ITS - User Services

What features should my PC have?

1. Speed - Generally the faster (in Giga-Hertz) the computer the better, however, speed of the computer is a total combination of all components not just the processor. Price/performance recommendation is 2.8 GHz or higher for a desktop unit (1.4 GHz or higher for laptops). Multiple Core processors can also improve performance.
2. Memory - Sufficient RAM (Random Access Memory) is a big factor as even adding memory to an older system can often improve performance and extend the life of the system. Recommendation minimum 1024 MB with 2048MB (better for Windows Vista) or more preferred.
3. Hard Disk - You'll need enough storage space for the operating system, application software, and document storage. Minimum here 40 GB (Giga-Bytes), however, 60-120 GB may be very cost effective so check pricing. If you will plan to store lots of audio, pictures or movies etc. then 160-250 GB or more is a good plan.
4. Display - The color display should have the ability to display 1024 x 768 pixels (or better) with a refresh rate of 60 Hertz (or faster). "Viewable" screen sizes of 14-19 inches (measured diagonally) or larger are common. Consideration of a flat panel monitor (not CRT) since desk space will likely be an issue such as in residense hall rooms.
5. Video Card - Video cards commonly have at least 32 MB of VRAM. If "competitive gaming" is the desire, increase this to 64 MB or higher. Digital Video Cards should also be considered.
6. CDROM/CDRW/DVD/DVDRW Drive - With the large size of system and application files today, most software is now distributed on CDROMs. Therefore, a CDROM is a necessity these days even on laptop computers. Speed in general is not a big factor for loading software unless you are using the CD continuously (i.e. playing games, video or audio). Some find they want to have a combination CDROM/DVD Burner (CDRW/DVD) to make their own CDROMs and read/play DVD movies. This can provide a good file backup method (also see Memory Stick, and Zip, Jaz, or Tape Drive below). The question of should you purchase DVDRW capability to burn DVDs is left to the needs of the purchaser, if you are planning on making DVD movies then, yes.
7. Network Cards - are recommended as all residence hall rooms on the UNI campus come with a standard Ethernet connection (for wired access) and there are some Ethernet connections available in the library. Most system come with this standard.
8. Wireless Cards - are recommended for laptops as wireless network is available across much of campus (but not in the residence hall rooms themselves due to environmental challenges). Almost all laptops are now coming with both wired and wireless network included but check to be sure. For more information on wireless, see http://www.uni.edu/its/us/faqs/wireless
9. Floppy Drive - The floppy drive is barely used in our environment as memory sticks are the preferred method to transport a document from machine to machine. Students commonly use these in our computer labs. Remember, make two copies for backup purposes! Regardless, we recommend using the newer technology Memory Sticks which are more reliable and hold more information.
10. USB Memory Sticks / Jump Drives/ Flash - These devices are the preferred alternative to the floppy disk in our environment as it also provides inexpensive and very flexible capability to transport a document from machine to machine. Students commonly use these in our computer labs. A single memory stick can hold significantly more documents than a floppy disk. The biggest problem is users must learn to eject them correctly with the software before physically pulling them out of the computer, we have an icon on the lab machines to simplify this operation. Making backup copies of files from your computer's hard drive to a memory stick is an excellent practice. These devices are also called USB Flash Disk, Thumb Drive, Pen Drive, M emory Key, Micro Vault, Pocket Drive, KeyChain, Pico Drive, etc. Remember, make two copies for backup purposes! SyncToy is a free utility that provides this capability nicely.
11. Speakers and Sound Card - With more information being provided with audio and video capability plus the ability to play music CDs or video DVDs, sound cards and speakers are rapidly becoming standard features. Speakers can range from inexpensive (usually very adequate) to expensive depending strictly upon quality desired. If you plan to view DVD movies from a laptop computer you may want a set of external speakers.
12. Locks - security of the computer is critical, particularly for laptop computers on college campuses. College campuses have become attractive targets for professional electronics thieves. Kensington&trade and other locks (very similar to bicycle locks) are recommended for laptop computers. Consider whether a combination or key based lock is best for your use. For convenience we sell these in the Computer Consulting Center.
13. External Portable Disk Drives - USB connected portable drives are very popular for backing up and transporting large volumes of information. These drive are very good for large storage situations such as movies and photographs.
14. Tape, Jaz or Zip Drive - not generally recommend as these technologies are dwindling... we emphasize that backups (redundant copies of files) are EXTREMELY important to have (REMEMBER, YOU have to make them!) and most are copying files to Memory Sticks or burning CDs for this purpose. It is also an excellent idea to have the ability to transfer your documents to an external storage device for backup purposes in case your hard disk fails or you want to move files to another location for use or safe keeping.

     

    Tape Drives can offload a lot of information quickly but you often have to have the same type of drive on your secondary computer(s) unless you have a portable unit. Jaz and Zip drives provide high storage capacity removeable ramdon access diskette storage. Zip drives are somewhat more common and compatible but don't hold as much information on a single disk. With both Jaz and Zip data access is random whereas tape access is sequential. Getting to a file at the end of a tape can take significantly longer to access than on a Zip or Jaz disk which can be used like a large diskette.