What computer should I buy?

6. Will my current computer work on campus?
7. Which computer can I buy that will last for four years?
8. When should I buy my computer?
9. Should I buy a laptop or a desktop system?
10. Should I get a Mac or a PC?
11. What software do I need?

Will my current computer work on campus?
In order to connect to the Ethernet network your computer will need to meet the system specifications below. In addition, your Operating System (OS) must have all current security patches and updates, and your computer must have up-to-date and supported anti-virus software.
Macintosh:
- Supported 10/100 Ethernet network interface card (NIC) or adapter: Apple.
- OS 9.2.2 or 10.1 or higher, 64 MB RAM for OS 9.2.2 or 256 MB RAM for OS 10.1 origher, 1 GB free hard disk space.
- The campus wireless network requires a supported 802.11b or b/g wireless card (Apple Airport or Proxim Orinoco)
Windows:
- Supported 10/100 Ethernet network interface card (NIC) or adapter: 3COM, Intel.
- Windows 2000 or higher, 128 MB RAB, 1 GB free hard disk space.
- The campus wireless network requires a supported 802.11b or b/g wireless card (Intel, Proxim Orinoco).
If you run multiple applications at the same time – for example, Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, an MP3 player, and an e-mail application – systems that only meet our minimum network specifications may be inadequate for connecting to the network.
We recommend the following minimum used/existing computer specifications:
- At least 256MB (megabytes) of RAM (random access memory). 512MB of RAM is recommended if you plan to have several applications open simultaneously.
- At least 10GB (gigabytes) of storage space. You will need significantly more storage space if you plan to store audio or video files on your computer.
- Built-in CD-ROM or DVD drive.
- Built-in 10/100 Ethernet or available slot for 10/100 Ethernet NIC.
- Pentium 4 or higher for PC; G4 processor or higher for Macintosh.
- Windows 2000 or higher for PC. Mac OS X.1 for Macintosh.
- Microsoft Office XP or higher for PC; Microsoft Office v.X or higher for Macintosh.

What computer can I buy that will last me for four years?
Below are recommendations for computer systems that we believe will meet the computing needs of a typical computer user and adequately support current versions of our recommended software suite (Microsoft Office, e-mail, web browsers, etc.), for the next four years.
- A minimum of 512 MB of RAM. 1GB is recomended.
- At least 40GB (gigabytes) of storage space. Consider upgrading to 80 GB or larger if you plan to store audio or video files on your computer.
- Built-in CD-RW. A CD-RW/DBD combo drive or separate CD-RW and DVD drives recommended.
- Built-in 10/100 Ethernet. 802.11b/g wireless is a recommended upgrade for laptop users.
- Windows: Celeron or Celeron M processor for light use, i.e., word processing, web browsing only. Pentium 4 desktop or Pentium M (Centrino) laptop recommended. Keep in mind that laptops tend to run at slower speeds to conserve power.
- Macintosh: A G4 processor is recommended. Students interested in video or audio creation should consider a G5 processor.
- Windows XP Home or Professional Edition; Mac OS X operating system for Macintosh.
- Microsoft Office 2003 for PC; Microsoft Office 2004 for Macintosh.

When should I buy my computer?
We recommend that you wait until July to purchase a computer. Most vendors don't announce back-to-school promotions until early July, so if you wait, you are likely to get a better price. Machines ordered from the Computer Showroom by the first week of August typically will be on campus and available for pick-up by New Student Orientation.

Should I buy a laptop or a desktop system?
Students tell us that they find a laptop computer very useful. Laptops are portable and flexible in small spaces, such as a residence hall room, but are more vulnerable to theft and cost about $500 more than a comparable desktop. Desktops are more powerful and expandable, but do not offer portability and use a larger amount of desk space.

Should I get a Mac or a PC?
We recommend that you buy what you know. Both platforms are supported on campus, and most students will work with both platforms during their time at Lewis & Clark. Your new computer should be a tool to assist you. Buying what you know will ease the burden of having to learn a new system.

What software do I need?
We support Microsoft Word XP or higher (PC) or Microsoft Word vX or higher (Macintosh) for word processing. If you prefer to use another word processor and plan to print in the public computing labs, we may be unable to support you. The College requires Symantec (Norton) Anti-Virus. Currently enrolled students can download SAV for free from the Information Technology website. Law students can download McAfee Virus Protection software from this page. If you do not install the anti-Virus software you will not be able to connect to the campus network.

For a complete list of supported software go to this page.

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