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Learning about HU's Computer Requirements
The following computer requirements are recommended for CLA and graduate school students.
NOTE: Hamline University requires all law students to have a computer. Computer requirements for law students differ from those for CLA and graduate school students. Hamline Law School Computer Requirements for Students Beginning 2007-2008 (PDF file).
Minimum Computer Requirements
Hamline minimum computer requirements are intended to ensure that the equipment you use meets the minimum requirements to support you through your academic program.
The following minimum computer equipment requirements have been developed after taking into consideration the various programs students might participate in as a part of their academic studies at Hamline University and to ensure that the equipment will meet any software requirements placed on it for the current academic year. A computer that simply meets these minimum requirements is not guaranteed to be sufficient to support a student through a full 4 year degree program.
If you are running Microsoft Windows XP or Vista you should have at least:
- CPU: 800 MHz or better AMD Duron or comparable Intel Pentium Class Processor.
- Memory: 256MB of system memory or more for XP, or 512MB or more for Vista (required for Vista).
- Hard Disk: 30 GB is the bare minimum with 30 GB being highly recommended.
- Network: Standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card.
- Wireless OPTIONAL: Laptops should have a standard 802.11b Wireless card.
If you are running Macintosh OS-X you should have at least:
- CPU: G3 500 MHz PowerPC Processor.
- Memory: 256 MB of system memory (required for OS-X).
- Hard Disk: 30 GB is the bare minimum with 30 GB being highly recommended.
- Network: Standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card.
- Wireless OPTIONAL: Laptops should have a standard 802.11b Wireless card.
Recommended Computer Requirements
The following computer equipment recommendations represent what we consider to be the ideal system configuration for a computer that is expected to support a student through a full 4 year degree program. It is also our recommended configuration for students taking academic programs that are computer intensive in nature. These recommendations are necessarily high end so feel free to adjust downwards towards the minimum computer requirements listed above if you so desire.
If you are running Microsoft Windows XP or Vista we recommend:
- CPU: AMD Athlon 3100+ or comparable Intel Pentium4 Processor.
- Memory: 512 MB of system memory or more (1GB for Vista).
- Hard Disk: 80 GB or larger.
- Network: Standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card.
- Wireless: Laptops should have a standard 802.11g Wireless card.
If you are running Macintosh OS-X we recommend:
- CPU : Desktops should have a G5 PowerPC Processor (iMac/PowerMac). Laptops should have a G4 PowerPC Processor (iBook/PowerBook).
- Memory : 512 MB of system memory or more.
- Hard Disk : 80 GB or larger.
- Network : Standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card.
- Wireless : Laptops should have a standard 802.11g Wireless card.
More Information: 2008-2009 Computer Requirements & Recommendations (PDF file) | Hardware & Software Purchases | Tips for Fixing Computers (PDF file) | Tips for Safe Computing (PDF file)
General Software Policy
Hamline University is committed to following all applicable software copyright laws, and has directed Information Technology Services to be the agent for compliance. Given limited resources at Information Technology Services' (ITS) disposal and the complexity of running an enterprise-class network, ITS has adopted policies and procedures to ensure that both applicable licensing laws are met and that the overall stability of the University computing environment are maintained.
Refer to the Software Policy the for detailed information about licensing, software life expectancy, and a list of supported software.
Living on Campus?
If you are living (or are planning to live) on campus you may also review information about computer registration, supported operating systems, operating system updates and security patches, active anti-Virus and personal firewall software, and recommended computer peripherals.
More Information: Residence Hall Network (Knowledge Base) | Help Me Connect! Troubleshooting Residence Hall Internet Connection (PDF file)
Have Questions or Need Support?
Check the Knowledge Base.
Your first stop for all computer questions is the ITS HelpDesk. The ITS HelpDesk can be contacted by phone at 651-523-2220 or e-mail (Send E-mail to the ITS Help Desk). You may also stop in to the ITS HelpDesk in person. The ITS HelpDesk is located in the lower level of Bush Library and is open during library hours. (More Information on the ITS HelpDesk)
Next: 5. Using Your Hamline E-mail Account