PC Hardware & Software Configurations
Click on the following links for purchasing methods and recommendations/guidelines:
- Buying the Right Computer
- Connecting to Texas Tech University
- Software (Operating Systems and utility software)
- Hardware Configurations (Type of Processor, Memory, Storage,...) for
- Standard User (Browse Web, Compile Data, Printing)
- Power User (More CPU-intensive operations)
- Currently-Owned Systems (Basic Tasks)
- Laptop - Student Standard
- Laptop - Student Power User
- Laptop - Faculty/Staff
- SmartPhones
These configurations are provided to give a balance between cost and performance. Note that computer specifications change constantly and that an adequately performing computer today may not perform adequately throughout your time at Texas Tech.
The TTU IT Division offers Microsoft software through a site license agreement between Microsoft and Texas Tech University. See http://www.itts.ttu.edu/software for more details.
Connecting to TTU
| Connecting To Texas Tech University | |
|---|---|
| On Campus | 10/100/1,000 Mbps Ethernet |
| On Campus Wireless | 802.11b |
| Off Campus Broadband | DSL, Cable Modem, or other broadband service |
To view TTUnet's policies regarding network usage, please visit http://www.net.ttu.edu/docs/connecti.htm.
Software Requirements
| Operating Systems | |
|---|---|
| Windows XP Professional | Site license available at TTU through ATLC or from https://eraider.ttu.edu |
| Windows Vista Enterprise or Ultimate | Site license available at TTU through ATLC or from https://eraider.ttu.edu |
| Operating Systems Components and Security Service Packs and Patches | |
| DirectX 8.0 or greater: | http://update.microsoft.com |
| Media Player 8 or higher: | http://update.microsoft.com |
| Windows Operating System Updates: | http://update.microsoft.com |
| Microsoft Office Updates: | http://update.microsoft.com |
| Application Software | |
| Microsoft Office 2003: | Site license available at TTU through ATLC or from https://eraider.ttu.edu |
| Microsoft Office 2007: | Site license available at TTU through ATLC or from https://eraider.ttu.edu |
| Anti-virus Software | |
| Symantec AntiVirus | Site license available at TTU through ATLC or from https://eraider.ttu.edu |
| Internet Browsing Software | |
| Internet Explorer 7: | http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie |
| Browser Plug-ins | |
| Adobe Flash Player: | http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer |
| Adobe Shockwave Player: | http://www.adobe.com/products/shockwaveplayer |
| TechMail Email Service | |
| Microsoft Office Outlook (Exchange Server Configuration) | http://www.ithelpcentral.ttu.edu/solutions/hdi_outlook.php |
| Outlook Web Access | http://www.ithelpcentral.ttu.edu/solutions/owa |
| POP/IMAP client software | http://www.ithelpcentral.ttu.edu/solutions/email |
| Additional Utilities | |
| Adobe Reader: | http://www.adobe.com/reader |
Hardware Configurations: Standard User
This computer will provide adequate computing power for most students. This configuration will be sufficient to complete most common assignments, browse the Web, compile data, and print results.
| Configurations - Standard User | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core, 2.6 GHz w/ 1066 MHz bus |
| RAM (memory) | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB |
| Optical Drive | 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive |
| Video | 64 - 128 MB Integrated |
| Monitor | 17"+ Flat Panel Display |
| Sound | Integrated, standard |
| Printer | Color Ink Jet or laser printer |
Hardware Configurations: Power User
This computer is closer to the leading edge of computer power and provides additional computing power required to work with CPU-intensive applications such as CAD, programming utilities, digital image manipulation, etc...
| Configurations - Power User | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core, 3.2 GHz or above w/ 1333 MHz bus |
| RAM (memory) | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB |
| Optical Drive(s) | 8X DVD +/- RW Combo Drive |
| Video | 128 - 256 MB PCI-Express with DVI out |
| Monitor | 17"+ Flat Panel Display with DVI input, 800:1 contrast ratio, 5 ms response time and default resolution 1280 x 1024 |
| Sound | Integrated, 5.1 channel |
| Printer | Color Ink Jet or Laser Printer, 4800 x 1200 dpi (minimum) |
Hardware Configurations: Currently Owned Systems
This configuration is the absolute minimum that can be supported by IT Help Central. As computer technology advances, this configuration will, in time, be insufficient for everything except the most basic tasks, such as basic word processing or browsing. Even then, it will be unable to take full advantage of the fast on-campus Ethernet.
| Configurations - Currently Owned Systems | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.0 GHz and above |
| RAM (memory) | 1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB |
| Optical Drive(s) | 24X CD-RW Drive |
| Video | 32 MB PCI and up |
| Monitor | 15" or larger |
| Sound | Any |
| Printer | Any |
Hardware Configurations: Laptops: Student Standard
This computer will provide adequate computing power for most students. This configuration will be sufficient to complete most common assignments, browse the Web, compile data, and print results.
| Configurations - Laptops: Student Standard | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core, 2.26 GHz w/ 1066 MHz bus |
| RAM (memory) | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB |
| Optical Drive(s) | 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive |
| Video | 64-128 MB |
| Network Card | Integrated Ethernet Card and 802.11b Wireless |
| Monitor | 14" WXGA |
| Printer | Any |
Hardware Configurations: Laptops: Student Power User
This computer is closer to the leading edge of computer power and provides additional computing power required to work with CPU-intensive applications. It also provides the ultimate benefit of mobility.
| Configurations - Laptops: Student Power User | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core, 2.53 GHz w/ 1066 MHz bus |
| RAM (memory) | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB |
| Optical Drive(s) | 8X DVD +/- RW Combo Drive |
| Video | 128 - 256 MB |
| Monitor | 15" WXGA+ |
| Network Card | Integrated Ethernet Card and 802.11b Wireless |
| Printer | Color Ink Jet or Laser Printer, 4800 x 1200 dpi (minimum) |
Hardware Configurations: Laptops - Faculty/Staff Use
This computer will provide adequate computing power for most faculty. This configuration will be sufficient to complete most common tasks, compile data, and print results. It will also be sufficient to access any of the on campus utilities commonly used by Faculty/Staff.
| Configurations - Laptops:Faculty/Staff Use | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core, 2.4 Ghz w/ 1066 MHz bus |
| RAM (memory) | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB |
| Optical Drive(s) | 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive |
| Video | 64-128 MB |
| Monitor | 14" WXGA |
| Network Card | Integrated Ethernet Card and 802.11b Wireless |
| Printer | Color Ink Jet or Laser Printer, 4800 x 1200 dpi (minimum) |
SmartPhone - Recommended for TTU Purchased Devices - Staff and Faculty Use
For assistance in selecting or purchasing a wireless data device, please visit the Department of Communication Services website at http://www.texastech.edu/it/commSvs/wireless/data.
| SmartPhone - Recommended Devices | |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 3G | Blackberry 8800 (Curve) |
| AT&T Tilt | Motorola Q |
| Blackberry 8100 (Pearl) | Samsung Blackjack II |
| Blackberry 8300 Series | |
SmartPhone - Recommended for Personal Use at TTU
| SmartPhone - Recommended Devices | |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | Palm Centro |
| Apple iPhone 3G | Palm Treo 650 |
| AT&T 3125 | Palm Treo 680 |
| AT&T 8125 | Palm Treo 750 |
| AT&T 8525 | Samsung Blackjack |
| AT&T Tilt | Samsung Blackjack II |
| Motorola Q | |