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Kansas State University
214 Hale Library
Manhattan, KS 66506
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K-State 2009 computer recommendations

These guidelines are intended for freshman/sophomore levels. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may need advanced computing technology.

K-State encourages new students to bring a computer to college for coursework, research, and communicating with instructors and other students.

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.

For additional information, also see:

Important: Do not buy Antivirus software!!

K-State’s antivirus software is required for network access and is available for free via download or the CatPack. 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. More security info

2009 recommendations for buying a new PC or Mac*

Operating system

Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, or newer; or Mac OS X 10.5 or newer

Processor (CPU)

Dual-core processor or better

Monitor and video card
  • LCD 1024x768 resolution or higher, with 256 MB video RAM or more
  • Dual-monitor capable video card
Hard drive(HD)

160 gigabytes or larger

Memory (RAM)

2 gigabytes or more

Removable storage
  • DVD recordable drive
  • USB flash drive (requires USB port)
  • External Hard drive which meets or exceeds your hard drive capacity (for backups)
Software
  • Required: K-State antivirus software. Available 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 OpenOffice, StarOffice, and others.

More software tips

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: for on-campus, residence hall, and broadband access
  • Wireless card: 802.11a/g/n recommended for wireless access on campus
  • Modem: 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

More buying tips

Estimated price range

$1,000 - $1,500

* Before any purchase, check the college/department requirements for your field of study. Macs are recommended for Art, Education, and Journalism majors. For more information see College and department recommendations.

Contact information