ComputerGuide: Recommendations and common questions

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Supported operating systems

Windows: Windows Vista (Enterprise or Ultimate) and Windows XP Professional are the recommended Windows operating systems. UITS strongly discourages using Windows 95, 98, Me, or 2000 for reasons of security and full access to IU resources. Adopters of Vista may experience some application compatibility and hardware driver support issues, and UITS thus recommends that you not install it until you are sure that your applications, devices, and hardware are fully supported by the respective vendors. See Known issues with Windows Vista at IU.
Macintosh: UITS recommends Mac OS X version 10.4 or greater, and strongly discourages use of Mac OS 7, 8, and 9.
Linux: IU has licenses for faculty, students, and staff to use Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Novell SUSE Linux. Numerous community-based distributions, such as Ubuntu Linux and Fedora Core, may prove suitable for some. For more about Linux distributions, see DistroWatch.com.
UITS mirrors many popular Linux distributions at:
http://ftp.ussg.iu.edu/linux/

Note: The Dell wireless bundle (Broadcom chipset with Broadcom drivers) option on laptops running Linux won't work with the IU Secure wireless network.

The Linux distributions installed on most netbook-class computers, such as Asus Eee PC and the Acer Aspire One, will not work with the IU Secure wireless network. Although the Linux distribution on the Dell Inspiron Mini 9, Ubuntu, is itself compatible with IU Secure, the hardware used (Broadcom chipset with Broadcom drivers) makes it incompatible with IU Secure. The Windows version of the Mini 9 does work with IU Secure.

New computer hardware minimum recommendations

To use all the technology services available at IU, UITS suggests the following minimum hardware components for a new purchase. IU students, faculty, and staff can take advantage of special computer deals; see ComputerGuide: Deals by vendor. Also, on this page, see Do I need an Ethernet card or a modem?

Laptop

	New Windows laptop	New Macintosh laptop
Processor:	1.73GHz or higher Intel or AMD	2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory (RAM):	2GB SDRAM for Vista, 1GB SDRAM for XP	2GB SDRAM
Hard drive:	80GB Ultra SATA	120GB SATA
Network card:	802.11b/g wireless card	Wireless built in
Optical drive:	24X CD-ROM/CD-RW	24X DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Operating system:	Windows Vista Enterprise, Vista Ultimate, or XP Professional with Service Pack 3	Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

Desktop

	New Windows desktop	New Macintosh desktop
Processor:	2.2GHz or higher Intel or AMD	2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory (RAM):	2GB SDRAM for Vista, 1GB SDRAM for XP	2GB SDRAM
Hard drive:	80GB SATA	120GB SATA
Video card:	Non-integrated and DirectX compatible	Intel GMA 950 with 64MB RAM
Optical drive:	48X CD-RW (or 24X DVD/CD-RW)	24X DVD/CD-RW
Operating system:	Windows Vista Enterprise, Vista Ultimate, or XP Professional with Service Pack 3	Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

Minimum requirements for existing hardware (i.e., a computer you already own)

If you own a computer you plan to bring to campus, it should meet certain hardware requirements to function effectively within the IU computing environment. Do not use these specifications for a new computer purchase; instead, see the New computer hardware recommendations above.

	Minimum Windows requirements	Minimum Macintosh requirements
Processor:	1GHz or higher Intel or AMD	867MHz or higher PowerPC G4
Memory (RAM):	256MB SDRAM	1GB SDRAM
Hard drive:	20GB Ultra ATA	40GB Ultra ATA
Video card:	DirectX compatible with 32MB RAM	OpenGL compatible with 32MB RAM
Optical drive:	24X CD-ROM	24X CD-ROM
Operating system:	Windows XP	Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

If you use a computer with the above specifications, you may find it sluggish when opening more than one program at once. If you need to only check email and do simple word processing, you may find these minimum hardware specifications adequate.

UITS strongly recommends that you use Windows Vista or XP Professional, or Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. When using older operating systems, you may find it difficult to use certain IU network services.

Note: When bringing your own computer to IU, be sure to bring all your software installation media and documentation.

What type of computer should I buy: Windows or Macintosh?

Both operating systems are well supported at IU. The most useful software packages (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, communication software, and web browsers) look similar and perform well on both platforms. Some academic programs that rely heavily on business-oriented software are better served by the Windows platform, but some programs that rely heavily on graphics and multimedia software are better served by the Macintosh platform.

Consult your department to see what is recommended. IU has a diverse environment; choose the computer you prefer, or the one that best fits your budget. Be sure you use the New computer hardware minimum recommendations to make your purchase.

Should I get a desktop computer, a laptop, or a netbook?

A netbook is a new type of mobile computer, defined by size, price, horsepower, and operating system. They are small, inexpensive, have limited functionality, and run either Windows XP Home or Linux. Unfortunately, the distributions of Linux bundled with most netbooks do not work with IU's new wireless network, IU Secure. Most netbooks running Windows are compatible with IU Secure.

