From using email to enhancing student-faculty communications to conducting academic research, computers allow you to accomplish a broad range of educational activities. Therefore, UC Davis expects every student to own a computer that meets certain minimum performance standards and can connect effectively to the Internet. When purchasing a computer, students should seriously consider purchasing a laptop. Laptops have the considerable advantage and convenience of being mobile and easy to bring to classes, the library, wireless study lounges, cafés, etc. Consult your department about specific software and/or hardware requirements that may be different from the recommended configurations listed below.

Computer Configuration 2009-2010 Platform Windows PC Apple CPU AMD Turion 64 X2 or Intel Core 2 Duo Intel Core 2 Duo RAM 4 GB Hard Drive 160 GB Optical Drive CD-RW/DVD±RW burner combo Portable Drive Portable drive is recommended Backup Backing up your system is strongly recommended. See note #2 for more information on backup options. Sound Vendor default configuration Graphic Card DirectX 10 (128 MB of dedicated video memory not shared) Vendor Default Display see note #2 below for laptop screen size Network Wired: 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Base-T wired Ethernet card Wireless: 802.11g wireless card See note #5 for information about Network Interface Cards (NIC) Printer See note #6 below OS Students: Students purchasing new PCs should purchase Vista Home Premium. Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff are encouraged to check with their departmental technology support staff when purchasing a PC for personal or University use. Departments: Departments should use Vista Business or better. Mac OS X 10.5 Software See note #4 below for information about purchasing software products and downloading free anti-virus software. Anti-virus software is required when using the campus network. Warranty 3-year parts and labor is highly recommended (an on-site repair warranty is recommended if funds permit.) Apple Care

Additional Computing Notes

The recommendations for Windows PC computers on this site meet the hardware requirements of Microsoft's newest operating system, Vista. If you have questions about Vista or its compatibility with campus applications, see http://iet.ucdavis.edu/microsoft/vista/index.cfm.

1. Operating System (OS):

Microsoft Vista – The recommendations for Windows PC computers on this site meet the hardware requirements of Microsoft's newest operating system, Vista.

Macintosh OS X Leopard – Starting in December 2007, Information and Educational Technology (IET) officially began supporting Mac OS X version 10.5 (also known as Leopard). In consultation with the campus technical community, IET has developed recommendations and support plans for Leopard and continues to examine Leopard’s compatibility with other applications commonly used on campus. Before upgrading to Leopard or purchasing a new Mac, please read the Mac Leopard Campus Recommendation. The recommendations for Apple computers on this site meet the hardware requirements of Leopard.

2. Backing up files:

At a minimum, you should backup your important files to CD, DVD, or USB drive. To backup your entire system, you should consider purchasing an external backup drive. If you need to backup various large files, such as multimedia and music files, you should consider purchasing an external hard drive with up to a third more storage than your hard drive (e.g., roughly 200 GB for a 160 GB hard drive). If you’re backing up smaller files, a few GB may suffice. For more information on computer backups, please visit the UC Davis Security Site.

3. Display:

Laptop – Laptop displays should have a minimum resolution of 1024x768, but more importantly, the display should be comfortable to read and view. Laptop displays vary in size from about 12 inches up to 17 inches; however be aware that the larger the display, the more the computer weighs. We advise viewing the monitor or the monitor of a comparable model, before purchasing, to determine reading and viewing comfort. Additionally, consider your current and future computing needs when deciding between a standard or widescreen monitor.

Desktop – Desktop displays should have a minimum resolution of 1024x768. We recommend a 19” flat panel.

4. Software:

The TechHUB offers productivity, creativity, and other software packages to students, staff and faculty at special academic pricing that may be substantially lower than commercial vendors. Also, IET provides UC Davis students, staff and faculty access to free Sophos Anti-Virus software and as well as other products to protect your computer. The free software is available for download off the Software License Coordination (SLC) Web site. (Please note that Sophos Anti-Virus may not be used by UC Davis Health System students, staff, or faculty. UCDHS has a separate agreement with McAfee for anti-virus software).

5. Network Interface Card (NIC):

A network-ready computer has an installed Ethernet network interface card (NIC). Visually inspect your computer for the RJ-45 port that indicates an NIC. An RJ-45 jack looks similar to a regular telephone jack used by modems and telephones, but it is slightly wider. You must also have an Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors to connect your computer NIC to the data wall jack in your dorm room. For best performance, the cable should be Category 5, 5e, 6, or better. The recommended length is about 15 feet. You can purchase a 10 Base-T or twisted pair network pair cable from the TechHUB.

6. Printer:

If you decide to purchase a personal printer, remember to consider the cost of replacement ink/toner and other supplies. We suggest choosing a LaserJet printer versus an Inkjet. While a LaserJet may cost more up front, it is more reliable and costs much less per page than the Inkjet.

In lieu of bringing your own printer, you may use the printers located in the computer rooms on campus. IET also provides a wireless printing service that allows you the option of printing to one of the several computer rooms from your laptop while using the UC Davis Wireless Network.

Tech Support

The IT Express Computing Services Help Desk provides assistance with many topics, including software, campus Internet access, and activating and accessing your UC Davis email and computing accounts. Call for help at 530-754-HELP (4357).