Office of Information Technology and Services

Guidelines for Purchasing PCs/Laptops Tips, Tricks and Tutorials

Due to Microsoft NOT providing security updates for legacy operating system (Windows 95, 98, and ME), ABAC doesn’t provide connectivity to the campus network or the Internet for these systems.

Hardware, Software, and Operating System

Standard Hardware Configuration for purchasing a new PC/Laptop should include the following items.

  • Monitor or Flat Panel Display

  • Memory

     ▪Windows XP operating system -- at least 512 MB, preferably 1 GB

    ▪Vista operating system -- at least 1 GB, preferably 2 GB

  • Speed
    ▪ Desktop -- at least 2.4 GHz
    ▪ Laptop -- at least 1.7 GHz

  • Hard Drive (at least 80 GB)

  • CD-Rom

  • CD-RW (optional)*

  • DVD (optional)

  • Portable USB/Thumb Drive -- most classes require or recommend

For home connectivity via phone line dial-up

  • Modem

  • Phone cable

  • Internet Service Provider is needed

For home connectivity via cable modem

  • Ethernet network card and cable OR

  • Internet Service Provider is needed

For ABAC Place Apartments via Ethernet

  • Ethernet network card and cable

  • No Internet Service Provider is needed

For ABAC Place Apartments via wireless

  • Some laptops have a built-in wireless network card

  • Wireless Ethernet network card

  • Access is limited to specific areas

  • No Internet Service Provider is needed

   *Transportation of files between on- and off-campus locations can be accomplished via any of the following options.

  • CDs labeled CD-Rom, CD-R, and CD-RW hold 680-740MB. Both require a drive in the PC/Laptop. CD-Rom is the reader only. CD-RW is the writer.

  • Portable USB/Thumb Drive: 32MB or larger. Please purchase a thin designed USB/Thumb drive. If not, you will need an extension cable to connect the drive to the PC. USB ports are needed in the PC/Laptop.

  • Please compare prices for drives and disks before purchasing.

Standard Software and Operating System Configuration for purchasing a new PC should include the following packages.

Packages valid through Summer 2007 term

  • Windows XP (Windows XP Home Edition is acceptable although Windows XP Professional is used on campus.)

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  • Includes Internet Explorer

  • Microsoft Office Professional 2003 (includes Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher)

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  • CISM 2201 utilizes Windows XP, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

  • Most classes utilize Word

  • Microsoft Works is not "compatible" with Microsoft Office Professional 2003 without converting file formats.

  • Virus Protection is needed (McAfee, or Norton, etc.), should be updated regularly, and maintained annually.

Packages valid beginning Fall 2007 term

  • Windows Vista or Windows XP (Windows XP Home Edition is acceptable although Windows XP Professional is used on campus.)

  • Includes Internet Explorer

  • Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (includes Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher)

  • CISM 2201 utilizes Windows XP, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

  • Most classes utilize Word

  • Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office 2003 are not "compatible" with Microsoft Office Professional 2007 without converting file formats.

  • Virus Protection is needed (McAfee, Norton, etc.), should be updated regularly, and maintained annually.

Last Updated Monday August 20, 2007 10:43 AM