Bringing a previously owned computer?
Introduction
If you are planning to bring your current computer, check to see if it meets our recommended minimum specifications. Otherwise, we strongly recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet the minimum requirements or take the opportunity to buy a new computer.
Outdated or less powerful computers can hamper your ability to perform necessary tasks. As newer software is introduced, software manufacturers assume that modern computers (with more memory, faster processors, and larger hard drives) are in use, causing older, slower computers to become obsolete. Computers below the recommended minimum may be able to operate within the University's network environment, but UCM Student IT Help Desk may encounter difficulties in supporting them.
We recommend you use one of our officially supported operating systems: Mac OS or Windows XP Professional. For other operating systems, we will do our best to assist you but we cannot guarantee the same level of support as for our recommended operating systems. As long as you set your machine to obtain an address via DHCP it should work on our network.
Used computer specifications - desktop or laptop
Recommended minimum specifications when bringing a used computer.
| Computer Type | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | Intel or AMD 2.0 GHz or faster | 800 MHz G4 |
| RAM | 1-2 GB | 512 MB |
| Hard Disk | > 120 GB | > 60 GB |
| Display (desktop) | 15” CRT or LCD | 15“ CRT or LCD |
| Display (laptop) | 12” or larger | 12” or larger |
| CD-ROM | CD-RW/DVD-ROM | Combo Drive |
| Ethernet | 10/100BaseT | 10/100BaseT |
| Operating System | Windows XP Service Pack 2 or newer | Mac OS X 10.3 Panther or newer |
Important note
Computer specifications are generalized and actual needs may vary depending on how the computer is used. These specs may seem high for your general computing needs, but remember that our goal is to make sure you are prepared for your college career. Keep in mind that you will likely need to consider a computer upgrade or purchase during your career at UC Merced if your system is near these specifications.
Laptop Specifics
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 Student 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.
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 (LUG). LUG is an organization that provides online support for inexperienced Linux users.
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.