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) group 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 10.7 Windows: Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate |
Mac: Mac OS X 10.5 Windows: Windows XP Service Pack 3 |
| Processor | Intel i3, i5, i7 | Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 250 GB or larger | 10 GB available space |
| Network Connectivity | Wired: Ethernet Wireless: 802.11 g, n |
Wired: Ethernet Wireless: 802.11 b, g (for laptops) |
| Warranty | 1-4 year warranty* |
Vendors Offering Discounted Pricing
The computer vendors with whom Denison works offer discounted pricing to students. Online store links:
- Apple: http://store.apple.com/us-hed
- Dell: http://www.dell.com/DENISONUNIVERSITY
- HP: http://www.campushp.com
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 and Information
| 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 or Uninterruptible Power Supply. A surge protector protects against power surges; an uninterruptible power supply both protects against power surges and provides a short-term power supply so you can save your work. Most students purchase a surge protector. |
| 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 XP Professional or Windows 7 (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. |