• Recommended Computer Specifications
• Recommended Options

West Virginia University strongly encourages all students to use computers in their studies and course work. Students are further encouraged to purchase for their use while at the University. Renting a computer can become very costly and leasing is generally available only to private companies. This document defines the minimum requirements for such computers. Students should note that some colleges, departments, or degree programs may have computer requirements that exceed those defined here. Students should contact their major department or their advisor to obtain more information about computer requirements for their program of study.

Students should also note that

• WVU does not, in general, recommend a desktop over a laptop computer or vice versa. A laptop computer will cost more than a comparably equipped desktop computer, but give the user more mobility. Students should evaluate how they will use their computer and decide whether the increased portability of a laptop outweighs the increased cost. However, some programs at WVU have a preference or a requirement for students to have a laptop computer.


• Computers used by students, staff and faculty at WVU are overwhelmingly PC. However, for certain academic programs there may be a preference to have an Apple Macintosh.
• Each year a new "recommended specification" is published for hardware and software. This document will assist you in going to the marketplace to purchase the appropriate products that are best suited for use at West Virginia University. These specifications are NOT oriented toward any specific manufacturer unless otherwise noted.

Recommended Computer Specifications

• Current Recommendation for Windows PCs (.pdf)
  
• Current Recommendation for Apple Products (.pdf)

If you are buying a new computer

If you are buying a new computer, WVU recommends that you follow the minimum specifications as provided in the above referenced specification documents. call or visit the WVU Technology Support Center for Special discounts for WVU Students.
Note: MS Works is not fully compatible with software used at WVU and is not recommended. WVU recommends Windows Vista Business.

IF YOU ALREADY OWN A COMPUTER:

• PC - If you already own a PC and will be using it in your studies, WVU strongly recommends the following as a minimum set of specifications. If your computer does not meet or exceed these specifications, you may have difficulty in using it to meet class-related needs.
  
  Hardware - Intel Pentium (or equivalent) processor running at 800 MHZ or higher, at least 256 MB of memory, a hard disk drive with at least 20 GB of storage, a 1.44 MB diskette drive, a 24X or better CD-ROM/or a 12x or better CD-R/RW optical drive, a Windows compatible sound adapter, and a color display.
  
  Software - Your PC computer should be running Windows XP Professional with SP2. Your computer should also be running, at a minimum, commonly available word processing software and a supported Internet Browser. WVU supports MS Word 2003 for Windows . Students may be required to run other types of software depending on their major or degree program. Note: MS Works is not fully compatible with software used at WVU and is not supported. Students should bring to campus all installation disks and CDs for the software on their computers. Upgrading an existing computer to Microsoft Windows XP Home is not recommended. Your PC must be running an updated AntiVirus and AntiSpyware program. These programs are available at no charge to WVU Students through the WVU-TSC: http://tsc.wvu.edu/antivirus/
  


• Apple Macintosh
  If you already own a Macintosh computer and will be using it in your studies, WVU strongly recommends that it conform to the following minimum specifications:

  Your Macintosh should be running System 8.5 or higher as its operating environment. It should also be running a commonly available word processing program. WVU supports Word Perfect for the Macintosh (version 3.5 or higher), Microsoft Word for the Macintosh (version 6.0 or higher), and Claris Works (version 2.1 or higher). Students may be required to run other types of software depending on their major or degree program. Note: MS Works is not fully compatible with software used at WVU and is not recommended.

  A Power Macintosh G3 or Performa (with Power PC processor) with at least 24 MB of memory, a 500 MB or larger hard disk drive, a 1.44 MB diskette drive, a 2X or better CD-ROM and a color display.

Recommended Options

While the following items are not critical to the success of your studies at WVU, some or all of them may be highly useful, and are recommended.

Communications

Your educational program at WVU will be significantly enhanced by establishing a link to the campus network and the Internet. This will enable you to electronically communicate with your instructors and professors, other students, and to gather information from campus information resources and the Internet. Some classes may require you to access the campus network to obtain course materials and assignments, or to complete course activities. To accomplish this link, WVU recommends one of the following options:

• Modem - If you are living off campus (not in a University-owned residence hall), or need to gain access to the campus network through a telephone line, the University recommends that you have a 56K (or higher) bps fax/modem. Your modem should support the V.90 standard. You may use an internal or external modem. However, if you are using an external modem, make sure that the communications port on your computer can support the modem that you plan to use. You may also have access to a broadband internet connection such a cable modem or DSL.


• Ethernet Adapter - If you are living in a University owned residence hall, you will have access to an Ethernet connection to the campus network. If so, WVU recommends that you acquire an 10Base-T Ethernet adapter card for your computer. The University supports Ethernet adapters from 3Com and Asanté (for Macintoshes).

Other devices

• Printer - Unless other printers are conveniently available, you will probably want to have a printer attached to your computer. WVU recommends that you purchase any of the several inkjet or laser printers on the market.


• CD Writer - CD writers(burners) have become very popular. They are inexpensive devices that can be used for storing files on a much higher density medium than floppy disks