Hardware and Software Specs for Network Compatibility

The student residential network (ResNet) provides network connectivity in every student dorm room. Student personal computers must meet or exceed the requirements below for membership in the ResNet.

Computer Hardware (required):
Windows based PC or Apple Macintosh desktop or laptop (laptop recommended).
800Mhz or higher CPU clock speed (PC). 400Mhz or higher CPU clock speed (Mac).
256MB or more of RAM.
10/100Base-T Ethernet Network Card (NIC). Supported network cards include Intel, 3Com, HP/Compaq, Linksys or Macintosh NIC. Non-supported network cards may not work with the campus network.

Computer Operating Systems Supported (required):
Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 4.
Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2.
Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2.
Windows Vista.
Mac OS X or higher.

Security Patches Required for Windows PC and Apple Macintosh:
Windows - All critical patches released by Microsoft (download at windowsupdate.microsoft.com).
Macintosh - All security updates released by Apple (download at www.apple.com/support/downloads/).
All computers must have the latest security updates installed for admission to the ResNet.

Anti-Virus Software Supported (anti-virus software is required for membership in the campus ResNet):
Symantec Norton Anti-Virus (latest versions with updated virus definitions).
McAfee (latest versions with updated virus definitions).
Trend Micro (latest versions with updated virus definitions).

Anti-Spyware Software Supported (anti-spyware software is required for membership in the campus ResNet):
Symantec.
McAfee.
Trend Micro.
Web Root Spy Sweeper.
Spybot Search & Destroy.
LavaSoft Ad Aware.

Software (not required for membership in the ResNet but is recommended for compatibility with campus computer labs):
Productivity Suite - Microsoft Office 2003/2007.
Word Processing Software - Microsoft Word 2003/2007.
Spread Sheet Software - Microsoft Excel 2003/2007.
Presentation Software - Microsoft PowerPoint 2003/2007.
Desktop Publishing Software - Microsoft Publisher 2003/2007.
Graphic Design Software - Adobe CS (versions 2 or 3).
E-mail Access - Web access using Internet Browser (Outlook Express or any other SMTP client is not compatible)
Internet Browsers - Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 (or higher), Mozilla Firefox, Safari.