Your Personal Computer

Software/Hardware Vendors
There are a number of reputable vendors that provide hardware to consumers. Hardware is sold either as individual components (network cards, hard drives, keyboards) or entire computer systems (laptop/desktop, often desktop is bundled with monitor, keyboard and mouse). Be sure to consult applicable reviews before purchasing individual components to ensure compatibility.

Computer hardware is available from many kinds of sellers from department stores to online specialty shops. Major manufacturers often provide effective warranties for complete systems and various levels of pricing, models and support. All computers purchased through a major manufacturer will ship with an operating system (Windows, Apple or occasionally Linux) and some level of basic software applications.

Software applications of many varieties are available at a wide range of resellers. Check for compatibility with your current computer system and price. Most software is sold individually licensed for the buyer and should not be redistributed. The SPU Bookstore sells educationally priced software as well. SPU licenses Microsoft Software for distribution to students, faculty and staff. Students in degree seeking programs are covered by the license and may obtain this software via the SPU Download Center or at the CIS HelpDesk. Please contact the CIS HelpDesk if you are not a full-time, undergraduate or graduate student to determine if you are eligible for this software.


Purchase Hardware and Software
The CIS HelpDesk often receives questions about hardware compatibility and value. The following sites are commonly used references for reviews and vendors. These sites are listed only for your convenience. SPU does not receive any benefits from these vendors for recommending their products, nor do we make any assurances regarding prices or suitability. We highly recommend you shop around and compare prices before making purchase decisions.

Review Sites:
CNET
Anandtech
ZD-Net
Tom's Hardware

Vendors:
Dell (including special SPU pricing provided to staff and students)
Apple (including education pricing provided to staff and students)
New Egg
M-Wave
ZipZoomFly
Best Buy

Educational Discounts on Computers
Dell and Apple both provide discounts to faculty staff and students on hardware purchased from their websites. Dell offers "Recommended Bundles" based on SPU's current campus standard equipment. Custom configurations are available through the full catalog link on the Dell SPU page. If required, SPU's Dell member ID is US59273238.

Apple sells their their full hardware line with standard educational institutiuon discounts. These products are available at Apple stores with a valid ID card or through their Apple Store for Education website.

What Should I Buy?
Buying a new computer is always an important decision. Choose the wrong thing and you are stuck with it for several years. Fortunately, most new computers sold are designed for Windows Vista and include the minimum hardware necessary to run the latest operating systems. In addition to the minimum specifications, CIS recommends the following for students purchasing a new computer to bring to campus:

Operating System	Windows Vista Home or Better / Mac OS X 10.4 or Newer
RAM	Min. 1GB - 2GB Preferred
Processor	Intel Core2Duo 1.6Ghz or AMD Athlon64/Turion 1.8Ghz
Hard Drive	80GB Min - More is ALWAYS better
Accessories	Cat-5 Network Cable, USB Flash Drive 1GB or More, Laptop Carrying case, Surge Strip, External Hard Drive for backups
Software	New computers are often bundled with heaps of unnecessary software. Generally this software can be uninstalled and replaced with more popular alternatives. Productivity: Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (availible from CIS for $10) Photo Management: Picasa Music Management: iTunes

List of Local Computer Vendors.
Download


Maintaining Your Computer (keep your system running and up-to-date)
Connecting to the Campus Network (how to connect)
Software Distribution (Microsoft and McAfee software for faculty,s taff and students)