Skip to the content

Kansas State University

  1. K-State home >
  2. Information Technology Services >
  3. 2010 - 2011 computer recommendations

2010 - 2011 computer recommendations

Other recommendations and requirements

Environmental considerations

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

2010 - 2011 recommendations for buying a new PC or Mac*

Operating system

Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, or newer; or Mac OS X 10.6 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

160 gigabytes or larger

Memory (RAM)

2 gigabytes or more. Consider a 64 bit operating system if 4 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 that are compatible with Microsoft Office, like OpenOffice, StarOffice, and others.
    • Tools to read and create PDFs, such as CutePDF Writer, PDFCreator, or Adobe Acroat Professional.
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: 802.11n recommended for wireless access on campus
Multimedia

Multimedia capable (sound, mic, webcam).

Other recommendations
  • Netbooks and iPad like computing devices do not have the computing power of a normal laptop or desktop computer, for this reason they are not recommended for use as a primary computer at K-State.
  • USB ports and audio jacks that are easily accessible.
  • 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, and get additional coverage if needed.
  • Consider adding security hardware, such as a security cable, or software, such as LoJack for laptops.
  • When purchasing computer, make sure it includes copies of all media disks (operating system, drivers, and applications) and bring copies of these disks with you to campus (including product keys) in case a reformat or reinstall becomes necessary.
  • Double check price quotes as sometimes 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.
  • Ensure you have everything needed to connect and use your systems, including power cables, USB cables, and Ethernet cables.
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