Student Computer Specifications
If you are a student at Mississippi State University considering a computer purchase, we encourage you to read this page carefully.
Some departments and colleges require or recommend specific hardware and/or software that may vary from the university baseline specifications. If you are a student in one of these academic units, you should follow these computer guidelines:
- Adkerson School of Accountancy (PDF)
Requirements for students upper-level and graduate students. - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Requirements match the requirements for MSU except for Landscape Architecture students and Human Sciences students. Please see departmental websites. - School of Architecture
Requirements for Architecture Students. - Bagley College of Engineering
Requirements for Engineering Students. - College of Veterinary Medicine (PDF)
Requirements for Vet. Med. Students. - School of Human Sciences (PDF)
Requirements for ATM Human Sciences Students.
For students not in one of these colleges or departments, the following specifications should be considered as recommended minimums for any new computer purchase.
Minimum Student Laptop Computer Specifications:
- Processor: Intel or AMD 2.5 Ghz
- Memory: 4 gigabyte
- Disk storage: 250 gigabyte hard disk drive and combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
- Video: 1280 X 800 resolution Active Matrix (TFT) LCD with 256 MB dedicated video memory
- Network Connectivity: Built-in 10/100/1000 Base T Ethernet, and Internal 802.11g wireless
- Other External Ports: USB, VGA
- Warranty: 3 year onsite manufacturer's warranty
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate,
or MacOS X 10.6 or higher
Minimum Student Desktop Computer Specifications:
- Processor: Intel or AMD 2.5 GHz
- Memory: 4 gigabyte
- Disk storage: 250 gigabyte hard disk drive and combo DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
- Video: 256 MB dedicated video RAM & LCD monitor
- Network Connectivity: 10/100/1000 Base T Ethernet
- Warranty: 3 year onsite manufacturer's warranty
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate,
or MacOS X 10.6 or higher
Brand
As with most other major purchases, it is good advice to choose a reputable brand from a reputable source. The Gartner Group, an independent provider of research and analysis on information technology, lists quality manufacturers of Windows compatible computers. The Gartner list contains brands such as Dell, IBM and Hewlett-Packard. Although not on the Gartner list, Howard Computers, based in Laurel, Mississippi, is also worthy of consideration. If you plan on purchasing an Apple computer, the Gartner list does not apply since there is only one manufacturer.
Extended Warranty
Many computer manufacturers provide extended warranties that cover problems beyond the normal warranty period. ITS strongly recommends that you purchase a three-year onsite warranty along with your new computer. Details of these warranties will vary depending on the manufacturer.
These specifications were last updated on February 6, 2012.
