2012 - 2013 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
Operating system
Windows 7 (Professional, Ultimate, or Home Premium) or newer; or Mac OS X 10.7 or newer.
Processor (CPU)
Laptop: Intel i5 / AMD A6 processor or better.
Desktop: Intel i5 / AMD Phenom II or better.
Monitor and video card
Laptop: LCD 1280x800 resolution or higher, 256 MB video RAM or more (can be shared memory), monitor out capability.
Desktop: 19" or greater monitor, 256 MB video RAM or more (can be shared memory), dual-monitor capable video card.
If doing a lot of 3D rendering or other graphic processing intensive tasks, dedicated video memory is recommended.
Hard drive
160 gigabytes or larger for standard hard drives.
64 gigabytes or larger for solid state hard drives.
Memory (RAM)
4 gigabytes or more.
Removable storage
- DVD recordable drive (can be an external 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 2010 for PCs or Microsoft Office 2011 for Macs.
- Free tools, like OpenOffice, that are compatable with Microsoft Office file format.
- Tools to read and create PDFs, such as CutePDF Writer, PDFCreator, or Adobe Acrobat Professional.
Networking
At least one of the following is required - check with staff where you will be living to determine 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
- Web applications occasionally do not work well with all browsers. Individuals are encouraged to install at least one alternative browser (either Chrome or FireFox) in addition to the default browsers provided with the operating system for those situations.
- Netbooks and tablet 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 a 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.