FDU recommends that students use Intel based computers running the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System. Academic courseware and all of the computing labs are Windows based. Although students can purchase and use Apple MacIntosh computers, or computers running operating systems other than Windows, support is limited and incompatibilities may affect your ability to complete your coursework.

First and foremost you need to know what you are going to use the computer for. Are you going to write papers for class? Surf the World Wide Web? Play 3-D computer games? You need to know what it is you want to do with the computer as this will often dictate minimum system requirements. A computer used for only word processing has a different minimum system requirement than one that will be used for Web surfing, computer programming, or multimedia on-line virtual reality gaming. The latter requires higher-end systems with more memory, more disk storage space, faster processor, and a network card to connect to the Internet. It is best to know exactly what applications you intend to use (i.e., Microsoft Office, SPSS, AutoCAD, …) and to know what minimum system requirements are necessary for these applications so that you purchase nothing less.

Once you determine what you need the computer for, and the minimum system requirements, you need to review your budget and determine how much you can spend. One can expect to pay $800 to $1000 for a good quality, Pentium 4 based desktop system, including software and a monitor, and about twice that for a comparable laptop. You will often see systems advertised for less but there are good reasons why these systems are cheaper.

Buy as much PC as you can reasonably afford and do not cut corners on the main system unit. Do not be too conservative on selecting the processor or the amount of memory or the amount of disk storage. You do not want to be too conservative on the main system and find yourself running out of memory or disk storage space in the first two weeks, or the first two years. If you are short on cash, hold off on purchasing the printer, other accessories, and unnecessary software applications that
you don’t really need. Chosen wisely, your computer will serve you well for your stay at FDU. Remember, you get what you pay for. If the price is cheap, most likely the components are cheap.

Operating Systems

Purchase a computer that runs Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2. XP is a multitasking, multithreaded, operating system that is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit formats. As virtually all consumer software is 32-bit software, and there may be incompatibility issues with using the 64-bit version, it is the 32-bit version that is recommended for use at FDU.

There are two 32-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. Both versions have the new Windows XP interface, advanced support for laptops, wireless connections, faster bootup and application startup times, advanced power management, a built in Internet firewall, and support Internet Explorer Privacy. The Windows XP Professional version has support for remote desktops, offline files and folders, multiprocessor support, file encryption, enhanced administrative functions, and a multi-lingual user interface, and is the recommended PC Operating System at FDU.

In addition to any applications required to do your academic work, the PC must be protected against viruses, worms, spyware, and other computer malware. FDU provides Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition to all students free of charge. While XP is the FDU enterprise standard, a computer capable of running Microsoft Vista should be considered.

Software Applications

If the PC of choice comes pre-loaded with software, such as Microsoft Office, know that the software that is purchased with the new computer often has a special OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) license. That OEM license is tied to that specific PC and can not be transferred (uninstalled/reinstalled) to another computer. So, if you replace your PC in a couple years, you will also need to purchase all of the OEM licensed software. This is another reason for selecting an initial system expected to have a long useful life.

If you plan to replace the computer every couple of years, consider purchasing a retail copy of the software rather than buying the software with the new computer. With a retail copy of the software you can easily uninstall and reinstall the software ,and license, between the old computer and the new computer. Depending on the application, retail software is going to cost you about 50% more than the OEM software purchased with the computer, but it will save you money in the long run.

Be sure to safeguard all media and documentation as it is often required for restoring and/or upgrading your computer.

Accessing the Internet at FDU

Virtually all desktop and laptop computer systems come with a network interface card (NIC) to allow for an Ethernet connection to a network. Additionally, most laptop computers come equipped with a wireless network card that allows the laptop to connect to the internet without the need for a wire in wireless enabled, or ‘wi-fi’,location.

Wireless connectivity to the FDU network and the internet is not available in the Residence Halls. All desktop and laptop computers connect to the internet in the Residence Halls through the Ethernet NIC. There are many locations throughout the campuses that provide wireless connectivity. For a listing of these locations please visit http://isweb.fdu.edu/computing/hotspots.html

Picking a Processor

At any given moment there are usually three processors in a manufacturer’s pipeline: 1) an economy processor, 2) a mainstream product, and 3) a new technology product which will eventually render the mainstream product obsolete.

