Recommended Computer Systems

Computers in Education

As we progress further and further into the 21st century, computers are only going to play a larger and larger role in education and indeed every facet of our society. As such, we feel that it is important that students are equipped with the best machine for their means and needs.
As such, some of the major schools within the UT system have provided us with a list of recommendations for any student's computer within their program. While every computer we sell at the computer store either meets or exceeds the recommended specifications, we think it makes little sense to buy a new computer if your old one will work.
On this page you will find a list of general hardware specifications for the various pieces of software which any given student will most likely need to run. If you would like to see what your specific school recommends, please click on one of the links at the top of the page.

For the most part, whether or not you use a Windows-based computer or an Apple computer is irrelevant. Today both machines are fully capable of running most of the software any one given student might need. There are of course exceptions too this, if your major requires you to use programs such as AutoCad, OneNote, Access or Publisher then you must run a Windows XP or Vista computer as the software is not available for Apple's operating system.
If you still wish to use a Mac, since 2005 Apple has started using Intel processors in their computers enabling users to run the Windows operating system on their computers in addition to the Mac OS operating system. You can choose to do so in two ways, Boot Camp or with virtualization software such as VMWare Fusion and Parallels. To find out which would best suit you, please either contact the Business school or send us an e-mail at UCCS@Tennessee.edu or call us at 865-974-2930. Below is the minimum system configuration supported on campus. Obviously, new computers are much more robust but if you can't afford the latest hardware here are some guidelines.

Windows PC's Apple Macintosh

Processor:

Intel Pentium 4 1.5GHz or Equivalent

PowerPC G4 1.5GHz or Faster

RAM:

1GB or More

Hard Drive:

80GB or Greater

Graphics:

Integrated Video w/ 32MB VRAM or Better

Chipset with 32MB VRAM or Better

CD Drive:

Combo Drive (DVD-ROM + CD-R/W)

System:

Windows XP SP2 or Vista Business/Ultimate

Mac OS X 10.3.9 "Panther" or Newer

Software:

Office 2003 Professional or Newer

Office 2004 Professional or Newer

Networking:

10/100 Ethernet or 802.11B Wireless

10/100 Ethernet or Airport Card

The only real requirement is the Operating System, people running systems older than Window XP with Service Pack 2 or Mac OS X 10.3.9 will run into alot of compatibility isssues and decreasing software availability. We strongly recommend using the newest available hardware and software but we also recognize that this is not always practical.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 865-974-2930 or by e-mail at UCCS@Tennessee.edu.