card (allows for future Vista support)
- 80-GB hard disk
- DVD+/-RW drive
- Internet access capability (Ethernet RJ45 port)
- Audio output capability (if you need speakers)
- 17 inch Flat Screen
- Windows XP Pro
- 5-year hardware warranty or maximum available
- Do Not purchase Microsoft Office products. The University currently has a site license for these products.
- Additional add-on components may not be supported, check "Limited Support" for details.
Note: A Windows Aero-capable graphics card is a graphics card that meets the following requirements:
- Video card should have at least 256 MB of RAM to support a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver
- Has a DirectX 9-class graphics processor unit (GPU) that supports Pixel Shader 2.0
- Supports 32 bits per pixel
- Passes the Windows Aero acceptance test in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
Apple Systems
- Any currently offered Apple product (all are energy "smart")
- 2GB RAM
- Current hard drive
- DVD+/-RW optical drive (Superdrive standard on all models)
- Network Card (10/100-RJ45 connector standard on all models except the Air)
- Mac OS X
- 3-year hardware warranty (APP)
- Do not purchase Microsoft Office products. The University currently has a site license for these products.
