IT Services

Can you recommend a computer?


While Shepherd does not require students to own a computer, we strongly encourage it. The decision to purchase a Windows or Apple computer should be made based on your major. Linux based computers are becoming popular, but they require a greater knowledge than PCs or Macs. Contact the department chair from your area of study to determine which type is right for you.

Shepherd does not operate a computer store and we cannot repair computers. We strongly recommend you research vendors and purchase a quality machine backed by good service. Vendors such as Dell, Apple, Gateway and HP have solid reputations. Search for education discounts from the vendor and take advantage of them if offered. Consider extended warranties.

Our suggestions below are for students looking to purchase a computer that will last four years.

 
Windows

Hardware Item

Desktop

Laptop

Processor “CPU”

Intel / AMD with a min of  2.0GHz, 2MB L2 cache

Intel / AMD with a min of  2.0GHz, 2MB L2 cache

Graphics Card “GPU”

128MB*

128MB*

Memory “RAM”

2GB

2GB

Hard drive “HDD”

120GB

120GB

CD / DVD Drive

CD / DVD RW

CD / DVD RW

Operating System

Windows XP SP2 / Vista, or Linux

Windows XP SP2 / Vista, or Linux

Network Interface

10/100 Network card

10/100 Network card

Monitor

15 inch flat panel or larger

15 inch or larger

Wireless Card

No

802.11 a/b/g compliant

Optional

 

 

Warranty

3 - 4 year Recommended

3 - 4 year Recommended

Anti-Virus

IT Services Provided**

IT Services Provided**

Office Software

Microsoft Office***

Microsoft Office***

 
Macs

Hardware Item

Desktop

Laptop

Processor “CPU”

iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz minimum

Mac Book with Intel Core 2 Duo  2.0 Ghz minimum

Graphics Card “GPU”

128MB

N/A

Memory “RAM”

1GB

1GB

Hard drive “HDD”

160GB

120GB

CD / DVD Drive

CD / DVD RW

CD / DVD RW

Network Interface

10/100 Network card

10/100 Network card

Monitor

17 inch flat panel or larger

13 inch

Wireless Card

Airport Extreme

Airport Extreme

Optional

 

 

Warranty

3 year Recommended

3 year Recommended

Office Software

Microsoft Office***

Microsoft Office***

 

*     Brand name is optional. nVidia and ATI both produce excellent products.
**   Shepherd provides Symantec Norton Antivirus
*** Microsoft Office can be purchased at a special discount rate. See Discount Software for more details.


Shepherd IT Services 304-876-5245  
User Support Desk 304-876-5457