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 you through your career at UC Merced.
At UC Merced, professors may be integrating technology into students' coursework, so be sure to anticipate future needs when considering a computer purchase. We expect these computer specs to have a useful life of two to four years with appropriate upgrades along the way. We recommend considering a 3 year warranty if possible with any new computer purchase since we will not have on-site hardware repair services available.
New desktop computer specifications
Recommended minimum specifications when purchasing a new desktop computer.
| Computer Type | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | AMD(Phenom) or Intel(Core 2 Duo/Quad) | Intel (Core 2 Duo) |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB |
| Hard Disk | 500 GB | 250GB |
| Display | 19” Flat Panel LCD | 19” Flat Panel LCD |
| CD-ROM | DVD+/-RW | Super Drive |
| Ethernet | 10/100BaseT | 10/100BaseT |
| Operating System | Windows Vista- Home Premium | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard |
New laptop computer specifications
Recommended minimum specifications when purchasing a new laptop computer.
| Computer Type | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | AMD(Turion X2) or Intel(Core 2 Duo) | Intel (Core 2 Duo) |
| RAM | 2-3 GB | 2 GB |
| Hard Disk | > 200 GB | 160GB |
| CD-ROM | DVD+/-RW | Combo Drive or Super Drive |
| Ethernet | 10/100BaseT | 10/100BaseT |
| Wireless Ethernet | Internal 802.11 a/b/g (internal) | Internal 802.11 a/b/g (internal) |
| Operating System | Windows Vista- Home Premium | Mac OS X 10.5 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 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.