Recommended Technology Materials
Hardware Recommendations
Almost any new computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus. If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, etc.), then you'll want to make sure that you purchase a faster system that has more memory and storage space. Please check with your appropriate advisor to determine if you require a faster system.
If you intend to connect your computer to ResNet, you need to purchase a computer that is designated "Ethernet Ready". If your computer is not Ethernet Ready then you will not be able to access network-based services. Ethernet Ready computers must include either an Ethernet card or a wireless network card.
Windows Computers
We currently use the Microsoft XP Professional operating system on campus and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). We recommend, if possible, using compatible software. This way, if something happens to your personal computer, you can easily use a computer center. University Computing supports the following hardware configurations:
Any Pentium 4 or AMD equivalent processor, 1.13 MHz or higher
512 MB RAM or more
At least 20GB of hard drive free space
Windows XP Home or Professional SP2, Windows Vista *
10/100T Ethernet Card * or
Wireless Network Card **
Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 2*
* required in the residence halls.
** required to access to the WCSU Wireless network at other
areas of the campus.
Macintosh Computers
(note: all Macintosh computers are automatically "Ethernet Ready")
We currently use OS X operating system on campus and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and
PowerPoint). We recommend, if possible using compatible software. If something happens to your personal computer, you can easily use a lab. The minimum requirements recommended by University Computing are as follows:
G4 processor or better (including Intel), 500Mhz or higher
512 MB RAM or more
At least 20GB of hard drive free space
Mac OS X v. 10.3 or higher
10/100T Ethernet Card * or
Airport/Airport Extreme Wireless Card**
Safari 2.0
Built-in Firewire
* required in the residence halls.
** required to access to the WCSU Wireless network at other
areas of the campus.
The main software applications used on campus include the Microsoft Office suite (for both Windows and Macintosh), Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Netscape Communicator.
If you are using ResNet, your computer must be up to date with all the latest security updates. You must also have an active, up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer. We recommend that you set your anti-virus software to automatically update at least once a week, if not daily. Currently, ResNet supports three anti-virus software packages; Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus, or PC-cillin. McAfee Anti-virus software is available to students for a free download. For more information on protecting your personal computer, please go to the Information and System Security webpage.
