Computer Recommendations for Students
Owning a computer is not required. However, many students find it very beneficial. For more information, please see Prospective and Incoming Student FAQs.
Denison's Information Technology Services (ITS) provides recommended and minimum configurations for student computers based on network requirements and software compatibility.
| RECOMMENDED Configuration | MINIMUM Configuration | |
| Operating System | Mac: Mac OS X 10.8 Windows: Windows 7 or newer |
Mac: Mac OS X 10.6 Windows: Windows 7 |
| Processor | Intel i3, i5, i7 | Intel i3 or equivalent |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Network Connectivity | Wired: Ethernet Wireless: 802.11 n |
Wired: Ethernet Wireless: 802.11 g, n |
| Warranty | 1-4 year warranty* |
*If you are purchasing a new computer, ITS recommends purchasing an extended warranty with on-site support and accidental damage protection if available.
Vendors Offering Discounted Pricing
Apple, Dell, and HP provide discounted pricing to Denison students. Online store links:
- Apple: http://store.apple.com/us-hed
- Dell: http://www.dell.com/DENISONUNIVERSITY
- HP: http://gem.compaq.com/gemstore/home.asp?oi=E9CED
If you are interested in seeing the models Denison is currently purchasing for faculty/staff as a reference for your purchase, please visit www.denison.edu/its/support/summerreplacement.html.
Important Additional Recommendations
| Software | Denison provides Microsoft Office and McAfee antivirus software for both Windows and Mac computers at minimal or no charge. You will not need to purchase these for your computer. |
| Power Conditioning | You should purchase a surge protector to protect your equipment from power surges. |
| External Hard Drive | ITS strongly recommends that students purchase an external hard drive and regularly back up your important files on that hard drive. |
| USB Memory Stick (aka pen or thumb drive) | Many students find it valuable to have a USB memory stick to store files as a backup and to move files between computers. |
| Operating System Upgrades | Denison's Microsoft agreement allows students to install Windows 7 or 8 (32-bit or 64-bit) on their personally-owned computers. For more information, contact the ITS Help Desk at 740-587-6395 or helpdesk@denison.edu. |