Laptops allow you to take your work with you and connect to IU Secure, available in most areas on campus. IU's minimum hardware specifications for used laptops are the same as for used desktops. Other factors that you may want to consider when making your decision include:

Comfort: Desktop systems are easier to work at when you spend long hours on the computer. A laptop keyboard can be hard on your hands and posture. A desktop system is easier on your eyes, arms, back, and hands simply because of positioning and the ergonomic design of most keyboards, mice, and monitors. However, you can use equipment such as a docking station, extended keyboard, second monitor, and external mouse to make it more comfortable to use the laptop for extended periods of time.
Footprint (desk space): Surprisingly, a laptop can have a rather large footprint, depending on the model, and could take up as much room on the desk as a desktop keyboard, mouse, and monitor, especially when compared to today's flat screen monitors.
Mobility: If you need to take your computer to class or on the road, then of course a laptop is the best choice. Keep in mind that you might have to connect and disconnect all peripherals each time you take your laptop with you. If this might be a problem, consider a docking station. Although most students think they will carry their laptop to campus every day, many change their mind after the first few weeks.
Cost: Laptop computers are more expensive than desktop computers, especially if you buy external equipment such as a docking station and second monitor. In general, hardware for desktop computers is easier and less expensive to service and upgrade.
Energy use: Laptops typically use less electricity than desktop computers; see How can I minimize my computer's impact on the environment?

Do I need to have a printer in the dorms at IUB?

You do not need to bring a printer to campus, as printers are available in the Student Technology Centers and Residential Technology Centers (STCs/RTCs), but you may find it convenient to have a printer in your room. If you don't bring a printer to school and you live in campus housing, you can use the Printer Configuration Utility to configure your computer to print to the network printers in your residence hall or apartment building.

Do I need an Ethernet card or a modem?

If you live on campus, you must have an Ethernet card installed in your computer and an IU Network ID before you can use the campus network cable in your dorm room. Each double-occupancy dorm room on campus has one phone jack and two Ethernet jacks. If your computer does not have an Ethernet card but does have a wireless card, you should be able to access the Internet over the wireless network from your dorm room.

If you live off campus, you may have a choice of using an Ethernet connection offered by your leasing agent or getting cable modem service. These options both require a network card to connect. Contact your leasing office about available Ethernet connections; to set up cable modem service, contact a local cable company.

If you live off campus and will not be using an Ethernet connection provided by your apartment complex, DSL, or a cable modem service, you must have a 56K V.90 modem in your computer in order to dial into the IU network.

Macintosh and Windows systems have built-in Ethernet cards, but current models typically offer modems as an optional upgrade.

What wireless protocols will work at IU?

Secure wireless access is widely available at IUB, IUPUI, and IU East over 802.11 b/g. Over the summer of 2009, we will be upgrading our existing access points to also support 802.11n in the 5GHz spectrum.

Which Ethernet switches should I use?

Routers are not allowed in the residence halls. However, Ethernet hubs, repeaters, and switches are a cost-effective way to provide network connectivity to multiple devices via a single data jack. Unfortunately, improperly implemented switches can result in network problems for an entire building or even, in some rare cases, an entire campus.

To prevent network problems, end-user Ethernet switches on the IU network must meet the basic requirements published by UITS. For an explanation of these requirements, and for testing instructions, see At IU, is my Ethernet switch compatible with the campus network?

UITS recommends the following Ethernet switches:

8-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch for D-Link
Prosafe 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch for Netgear
Business Series 5-Port 10/100/1000 Gigabit Switch for Linksys
HP ProCurve 408 8-Port 10/100 Switch for HP ProCurve

For detailed information, see At IU, what switches are recommended for use on the campus network?

Can I have my computer delivered to my residence hall at IU?

Note: Although the university will take all reasonable precautions, IU cannot assume liability for your personal possessions, including computers shipped to the residence halls.

Note: All shipments must arrive no sooner than three days prior to your moving in.

To have your computer delivered to your residence hall or on-campus apartment, specify the following delivery address when ordering your computer:

IUB	IUPUI
Indiana University Your Residence Hall Bloomington, IN 47406 Attn: Your Name	IUPUI Your Residence Hall Indianapolis, IN 46202 Attn: Your Name

Replace "Your Name" with your full name and "Your Residence Hall" with the name of the building you will be living in (e.g., Teter Quad). Your computer will be shipped to that building. If it arrives too early, it will be rejected and returned to the sender. If it arrives no more than three days prior to move-in, staff will place it in your room. Although you will have to set up the computer yourself, Technology Center Consulting (TCC) will be available to assist you in getting your computer connected to the campus network.

Can I get special computer deals as a student?

Yes. See ComputerGuide: Deals by vendor for information on deals with a wide variety of manufacturers, such as Apple, Dell, HP, Sony, and others.

What software do I need to buy?

IU has software licensing agreements with different software companies, allowing IU to distribute software at a discounted educational price. For more, see At IU, how can I get university-distributed software?

As an IU student, you are also eligible for free downloads of many software packages including those offered by Adobe and Microsoft. See http://iuware.iu.edu/ for more information. Given that, you need not purchase any Microsoft packages (such as .trial. or .student edition. versions). Nor do you need to pay for any anti-virus packages since they are also available for download at no additional cost.

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Last modified on September 04, 2009.