Recommended Computer Purchases
The following recommendations are aimed at computer purchases for computers to be used at the McCombs School of Business. Recommendations will be revised as newer technology becomes available.
Recommended Desktop Features
We recommend that all new computer purchases for the Business School meet or exceed the following specifications.
| Processor |
2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz Core 2 Quad |
Minimum for typical users Recommended for Power users |
| Ram |
2.0GB 4.0GB or more |
Minimum for typical users Recommended for Power users |
| Hard Drive |
80GB RAID 1 250GB RAID 1 |
Minimum for typical users Recommended for Power users |
| Video |
Many systems come with onboard video, this is fine as long as they also feature at least
128MB of video memory. If a system requires a separate video card or a video card is desired, we recommend an ATI or NVidia card with at least 256 MB of video memory if those options are available. |
|
| Sound |
Most systems come with onboard sound capability. If a system requires a separate sound card or a sound card upgrade is desired, we recommend a SoundBlaster card if the option is available. |
|
| Monitor |
We recommend a 19" or larger LCD Flat Panel Display. Though these are more
expensive than traditional CRT monitors, they consume
only 30% of the power. We suggest you make your monitor selection based on your own preference and budget. |
|
| OS |
Windows XP Home if the option is available, otherwise Windows XP Professional. We will re-install the OS along with the BSCOE prior to delivery to the user, so the least expensive operating system is best. |
|
| Anti-virus Software |
For UT owned computers deployed at the Business School, you do not need to
purchase antivirus software. UT has secured licenses for Symantec antivirus software. We will install
it during the the setup process.
For personally owned computers, or UT owned computers to be installed off campus, you may download this software from www.utexas.edu/its/bevoware . (Do NOT install if you're already running an antivirus application until you un-install the current software) |
|
Suggested Desktop Systems
We suggest the following systems as examples that meet the above recommendations and also offer some of the more commonly requested options. These are not the only configurations that meet these goals, and these configurations still leave room for features to be changed, added, or removed while still remaining within the recommended specifications.
| Suggested system for typical users | Suggested system for power users |
| Dell Optiplex 755 Minitower | Dell Optiplex 755 Minitower |
| 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo | 2.40 GHz Core 2 Quad |
| 2.0GB DDR 2 SDRAM | 4.0GB DDR 2 SDRAM |
| 160GB Hard Drive RAID 1 | 250GB Hard Drive RAID 1 |
| DVI (Digital) Video Adapter Card | |
| Integrated Audio | |
| Integrated Intel 10/100/1000 | |
| 16X DVD+/-RW Drive | |
| USB Miltimedia Keyboard | |
| USB 5-Button Optical Mouse with Scroll | |
| Speakers (if desired) | |
| 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor | |
| Windows XP Home Operating System | |
| *See note above about antivirus software | |
| 3-year next business day or 3-year limited warranty | |
