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Computer Configuration Recommendations
If you plan to purchase a computer before school starts,
here are some minimum configurations and
facts that may be helpful. If you are buying a computer, we
recommend a new one. For a little more money, you get a much
faster computer with a warranty: a much better value.
CPU
Within the same family of processors, higher clock speeds and more cache (up to 6MB) means better
performance. The Intel Core 2 Duo is highly recommended as it offers good performance and long battery life.
Operating System
Windows XP (Home or Professional) or OS X 10.3 minimum. Windows Vista support is limited. For more
information see CUIT's VISTA Support Policy:
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/faq/529.html
Hard Drive
40 Gigabytes (GB) minimum. If you will be using statistical
or database software with very large data sets you may want
at least 80GB. Faster hard drives (7200RPM or
10,000RPM) offer better performance.
RAM
1GB recommended minimum for Windows XP, 2GB for Vista or OS X. This offers
the least expensive option to make your machine faster, so get the most
RAM that is affordable. Faster RAM (up to 800Mhz) offers better performance.
Optical Drive
The base for all computers is CD-ROM. Most new computers come with a cdr/dvd combo drive. You may also choose to upgrade to a dvd burner to create movies or back up lots of data.
Removable Storage
- Floppy drive: This is the oldest format. Convenient for
transporting files, but not recommended for storage. It only holds 1.38MB of data, is slow, and has a high rate
of failure. Optional for desktops.
- USB flash memory/thumb drive: These new devices are small,
fast, come in capacities ranging from 16MB to over 1GB.
They connect via the USB port found on all computer made
in the last 5 years. Computers running Windows 2000 or XP
will not require any drives. Windows XP uses them in such
a way that the risk of losing data lowered in case you pull
the drive out suddenly. Highly recommended.
Sound
Laptop audio is usually not configurable, but desktops often give you options better sound cards and speakers.
Video
64 MB minimum, the higher end graphic cards are better suited for videos and gaming.
The video card built into new computers are more than adequate for non-gaming applications. If you purchase
an Apple laptop and plan to give presentations, you will want to purchase the video dongle lets you connect
to a VGA projector. It comes with the Macbook Pro and is optional on the Macbook.
Monitor
15" minimum, 17" recommended. LCD
flat panels are space and energy savers and also reduce eyestrain,
but are a little more expensive. LCD is recommended.
Wireless
Wireless connectivity (WiFi) is highly recommended for all
laptops. When purchasing this feature, keep in mind that the
University uses 802.11 b or g standard. The entire Social
Work building has wireless internet. For more information
see: http://www.columbia.edu/acis/access/oncampus/wireless/
You can also setup your laptop to print to the Social Work printer in the student lounge. More information can be found at the following URL:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/ocit/complab/printing.html
Ethernet
If you are in campus housing that has been wired for the
Columbia Ethernet network (all C. U. dorms, plus some C. U.
apartment buildings), or if you plan to use a DSL or cable
modem connection from home, you will need an Ethernet card. Ethernet is standard on current desktops
and notebooks. There are also several places on campus you
may plug into the network, including the Social Work building.
Modem
You will need a modem if you plan to dial into the internet via Columbia dialup or
AOL. Information about Columbia dialup can be found at the following URL: http://www.columbia.edu/acis/networks/dialup.html
Bluetooth
You may choose to get bluetooth on your computer. Bluetooth is a personal area networking technology that lets devices such as printers, mice, headphones, phones, etc talk to each other.
Service/Warranty
If your computer vendor offers a 3-year extended on-site service warranty, and you are not comfortable
fixing your own computer, we suggest you purchase it. If you are buying a Dell or Apple through the Columbia
discount program, you recieve additional discounts if you opt for a 3-year warranty. You may also opt for a
complete care type package that covers accidental damage.
Software
Security
Columbia offers Symantec AntiVirus for virus protection, Pestpatrol for spyware protection, and PC Phonehome at the following URL:
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/security.html
Internet Software
We highly recommend
Firefox for web browsing and Thunderbird for checking your
CU email. Both can be downloaded free at http://www.mozilla.com. Instructions for configuring your email client
(including Thunderbird) can be found here: http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/email.html
Productivity
You will probably want Microsoft Office
2003 Professional or later. (All editions have Word and Excel;
the Professional Edition includes Access, a database application.)
All other software you can purchase at the CU bookstore, or
other software vendors. We recommend the Microsoft Office 2007. You can purchase the
Student and Teacher edition at most retailers which allows you to install Word, Excel, Outlook,
and PowerPoint on up to 3 computers for a relatively low price
(about $150). You can also purchase a single license for MS Student Select Office 2007
Professional for about $66.80 here:
http://elms05.e-academy.com/columbia/
You may also consider Openoffice.org. It is a free, multiplatform and multilingual
office suite. It is generally interoperable with other office suites, though you may run into compatibility
issues using advanced functions. http://www.openoffice.org/
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
Students interested in licensing SPSS (PC/Mac) may purchase/lease the SPSS at a discount for either a six or
twelve month license through e-academy at the following web site:
http://estore.e-academy.com/
Other Software
Columbia has various other software you may want at the following URL:
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/index.html
Training
You may choose to take workshops offered by the libraries. There are classes offered for
various software including Endnote, PowerPoint, Filemaker Pro, NVIVO, and Photoshop.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/services/workshops.html
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