Standards for Computing and Networking

Minimum Departmental Personal Computer Hardware Standards

Below is a list of desktop hardware standards supported at Colorado State University. Each product has an arrow associated with it.

	An up arrow indicates the product is the upcoming or the most current standard on campus. Users are encouraged to implement these products as soon as possible and can expect the highest degree of support for items with this symbol. Generally, these products are supported with consultation and training.
	A right arrow indicates that the product is no longer the most current or that there is a question about the stability of the company that supports the product. While many of the products in this category are widely used on campus, their usefulness may be limited due to changing industry or campus standards. Those using products in this category should plan to migrate to a currently supported product within 18 to 24 months, or sooner as opportunity permits (for example, when upgrades are being done).
	A down arrow indicates the product is outdated and is no longer supported. Users should make immediate plans to upgrade to a supported product.

 

Support

Academic Computing and Networking Services (ACNS) will provide complete support for products with an up arrow. Support may consist of training, consulting, troubleshooting, or purchasing.

• Training is provided for system administrators and users. System administrator training is accomplished through demonstrations and technical user groups. User training is accomplished via demonstrations, hands-on workshops and self-teaching materials (video tapes, CD-ROMs). Currently user training is provided for the one industry standard software suite, Microsoft Office. In addition, training is provided for the most current Windows and UNIX operating systems, electronic mail programs, and WWW browser, composer, and course development software.

 

• Consulting is available for supported products through services provided by Computer Training and Support Services (CTSS) and the ACNSComputing Help Desk, loctated in 224A Weber.

 

• For supported products ACNS will secure the best educational pricing available from vendors or, where possible, acquire site licenses. Products are sold or distributed through the RAMtech.

MINIMUM DESKTOP HARDWARE STANDARDS FOR CSU OWNED COMPUTERS

NOTE: Microsoft released their newest operating system, VISTA, in spring 2007.
Hardware requriements below reflect the minimum needs that future Visa systems will require.

Desktop Hardware *		Windows PC		Macintosh
Processor		Core 2 or AMD equivalent		Core 2
Memory		2 GB		2 GB
Disk		80 GB		80 GB
Video card		256 MB dedicated memory
Network Interface Card  (Twisted Pair)		multi speed		Ships with Gigabit ethernet port
External monitor Laptop monitor		17 inch LCD or better flat screen for general work. 14 inch or better		17 inch LCD or better flat screen for general work. 13 inch or better
Peripherals**		DVDRW		DVDRW
		Optional: Removable media
		Sound capable		Built-in
* UNIX - Because of the wide and divergent variety of hardware and operating systems for UNIX, straightforward desktop and server hardware UNIX standards are difficult to define.

Colorado State University has access to state contracts with certian vendors which can result in significant savings on computer hardware.
Please visit CSU Purchasing's Commonly Used Price Agreements web page for additional information.

Standards for Computing and Networking		Academic Computing and Networking Services		Colorado State University

Comments to: Kevin Nolan University Technology Committee Academic Computing and Networking Services Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, © Copyright Colorado State University, 2007. Last updated:  Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 10:38:39 MDT