The economy processor is typically found in less expensive laptop and desktop systems in order to reduce cost. Although these processors will run most consumer software, there is often a performance hit which may, or may not, be noticeable, depending upon what applications are being run. It is not recommended to buy a computer with a value processor unless you know that your computing needs, now and in the future, do not justify the added expense of a higher end processor.

The mainstream processor is typically the current product offering in a manufacturer’s primary personal computer product line, and often comes in different models offering different performance levels at different price points. The mainstream processors have normally been in production for a while, are often tried and true in the marketplace, and can offer the most value and bang for the buck. If this is your choice, select the most recent, fastest, and most feature rich processor available to extend the useful life of your computer.

As the mainstream product matures and evolves, it is doomed to obsolescence by a newer technology product line. The newer product line typically offers an incremental increase in processing power, and other features, but it will come at a premium price. The prices of these processors will fall over time as production ramps up and there is acceptance in the marketplace making these products the mainstream product line. The biggest advantage of buying a computer with the latest technology is the extended useful life of the computer system.

As of this writing, and for illustrative purposes:

Intel’s Celeron processor designed for the lower-end computer market. It has some of the characteristics of the higher-end processors, but differs in data bus speed, cache and memory utilization, operating frequency and temperature. It is cheaper to produce and thus cheaper for computer manufacturers to incorporate in their low-end computers. Depending on what you are using the computer for, this may or may not matter to you but the recommendation would be to opt for the Duo, Core 2, or Quad Core Intel processors.

Intel’s Dual Core, or Duo, processor is a mainstream line of processors destined to obsolescence with the introduction of Intel's Dual Core 2 technology. A new system based upon a high end Duo can offer many years of service for Internet applications that use streaming media (sound and video), 3D graphics enhancements for games and design applications, image processing including digital photography, digital video and content creation, speech recognition, engineering and scientific applications, and multitasking applications at a reasonable cost.

As the Dual Core based systems are phased out, more and more systems based upon Intel’s Core 2 or Quad Core technology will arrive in the marketplace. Initially, these systems will be premium priced but will, over time, come down in price as they become the mainstream product offering.

Again, in order to extend the useful life of your new computer system purchase, initially buy as much computer as you can.

Desktop versus Portable

A portable computer is defined as a computer that is designed to be easily transported and relocated. The advantages of a notebook computer over a desktop are the portability and the small size. Notebooks are quite convenient if you are on the go and need a computer with you. Due to their smaller size, they are also the computer of choice for people that have limited space in their home or office.

The main disadvantages of a notebook are their computing power, upgradeability, video display, and price. If you are looking for a high-end workstation, capable of running the latest 3-D games, or a system that has enormous disk storage for video and music files, you probably don't want a notebook. If you want to be able to upgrade your computer with the latest in technology, you probably don't want a notebook or laptop computer. In a desktop system, you can install a second hard drive, add or swap adapter cards, or even replace a bad motherboard or power supply if need be. In a notebook computer, upgradeability is essentially limited to adding more memory which is often very expensive and, in some models, can be a real challenge. However, a notebook can take advantage of some of the features that are available to a desktop computer by adding on a docking station. Finally, if you want to get the most computer power for your money, you probably don't want a notebook.

Watch the weight! Notebooks and laptops are designed to be portable. There are light portables and there are not so light portables. You will be surprised at just how heavy that laptop is when you have to carry it around all day! In the portable market, expect to pay a premium for a lighter weight.

Watch the power! Notebooks and laptops are designed to be portable. Beware that you may be ‘porting’ the computer to a location without power. Some laptops are so feature rich that they are close to being desktops. However, these systems can often consume so much power that battery life is quite limited. Choose a model with a long battery life or purchase an extended life battery. In the portable market, expect to pay a premium for a system that can run on battery for extended periods of time.

If you are interested in purchasing a notebook computer, expect to pay more than a desktop system with the same features - in the computer world, smaller is almost always more expensive.

