IT - Hardware Recommendations

Hardware Recommendations for Students

The information provided below is intended to serve as a guide for students who wish to purchase typical desktop, laptop, or electronic storage devices. Full support packages from the manufacturer are highly recommended because TW does not provide support for student-owned hardware and software.

Desktop Computers

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor or faster
1 GB of system memory or more
40 GB hard drive or more
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
          WDDM Driver
          128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
           Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
           32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive
Audio Output
RJ45 Ethernet port
3 year or more in-home service package from the manufacturer
24/7 technical support package from the manufacturer
Windows XP OS or newer
Microsoft Office 2003 Suite or newer
2 year or more Anti-virus software subscription

Check Dell's Higher Education website* for a comparable system.

Laptop Computers

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor or faster
1 GB of system memory or more
40 GB hard drive or more
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
          WDDM Driver
          128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
           Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
           32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive
Audio Output
RJ45 Ethernet port
Wireless 802.11b/g card
3 year or more in-home service package from the manufacturer
24/7 technical support package from the manufacturer
Windows XP OS or newer
Microsoft Office 2003 Suite or newer
2 year or more Anti-virus software subscription

Check Dell's Higher Education website* for a comparable system.

Portable Storage

USB Key
Unsecure storage
Compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista OS
1GB storage or greater
High Speed USB interface
Plug and Play
3 year or more service warranty

Check Kingston's website* for a comparable storage device.

*Texas Wesleyan University is not affiliated with Microsoft, Inc., Dell Inc., or Kingston Technology. The links to manufacturers provided on this page are placed for convenience. Students are welcome to select products from other manufacturers.

Did You Know?

TW Students are eligible to purchase software at discounted prices.

Go to the Academic Superstore page.

Go to the Texas Wesleyan Bookstore Software page .

Anti-Virus

Anti-virus software is required to gain access to the campus network.

Go to the Anti-Virus page.