ComputerGuide: Recommendations and common questions

On this page:

• Operating systems supported at IU
  
• New computer hardware recommendations
  
• Minimum requirements for existing hardware (i.e., a computer you already own)
  
• What type of computer should I buy: Windows or Macintosh?
  
• Should I get a desktop or laptop computer?
  
• Do I need to have a printer in the dorms at IUB?
  
• Do I need an Ethernet card or a modem?
  
• Can I have my computer delivered to my residence hall at IU?
  
• Can I get special computer deals as a student?
  
• What software do I need to buy?
  
• What about email accounts?
  
• When can I get connected to the network?

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/

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New computer hardware 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

Desktop

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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.

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 upgrade your operating system to Windows Vista or XP, or Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. Although some resources are available for 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.

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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. However, Windows supports more general-purpose software.

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.

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Should I get a desktop or laptop computer?

This choice depends primarily on your personal preference. In general, hardware for desktop computers is easier and less expensive to service and upgrade. Laptops are generally more expensive but allow you to take your work with you, and many areas around campus are equipped for wireless network connections. IU's minimum hardware specifications for used laptops are the same as for used desktops.

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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.

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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. Each double-occupancy dorm room on campus has one phone jack and two Ethernet jacks. If your computer has an Ethernet card, you will be able to access the Internet at the same time that someone is making a phone call, and at a speed far greater than a modem.

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 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.

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

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

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

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, and staff will place it in your room. Although you will have to set up the computer yourself, Residential Information Technology Services (RITS) will be available to assist you in getting your computer connected to the campus network.

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

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Can I get special computer deals as a student?

Yes. See ComputerGuide: Deals by vendor for information on deals with Dell and other manufacturers.

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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?

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What about email accounts?

Once you are admitted to an IU campus, you can create your accounts by visiting the Account Management Service (AMS) at:

You may begin using your email account and other IU resources after creating your accounts.

If you plan to attend Summer Orientation at IUB or IUPUI, you will attend a workshop called Student Technology at IU (STIU), where you'll get information about information technology resources available to you as an IU student.

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When can I get connected to the network?

In campus housing at IUB, you use the Get Connected web site to connect to the network. For details, see In IUB or IUPUI campus housing, how do I get connected to the network?

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