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K-State 2008 computer recommendations

These computer recommendations are for beginning students at Kansas State University. K-State encourages new students to bring a computer to college for coursework, research, and communicating with instructors and other students.

The information below is updated each spring. Latest recommendations are always on this page (www.k-state.edu/infotech/buying) and are also in a handout (PDF) for easy printing.

The university's high-speed data network allows access from residence halls, off-campus, the K-State Student Union, the library, university computing labs, technology classrooms, and numerous locations on campus with wireless coverage.

To learn more about information technology resources on campus, see New to IT at K-State, K-State's IT homepage, and IT resources in the left sidebar.

If you bring a used computer

  1. It should run at least Windows 2000 or newer, or Macintosh OS X 10.3 or newer, so it can meet basic security, networking, and upgrade requirements.
  2. Older operating systems are not allowed to connect to K-State's network. These include Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, and older, and Mac OS 10.2 and older.
  3. Do NOT buy antivirus software. K-State's antivirus software is required (via free download or the CatPack).

If you plan to buy a computer

  1. The guidelines below will help select a computer that meets your needs for several years.
  2. Check the specific department/college recommendations for your field of study.
  3. These guidelines are intended for freshman/sophomore levels. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may need advanced computing technology.
  4. Do NOT buy antivirus software. K-State's antivirus software is required (via free download or the CatPack).

Components
and factors

Minimum requirements
to use K-State's network
(if you bring a computer)

2008 recommendations for buying a new PC or Mac
Operating system

Windows 2000, XP, and Vista,
or Mac OS X 10.3 or newer

 Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate, or Mac OS X 10.5 or newer.  
Processor speed (CPU) 500 mHz or faster Dual-core processor or better
Monitor and
video card		 Must run 800x600
resolution or higher
  • LCD 1024x768 resolution or higher, with 128 MB video RAM or more
  • Dual-monitor capable video card
Hard drive (HD) 20 gigabytes or larger 80 gigabytes or larger
Memory (RAM) 256 megabytes or more 1 gigabyte or more
Removable storage
Software
  • Required:  K-State antivirus software (via free download or the CatPack)
  • Recommended: Basic office suite (word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation) such as Microsoft Office Suite or free tools like Open Office, Star Office, and others.
Networking At least one of the following is required - check with where you are going to live to see what type of connection is available:
  • Ethernet card: 10 Mbps minimum requirement, 100 Mbps recommended (for on-campus, residence hall, and broadband access)
  • Wireless card: 802.11b minimum requirement, 802.11a/g recommended (for wireless access on campus)
  • Modem: 33.6 Kbps minimum requirement, 56 Kbps (v.90) recommended (for off-campus dial-in)
Audio Sound card with speakers and/or headphones.
Other
recommendations
  • USB ports and audio jacks on the front of a computer are highly preferred for easy access.
  • Protect your files. Use a backup program like Windows Backup or Mac OS Time Machine with an external hard drive to ensure file recovery in the event of a system malfunction.
  • Purchase a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply.
  • Add an extended warranty to cover the length of your academic use of the computer. Check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to see if your computer is covered for damages or theft while used on campus, and get additional coverage if needed.
  • Consider purchasing a security cable for your laptop or desktop computer.
Estimated price range not applicable $1,000-$1,500

Buying tips

Review these tips before you purchase a computer.

  • Do NOT buy antivirus software. K-State's antivirus software is required (via free download or the CatPack CD). Antivirus software from other vendors is not permitted on campus and must be uninstalled prior to installing K-State's required antivirus software.
  • Double check price quotes. Sometimes the prices don't include a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or the recommended operating system.
  • Printers are usually sold separately. Inkjet and laser printers provide high-quality printing. Before you buy, compare prices, features, and cartridge-replacement costs.
  • Cables. Ensure you have everything needed to connect and use your systems, including power cables, USB cables, and Ethernet cables.

Computing labs

Department/college requirements

Security

It is imperative that K-Staters protect their computers. Computer security risks and threats continue to rise. A vulnerable machine can be attacked and infected in a few seconds. It is your responsibility to protect your computer and your data. This helps protect the university's network and resources, and other K-Staters.

Operating systems no longer actively supported by their publisher are not allowed to connect to K-State's network for security reasons; see If you bring a used computer (above).

K-State's free antivirus software must be installed on any computer connected to the campus network directly, via dial-in, or wireless. The software is free to all K-Staters. It is in the CatPack CD and downloadable from antivirus.k-state.edu.

To safely connect to K-State's network:

  1. Install the university's licensed antivirus software (free for student use) from antivirus.k-state.edu. A K-State eID and password are required to sign in and download.
  2. Set antivirus software to update DAILY.
  3. Set Windows Update (or Mac Update) to install automatically.
  4. Set a log-in password for all accounts and especially the "administrator" account (Windows XP systems) or your Mac OS X account.
  5. If you will be in a residence hall, follow the additional security requirements on the ResNet: Operation PC page.

These precautions are needed because K-State actively scans its network to identify computers that are unpatched, vulnerable, or infected with a computer worm or virus. If your computer is compromised, it will be blocked from accessing the network until it has been repaired and/or patched. Once infected, often the only repair procedure available is to reformat the computer's hard drive and re-instal everything. See K-State's Security for Information, Computing and Network Resources policy.

K-State residence halls have special security requirements for connecting to the network. See housing.k-state.edu/resnet.

Software

  1. Do NOT buy antivirus software. K-State's antivirus software is required on computers connected to the network (via free download or the CatPack CD). Antivirus software from other vendors is not permitted on campus and must be uninstalled prior to installing K-State's required antivirus software.
  2. A collection of free and licensed software only for K-Staters is in the CatPack. It includes Windows Security Updates, K-State's antivirus software, web browsers, communications, and more.
  3. A basic office suite is recommended (word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation application) such as Microsoft Office Suite or free tools like Open Office, Star Office, and others.
  4. Significant software savings are available at the K-State Student Union Computer Store, 785-532-7319, computerstore@k-state.edu. The store has many vendors offering educational pricing (lower than retail) on software.
  5. Bring copies of your operating system, office suite, and other software application installation media -- including product keys -- in case a reformat or reinstall becomes necessary.

Contacts