ComputerGuide: Recommendations and common questions

Username:
Password:

On this page:

Supported operating systems

Windows

Windows 8 and Windows 7 are the preferred Windows operating systems at IU, though Vista with Service Pack 2 is compatible with most services.

For more, see Recommended Windows operating systems at IU.

Mac

UITS recommends Mac OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or greater, and strongly discourages use of older versions, as they may have compatibility issues with some university online resources.

Linux

IU has a license for students, faculty, and staff to use Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Numerous community-based distributions, such as Ubuntu Linux and Fedora Core, may prove suitable for some, as they tend to offer more recent hardware drivers. For more about Linux distributions, see DistroWatch.com.

UITS also mirrors many popular Linux distributions.

Mobile devices

Smartphones and tablets are both useful assets to have as students at IU. They can keep you connected to your email, classwork, and emergency notifications while on the go. Tablets may even be helpful tools to take notes in class or to view eTexts through Courseload. However, using a smartphone or tablet as your main computing device is not recommended due to hardware limitations.

Most smartphones and tablets can use IUanyWare to run fully featured Windows applications on the go. See How do I set up and run IUanyWare applications on my mobile device?

Note: To use the IU Secure network at the university, the mobile device must be capable of making a "WPA-2 Enterprise" connection; note that this is different from simple "WPA-2". Check the manufacturer specifications to ensure compatibility.

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 the networking hardware section.

Laptops or desktops

	New Windows laptop or desktop	New Mac laptop or desktop
Processor:	Any current-generation processor of over 2 GHz and at least 2 cores	Any currently shipping Apple laptop or desktop (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro)
Memory (RAM):	4 GB or more
Hard drive:	320 GB or more
Network card:	Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual band) Note: Make sure the wireless card supports 802.11n in both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz.
Operating system:	Windows 8 or Windows 7

Tablets

If you would like to purchase a tablet to supplement your computer use at IU, UITS recommends that you buy a tablet which runs the most recent major version of the operating system of your choice (ie, iOS 6+, Android 4+, or Windows 8/RT). Older versions may not provide the same level of compatibility with IU resources.

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 requirements for Windows computers: In general, Windows computers built in the last five years with at least Windows Vista Service Pack 2 should be sufficient for lightweight computer usage at IU.
Minimum requirements for Apple computers: In general, Apple computers capable of running Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or higher should be sufficient for lightweight computer usage at IU.

If you use an older computer, you may find it sluggish when running graphically intense applications or when running more than one application. If you only need to check email and do simple word processing, you may find the performance to be adequate. Bear in mind, however, that an older computer means a higher risk of breakdown or losing important work.

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

Should I use Windows or Mac?

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 may be better served by the Mac platform.

Consult your department for recommendations. 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.

What type of computer should I buy?

Laptops are far more popular than desktop workstations, because you can take your work with you. IU Secure, the wireless network, is available in most areas on campus. Netbooks (defined by size, price, and horsepower) are small, inexpensive, and have more limited functionality. Desktops tend to be more powerful than laptops, but use more energy and are not portable.

Do I need to have a printer in the residence halls 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). Use the Printer Configuration Utility to configure your computer to print to the networked printers in the STCs and RTCs.

What about networking hardware?

If you live on campus, you can use your computer's Ethernet or wireless card to use the campus network in your residence hall. The wired Ethernet connections tend to be faster and more stable than wireless. Each room in your residence hall on campus has one active phone jack and one active Ethernet jack.

If you live off campus, you may have a choice of using a network connection offered by your leasing agent or getting cable modem or DSL service. Contact your leasing office about available Internet connections. To set up cable modem service, contact a local cable company; to set up DSL service, contact a local phone company.

What wireless protocols will work at IU?

802.11n, in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz spectrums, is generally available at IU. 802.11b/g is also available in 2.4 Ghz.

The 802.11n network will provide a more stable wireless connection, especially in 5 Ghz. The 802.11b/g/n 2.4 Ghz client space is generally more congested and traditionally has more sources of interference (e.g., cordless phones, bluetooth devices, game controllers, microwaves) than the 5 GHz space. Additionally, there are more channels available for 802.11n in the 5 Ghz space. For those clients that can take advantage of them, the extra channels allow for additional 802.11n access points in congested areas. Many mobile clients, such as phones and tablets, support 802.11n only in 2.4 GHz frequencies, and may not perform as well as a 5 Ghz client.

UITS recommends that you purchase and use devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n, supporting both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz (dual-band) for 802.11n.

Which Ethernet switches should I use?

Routers are only allowed in selected areas on campus; see At IU, may I add a wireless access point to my campus housing residence, classroom, or office? 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 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?

For recommended Ethernet switches, 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?

See At IUB or IUPUI, can I have my new computer shipped to my campus residence?

Can I get special computer deals as a student?

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

At IU Bloomington, the IU Bookstore in IMU M074 carries computer accessories, as well as Apple laptops.

What software do I need to buy?

As an IU student, you are eligible for free downloads of many software packages, including those offered by Adobe and Microsoft, as well as anti-virus products. See http://iuware.iu.edu/ for more information. You do not need to purchase any Microsoft packages (such as "trial" or "student edition" versions).

Additionally, IU students may use IUanyWare to run Windows software virtually on their Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Blackberry device, without the need for downloading.

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

This is document antk in domain all.
Last modified on April 25, 2013.