Buying a new computer?
Introduction
We have compiled these recommended specifications to assist you in choosing a new computer. If you plan on using only word processing or web browsing programs, then these recommendations may be somewhat high. However, we are considering that you will want to get a computer powerful enough to sustain at least 3 years.
We expect these computer specifications to have a useful life of two to four years with appropriate upgrades along the way. We recommend purchasing a 3 year warranty with on-site service, if funds allow. If you are purchasing a laptop we recommend you purchase an accidental damage protection plan to allow your computer to get repaired in case of spills, or accidental drops.
New desktop computer specifications
Recommended minimum specifications when purchasing a new desktop computer.
| Computer Type | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.0 GHz Intel or AMD | 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Hard Disk | > 80 GB | > 80 GB |
| Display | 17” LCD with 1024x768 resolution | 17” LCD with 1024x768 resolution |
| Optical Drive | DVD/CD-RW +/- or DVD burner +/- | DVD/CD-RW +/- or DVD burner +/- |
| Ethernet | 10/100 or 10/100/1000BaseT | 10/100 or 10/100/1000BaseT |
| Operating System | Windows XP (SP3), Vista Enterprise/Business (32-bit), Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit) | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Snow Leopard |
New laptop computer specifications
Recommended minimum specifications when purchasing a new laptop computer.
| Computer Type | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.0 GHz Intel or AMD | 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Hard Disk | > 80 GB | > 80 GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD/CD-RW +/- or DVD burner +/- | DVD/CD-RW +/- or DVD burner +/- |
| Ethernet | 10/100 or 10/100/1000BaseT | 10/100 or 10/100/1000BaseT |
| Wireless Ethernet | Internal 802.11 a/b/g (internal) | Internal 802.11 a/b/g (internal) |
| Operating System | Windows XP (SP3), Vista Enterprise/Business (32-bit), Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit) | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Snow Leopard |
Laptop displays vary in size from about 12 - 17 inches. Generally the larger the display, the better the resolution, but the more the computer weighs. If you plan to carry your laptop with you the majority of the time, weight may be a major consideration when purchasing a laptop. We recommend 6 lbs. or less if you plan to be carrying your laptop on a regular basis.
Laptop security
Laptop security should be a top priority. to avoid theft, we recommend never leaving your laptop unattended and utilizing a cable lock system even within campus dorm rooms.
Transportable storage solutions
The UCM IT Help Desk will not support file corruption on floppy disks. We highly recommend the use of USB Flash Drives for file transfer purposes between computers.
Backing up your data can protect you against losing valuable information. Click here for assistance in finding the best solution to ensure the protection of your data.ensure data availability.
What about Linux?
As long as you set your machine to obtain an address via DHCP it should work on our network. Unfortunately, we do not officially support the Linux operating system, but help may be available from local Linux Users Groups.
Looking for help?
We offer a number of tutorials and FAQs available in the Guides & FAQs section.
If you have any questions, problems, or comments, please contact the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, via phone at 209.228.HELP (4357), or visit them in the Classroom and Office Building room 132A.