Bringing a Computer to Truman

Though not required, students may purchase a personal computer, or bring an existing computer to campus. This page details minimum requirements recommended by the ITS Department, purchasing information and services/resources available to those who have personal computers. You may want to consider the differences between a laptop or a desktop computer.

Services available to students who choose to bring a computer:

• Direct access to the campus network and Internet for all residents. Students must supply their own Ethernet network adapter and a 25' CAT-5 patch cable.
  
  
• Direct access to the campus network and Internet via open network ports in Pickler Memorial Library, classrooms, and other campus buildings. Students must supply their own laptops, Ethernet network adapters, and CAT-5 patch cables to use these ports.
  
  
• Wireless 802.11b/g network access is available campus wide. See the ITS Network Services web page for more information. 
  
  
• Free antivirus software.
   
• Significant discounts on Microsoft software.

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Computer Recommendations for Incoming Students
for the 2008-2009 School Year

If you plan to buy a new computer, we recommend that it meet the following criteria:

Computer Type	PC	Macintosh
Processor	Pentium 4 or equivalent	G5 or Intel processor
Memory	1 GB RAM	1 GB RAM
Operating System	Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (with security updates installed) or Vista	OS X (with security updates installed)
Other Software (Office is not required-but recommended)	MS Office 2003 or Office 2007** Antivirus Software with at least a 1-year Update Subscription (or after you receive your Truman Computer Account, click HERE to download and install McAfee VirusScan Enterprise for free)	Microsoft Office 2004 Antivirus Software with 1-year Update Subscription (or after you receive your Truman Computer Account, click HERE to download and install McAfee Virex for free)
Other Hardware(Recommended, but not required)	Ethernet connection (Usually built-in) and a 25' CAT-5 patch cable CD-RW drive USB Flash Drive (for portable storage) 802.11b/g wireless network card (if purchasing a laptop computer)	Ethernet connection (Usually built-in) and a 25' CAT-5 patch cable CD-RW drive USB Flash Drive (for portable storage) 802.11b/g wireless network card (if purchasing a laptop computer)

**Truman has a Student Select agreement with Microsoft which allows students to purchase Microsoft Office software at a significantly reduced price.  Visit this page for more information.

Making the Purchase:

There are many great deals to be had on computer systems in the commercial world. It is wise to do some homework before one makes a purchase. Make a list of the types of operations to be performed with the computer so that sales people, consultants or interactive web guides will be more helpful in assisting with a computer purchase.

Recommended Web Sites:

• Links to purchasing options available to Truman students (includes links to vendor websites, and options for student discounts.)
  
  
• CNET's Desktop Buying Guide
   
• CNET's Notebook Buying Guide
  
  
• ZD Net's Computer Shopper Buying Guide

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If you already own a computer that you are considering bringing to campus, we recommend that it meet the following minimum criteria:

Computer Type	IBM or compatible	Macintosh
Processor	Pentium 4 or equivalent	G4 or G5 processor
Memory	512 MB	512 MB
Operating System	Windows XP SP2 (with security updates installed)	OS X (10.3 or higher and with security updates installed)
Other Software (Office is not required-but recommended)	MS Office 2003 Antivirus Software with 1-year Update Subscription (or after you receive your Truman Computer Account, click HERE to download and install McAfee VirusScan for free)	Microsoft Office X Antivirus Software with 1-year Update Subscription (or after you receive your Truman Computer Account, click HERE to download and install McAfee Virex for free)
Other Hardware(Recommended, but not required)	Ethernet connection (Usually built-in) and a 25' CAT-5 patch cable CD-RW drive USB Flash Drive (for portable storage) 802.11b/g wireless network card (if purchasing a laptop computer)	Ethernet connection (Usually built-in) and a 25' CAT-5 patch cable CD-RW drive USB Flash Drive (for portable storage) 802.11b/g wireless network card (if purchasing a laptop computer)