The computer requirements outlined below are recommended configurations

• These recommended configurations reflect what are most commonly accepted as realistic minimums to run applications such as MS Office, database and/or web publishing applications. These recommendations are intended to be workable minimums that will provide a pleasant computing experience. If you plan to use your computer primarily for e-mail and Internet browsing, a less powerful computer may be sufficient.
• Keep in mind, computing requirements are driven by the Operating System (OS) and the applications that are used on the computer. The newer the OS and/or the newer the applications, the higher the processor, RAM and hard disk requirements will be.
• If your PC does not have an ethernet adapter pre-installed, we suggest purchasing a 3Com 10/100 Etherlink adapter. Laptop users can purchase a comparable PCMCIA card.
• You must also have a category 5 (or 5e), 10BaseT ethernet dropcord to connect your ethernet adapter to the ethernet wall outlet. The ResNet system was designed for the use of a 3-meter patch cable (also referred to as a dropcord). If you choose to use a longer dropcord, the level of service cannot be guaranteed. Category 5 (or 5e), 10BaseT ethernet dropcords are now commonly available at most consumer electronics stores. The University Bookstore at the IMU will carry the dropcord recommended by ITS. (Please note: Splitters or other connection devices should never be used to connect two or more Ethernet cords.)
• For a detailed list of recommendations please see the ITS web site at: http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/demo/compreq.htm

• CD-RW or DVD±RW Drives are useful for backing up data and sharing large files. Many computers come standard with these types of drives.
• Wireless Networking Card. Some students with laptops may wish to take advantage of our wireless network. For more details see http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/wireless/.
• USB Keys have become popular portable storage devices. USB Keys are also called USB Flash Drives or USB Jump Drives and can be used on any computer with a USB port. Data transfer is fast and reliable, and it's only as big as your room key.

• The University of Iowa has a site license for software such as the latest versions of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (both PC and Mac) and Microsoft Visual Studio.NET. These software titles are available at a significantly reduced price (most are below $10) or are downloadable for free (Microsoft Office XP only). Contact the IMU bookstore for details on obtaining this software at (319) 335-3179.
• ITS Campus Services also provides downloads for other software titles including e-mail clients, antivirus software, secure shell clients, and ftp software. For more details, see http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/software/.

• The PC Demo area has on display different configurations of PC and Macintosh Computers as well as staff to answer questions about the purchase of those systems. The demo area is located within the ITS Help Desk in room 2800 University Capitol Centre, (319) 384-HELP.
• Dell, Gateway, HP, Lenovo and Apple have custom online stores for the University of Iowa and in some cases there is a discount for students. Links to these stores as well as information on obtaining loans is available at helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/demo.

• If you run into software or hardware problems the ITS Help Desk is available to answer questions or to troubleshoot your problem. The Help Desk can be contacted at 384-HELP or you can e-mail them at its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu.

To answer questions and install network software for all residence halls, you can call the ITS HELPDESK (#4-HELP or #4-4357).