King College > Current Students > Technology > Recommended Computer Specifications

Recommended Computer Specifications

AG00062_1.gif (7566 bytes)When considering the purchase of a new computer, you need to determine the primary use of the computer. Will you primarily use the system for word processing or surfing the Internet? Will this be used mainly for email or for downloading the latest Internet applications? Obviously, you could connect an older (80486 or 80386) computer to the network, but your response time on Internet applications and large word processing tasks would be unacceptably slow. On the other hand, if all you want is an email machine, you don’t need a Pentium III. The configuration listed is the absolute minimum for accessing the network and the Internet at acceptable speeds.

If you are planning to purchase a computer to connect to the new campus network, here’s what is recommended:

IBM Compatible:

  • Pentium III
  • 128 MB RAM (minimum)
  • 10 GB Hard Drive (size would depend on your applications)
  • Sound Card
  • CD-ROM
  • 1.44 MB Floppy Drive
  • 15 " Monitor
  • Windows  98 or 2000
  • 10/100 MBps Twisted Pair Ethernet Card (we recommend 3Com)

Computers to avoid:

  • "home-made" computers
  • "close-out" computers from local retail stores
  • computers sold as "home" PCs.  We prefer network-ready PCs.  All major vendors (Gateway, Dell, IBM, etc.) can provide a fairly priced network-ready PC.   Remember, you get what you pay for!

Macintosh

  • 68040 or PowerPC processor
  • Network-certified
  • Mac OS 7.5.5 or later
  • 32 MB RAM
  • 60-70 MB of free hard drive space
  • CD-ROM drive

If you have any questions, please email jpdonahu@king.edu.