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Policy on Student Purchased Computers
The Computer Science department strongly encourages all freshmen to own a computer. Students taking courses numbered 200 or above, and all graduate students, are expected to own a computer. If you already own a computer, even if it falls a bit short of the specifications, you may wish to bring it to school for the first year to see if it meets your needs.
| Minimum | |
| Processor: | 2 G Hz Intel Compatible |
| Memory: | 512 MB |
| Monitor: | 17-inch monitor that supports 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Video: | 64 MB video card that supports 1024 x 768 resolution. |
| Hard Drive: | 15 GB drive |
| Multimedia: | 16x CD-ROM, 32 bit SoundBlaster compatible sound card |
| Removable Media: | CD-RW drive; 512 MB USB Flash drive |
| Printer: | Students can use printers on the JMU network (for a per page fee billed to a JAC card). Most students also own an inexpensive printer. |
| Network: | Dorms and campus apartments: Ethernet card. Off-campus: 56K modem. |
| OS: | Windows XP and/or Linux |
| Software: | MS Office or OpenOffice. |
Notes on operating systems: The Computer Science Dpeartment has both Unix/Linux labs and MS-Windows labs. As a result, most students use Windows XP and/or Linux on their personal computers. Some students do successfully use OS X, but you should be aware that there is only limited support available for OS X at JMU.
Notes on software: Much of the software that students will use in their courses is available for free from a variety of sources. Other software is available through the JMU bookstore at a special academic price. Contact the bookstore for more information. Some courses may request that students buy additional software. The instructor will inform students of the necessary items and their costs.
Notes on networking: The JMU bookstore provides appropriate network cards for the JMU network. Network service is purchased separately, through CampusNet. JMU provides WiFi access at a variety of locations on campus.
Notes on notebook computers: Notebook computers have advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, you can bring them to class and the library, work in bed, etc... However, their disadvantages are also considerable: cost, difficulty of repair and upgrade, theft risk, and risk of accidental damage.
If you are buying a new computer system, chances are any desktop system you buy will meet or exceed all of the above requirements for well under $1,500. The power of computers increases very rapidly; if you're going to attempt to buy a computer that will last for your entire undergraduate career, you will want to buy as far above the listed specs as you can afford.
