Department Specs
Click on one of the departments below for a complete list of requirements for specific majors:
Graduate School of Social Work
2009 - 2010 Laptop Minimum Specifications
Undergraduate
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY SPECIAL DEPARTMENTAL SPECS OVERRIDE THESE GENERAL MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS - YOU WILL FIND THESE DEPARTMENTAL SPECS TO THE RIGHT.
Please note that 64 bit versions of Vista/XP are supported.
Netbooks are becoming more popular with their low prices. If considering buying a netbook, it is advised to stay with Intel Atom processors and Windows XP. Also consider maximizing the amount of RAM and hard drive space. Netbooks are truly only suitable for basic internet browsing and word processing and are not recommended for students whose needs are above these basic functions. Please consult the the special requirements for majors by the links provided above to see if netbooks are acceptable. Netbooks are NOT viable solutions for audio/video/web production & design, database work, and math/engineering applications.
Note: If deciding on purchasing a Mac, please contact your program advisor first. Business, Engineering, Mathematics & Science classes may require use of Windows only software. For example, some Accounting classes in the Business school may require you to use MS Access, which is only available in the Office suite for Windows. If you purchase a Mac and need to take these classes, you will have to install Parallels (www.parallels.com) or VMware Fusion as well as the Windows operating system & Office 2007 suite in order to load this software.
DU Bookstore pricing includes
VMWare Fusion: $39.95
Vista Business: $109
Office Pro 2007: $99
Windows 7 Professional: $115
Please note that Windows 7 does not support public printing on campus yet.
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WINDOWS PC |
APPLE MACINTOSH |
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Operating |
Windows XP Professional SP2 Windows XP Home SP3 Media Center Edition 2005 Vista Home Premium SP2 Vista Home Basic SP2 Vista Business SP2 Vista Ultimate SP2 Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate |
Macintosh OS 10.4 or Above |
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Productivity Tools |
Microsoft Office 2003/2007 |
Microsoft Office for Mac 2004/2008 |
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Windows Emulation Software (check with academic advisor) |
N/A |
Parallels Desktop for Mac (www.parallels.com) or VMware Fusion (www.vmware.com) |
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Processor Type |
XP: Intel Core Duo or Atom VISTA: Intel Core Duo (not Celeron) |
1.86 GHz |
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Memory |
XP: 1 GB RAM VISTA: 2 GB RAM |
1 GB RAM |
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Hard Drive |
XP: 60 GB VISTA: 80 GB |
60 GB |
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Graphics Card |
XP: Integrated card VISTA: 128 MB Video memory |
Integrated card |
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Warranty |
4 year parts and labor |
3 year parts and labor Applecare |
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Insurance |
Comprehensive breakage, theft, hazard (strongly recommended) |
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Virus and Spyware Protection Software |
Symantec Antivirus is provided by the University. For software and instructions please visit www.du.edu/uts/helpdesk/newstudent.html
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Recommended Accessories
Ethernet cable: These are required for wired connections on campus. They can be bought at the bookstore. Please bring your cable to your laptop configuration session during orientation.
USB Memory Storage Devices: Strongly recommended for their ease of use and ability to encrypt contents in case of lost or stolen property.
For questions concerning hardware and software minimum specifications, please contact:
Jason K. Bach
303-871-2113
jbach@du.edu
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The DU Bookstore sells laptops and software that is in accordance with our minimum specification policies. Visit their website for a price list on various hardware and software configurations: