Technical Specifications for Computer Purchases

Computer Manufacturer’s Warranty Specifications Guidelines

Equipment purchased that does not meet the specifications above will not be covered under the ISU hardware maintenance agreement, and any repairs become the responsibility of the owning department.

Computer Manufacturers Supported by Information Technology

The following computers have been certified to work in the ISU network environment and to meet the above specifications:

Any computers purchased must have either an integrated Ethernet controller on the system board or a manufacturer/vendor installed Ethernet network card (see Network Card Purchases) and be certified by the manufacturer/vendor as network ready. Computers from manufacturers that are not on the above list may not be able to successfully connect to the ISU network. In such cases, the Office of Information Technology’s responsibility will be to provide an active network jack and proof that a connection can be made at that network jack. After the connection status is verified, resolution of networking problems will be the responsibility of the vendor and the department. New manufacturers/vendors will not be added to the list of suggested manufacturers/vendors until the Office of Information Technology has thoroughly tested their computers in the ISU network environment.

Computers obtained by departments purchasing computer parts and then building a working computer system from these will not be included in ISU hardware maintenance agreement.

Memory

Memory must be purchased from a manufacturer of “quality” memory. All memory should have a lifetime warranty.

Internal Hardware (video cards, modems, hard drives, etc.)

When purchasing internal hardware, the make and model, as well as the existing internal hardware of the computer, must be considered before the purchase. Internal cards may adversely affect existing hardware, network connectivity, or performance of the computer, and should be purchased only after consultation with an OIT representative. Vendors of this equipment are usually determined by price, so there is not a specific vendor that OIT recommends.  However, it is best to purchase internal hardware from a reputable vendor with a good return policy.

Network Card Purchases

The Office of Information Technology recommends an Ethernet controller that is integrated into the system board. If integrated Ethernet is not available, the Office of Information Technology will only support the following brands of Ethernet network cards. All cards must have an RJ45 connector and a lifetime warranty:

Follow the Recommended Minimum Computer Purchase or the Recommended Minimum Power Macintosh Purchase.

Minimum PC Purchase Requirements:

Although the recommended minimum purchasing requirements for computers will run most ISU software including Banner, a faster processor and more memory will provide more efficient operation. There may be special hardware requirements for some software such as AutoCAD. Please contact the OIT Help Desk for a consultation if you are uncertain.

The processor speeds that are recommended here may no longer be available for purchase. What is provided here is the minimum computer purchase that should be made at ISU. Computer hardware changes so fast that it is extremely difficult to recommend a minimum machine type to purchase that will be available shortly thereafter. The idea behind this website is to give you some purchasing guidelines that will allow you to easily purchase a computer that will meet your computing needs at ISU.

Information Technology is working closely with the Purchasing department to create pre-configured machines that will run current software packages including Banner. The pre-configured machines are setup so that they can be upgraded or down graded where applicable. Purchasing negotiates with vendors to get reduced pricing on these machines as well. If these pre-configured machines will not meet your needs, please follow the "Technical Specifications for Computer Purchases at ISU" guidelines for selecting another vendor and to purchase a new computer.

To view the pre-configured computers go to the Purchasing department web page, then Dell’s login link. Follow the instructions on ISU’s Dell Premier page.

Processor

Minimum: Pentium 4 - 2.8GHz 

Operating System

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2

Memory (RAM)

Minimum: 512mb

Floppy Drive

No floppy drive

Hard Drive

Minimum:40gb

Monitor

Minimum: 17" analog flat panel display

It is recommended that Banner users set their screen resolution to a minimum of 800X600.

Video Card

Minimum: Integrated video card

Network Adapter

Required: Intel, 3Com, or any built-in (recommended) Ethernet controller

Note: If the Ethernet controller is not built-in then all Ethernet adapters should be ordered factory installed from the vendor to avoid delays. See network interface card policy for more details.

CD-ROM Drive

Minimum: 48X CD-RW/DVD speed combo internal drive

The following is what a typical computer configuration might look like:

Desktop:

Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz, 1M Cache, Integrated NIC and Sound

Memory:

512MB ECC SDRAM (1DIMM)

Keyboard:

USB Keyboard

Monitor:

17" analog flat panel display

Video Cards:

integrated video

1st Hard Drive:

40GB EIDE 7200RPM

Floppy Drive:

No floppy drive

Operating System:

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2

Mouse:

USB 2-Button Optical Mouse with Scroll

Network Card:

Integrated 10/100 3Com Remote Wake-up NIC

First Removable Media Options:

48X CD-RW

Audio Solution:

Integrated Sound Blaster Compatible

Speakers:

Internal Business Audio Speaker

Hardware Support Services:

3Yrs Parts + Onsite Labor (Next Business Day)

Please contact the OIT Help Desk for assistance on quotes for University computers.

Minimum Power Macintosh Purchase Requirements:

NOTE: If you order a custom built machine from Apple, you need to be sure that you have EXACTLY what you want BEFORE you place your order. Apple MAY NOT change the order once it has been placed.

Suggested Models: iMac, iBook, PowerBook G4, Power Macintosh G5

Specifications:

Processor

Recommended: 1.83GHz or higher Intel Core Duo processor

Memory (RAM)

Recommended: 512 MB

Additional memory may be needed to run Banner on your Macintosh. Please contact the OIT-Help Desk to set up an appointment for a Consultant to speak to you about Banner use on the Macintosh.

Hard Drive 

Recommended: 160GB or greater

Monitor

Minimum: The iMac, iBook, and PowerBook G4 have built-in displays appropriately sized for most general computing tasks. Users whose primary use of a computer is for detailed graphic design and/or large-format page layout may want to consider a G5 mini tower system with a 17" or larger display.

Video Card

Minimum: All currently shipping Macintosh models come standard with a 3D graphics card with at least 8MB of video RAM (ATI Rage 128, Rage Mobility 128).

Network Adapter

Minimum: A 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter is built-in as a standard feature on all currently shipping Macintosh systems. The Office of Information Technology is not currently supporting AirPort.

Desktop:

1.83GHz Intel Core Duo with 2MB shared L2 cache

Memory:

512MB

Keyboard:

Keyboard and Mouse

Monitor:

17-inch widescreen LCD with 1440x900 resolution

Video Solution:

ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory

First Hard Drive:

160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive

Super Drive:

Slot-load 8x double-layer SuperDrive

Operating System:

Macintosh OS X

Mouse:

Macintosh 1 button mouse

Network Card:

Integrated 10/100/1 gig networking

Audio Solution:

Integrated

Standard and Optional Onsite Services:

3Yr Parts & Labor (Next Business Day)

Please contact the OIT Help Desk for assistance on quotes for University computers.

Banner - Recommended and Minimum Requirements for PC:

The minimum and recommended configurations below are for machines that are handed down within departments. It may not be possible to purchase these types of computers. These configurations do not allow for other programs to be open (e.g., email, web browser, Word, virus protection) when Banner is open.

Recommended PC configuration for Banner 2000:

Pentium II with 400 MHz or higher CPU and 256Mb or higher

Minimum PC configuration for Banner 2000:

Pentium 200 MHz or higher and 128 Meg RAM or higher

The 128mb requirement is just for BANNER. Be aware that this minimum configuration will not provide satisfactory service if another application (e.g., email, web browser, Word, virus protection) is also running when BANNER is open. This minimum configuration is for machines that are being moved around within departments.

Return to Recommended Hardware Configurations web page.