Typical System Configuration

Intel Duo or Intel Dual Core 2 Processor (desktop)
Intel Mobile M / Centrino / Dual Core or Dual Core 2 Processor (laptop)
1GB or more memory
80GB or more disk storage (laptop)
160GB or more disk storage (desktop)
DVD/CD-RW Optical Drive
USB ports
Parallel port
100/1000 NIC
LCD Display
Built-in Wireless Ethernet Adapter (laptop)
USB Thumbdrive

Have I Got a Deal For You

Buyer beware! This is particularly true in the computer business since the general public tends to be less informed and the terminology can be a bit overwhelming. Opting for lower-end options to reduce cost can be very tempting but it can also affect the useful life of your computer and place you at risk of needing expensive upgrades in the future, often more than offsetting the initial savings. Generally speaking, selecting lower-end options or accepting older technology to reduce the initial investment often costs more in the long run.

Here are a few things to look out for when purchasing a computer:

Manufacturers often reduce the price of their notebook computers by reducing the amount of RAM memory that comes standard. This serves two purposes, 1) since notebook memory is expensive, it makes for a cheaper notebook and 2) since notebook memory usually carries a premium price, there is a premium after market sale. If you will be running Microsoft Windows XP, you will want at least 512MB of memory. 1GB or more memory for laptops and desktops is recommended. Vista performs better with 2GB or more.

Carefully choose the amount of hard disk storage that you need, especially for laptop users whose portable is going to be the primary computer. Manufacturers often reduce the price of the notebook by reducing the size of the hard drive. Unlike upgrading the memory, upgrading the hard drive in a notebook computer is probably not something you will want to attempt to do yourself, so get the largest drive that you can afford. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase a docking station or expansion base for your notebook, you can add disk space with external devices using a large, and less costly, desktop computer hard drive instead. Look for notebooks that offer 80GB or more of storage and for a desktop, well over 100GB.

Unless you are doing sophisticated video editing, choose a LCD display that offers a large screen size and high resolution. A 17” LCD that can produce a 1280x1024 image is recommended at a minimum. Although most notebook computers come with an Active Matrix display, there are still a few models with Passive Matrix displays. Make sure you know what you are getting before signing on the dotted line. You definitely want an Active matrix display and not Passive Matrix.

Theft Prevention

One out of every ten notebook computers ends up being stolen. To keep your new notebook safe:

• Record the serial numbers for your notebook and peripherals along with a complete description of each item. Take a copy of this with you on trips just in case you need to report the notebook as stolen.
• Never leave a notebook unattended in a hotel room and if the hotel has a safe available, leave your notebook there when you are gone.
• Make sure your personal insurance covers the notebook, if not purchase a separate policy.
• When traveling, keep your notebook in an ambiguous carrying case such as carry-on luggage on an airplane or in a briefcase.
• Have a current backup of all the important information on the notebook and keep this in a safe place.

Where to Buy

There is no shortage of places to go to buy a computer. There are reputable retailers, mail-order firms, and on-line sources for both hardware and software. Just remember to buy value, not least cost. Purchase a recognized brand from a reputable and knowledgeable source. Consider upgrades, accessories, student discounts, what you are expected to do for servicing and repairs if the computer fails.

If the store deals strictly in computer systems, components, and supplies, check to see if they are an authorized repair facility for one of the brand name computer manufacturers that they carry, like Lenovo, IBM, Hewlett Packard, etc. This is usually an indication that it is a pretty reputable place since these companies do not authorize everyone to repair their components.

FDU has standardized on IBM/Lenovo desktop and ThinkPad laptop computers. As a result of this relationship, IBM/Lenovo offers FDU students pre-configured computers that are well equipped and competitively priced. For more information go to

http://isweb.fdu.edu
< select> Personal Computing
< select> Lenovo Deal

Take a Course

Once you get your new computer, take some time to learn how to use it. Computers can be very frustrating, especially if this is your first one. There are literally hundreds of computer user groups and evening and weekend courses available at public schools, libraries, and colleges. Check the computer section of the yellow pages in your phone book or the local newspaper for the one nearest you.

Still Confused?

If you would like to speak to someone about an upcoming computer purchase, call the FDU Technical Assistance Center at 973-443-8822. Be sure to have your College/University ID in hand before you call in order to get service. Our agents will be happy to help you or get you in contact with one of FDU’s technical team to assist you in making an informed decision.