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Sample Configuartion for Windows Vista:
If you are interested in purchasing a computer with Windows Vista, first confirm that your college and degree program will support the newer operating system. Any new computer purchased should be bought with the potential to upgrade to Windows Vista in mind.
General Information about Vista
Microsoft Vista is the newest operating system released by Microsoft. It offers great new features such as Aero Glass and expanded security settings. However, Microsoft Windows Vista requires large amounts of memory and processing power to run smoothly. To access the Aero Glass feature (the feature with scrolling windows and transparent icons) the computer in question will need to have at least a 128MB Video Card, but a 256MB Video Card is preferred. In addition, with Microsoft Windows Vista being a newer operating system, certain file types will not load or execute properly, but in the coming months Microsoft should release certain patches to correct these errors.
Minimum Hardware Recommendation:
- 1 Gigahertz Processor
- 512MB of Ram of RAM(at 533MHz)
- 40 Gigabyte Hard Drive with a speed of 7200rpm
- DVD-ROM and CDRW Drive
- Support for Direct X 9 and 32MB of Graphics memory
- USB 2.0 port(s)
- 10/100 Ethernet Adapter for Broadband and/or 56K Data Modem for dialup network connection
- WiFi 802.11 b or 802.11g wireless networking on laptops
- Sound card, and speakers or headphones
- 1024 by 768 or higher resolution monitor
- Printer
Suggested Hardware Recommendation:
- 2 Gigahertz Dual Core Processor
- 1 Gigabyte of RAM(at 533MHz)
- 80 Gigabyte Hard Drive with a speed of 7200rpm
- DVD-ROM and CDRW Drive
- 128MB Video Card with Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 256MB Video Card for Aero Glass feature
- USB 2.0 port(s)
- 10/100 Ethernet Adapter for Broadband and/or 56K Data Modem for dialup network connection
- WiFi 802.11 b or 802.11g wireless networking on laptops
- 1GB USB 2.0 Pocket Flash Drive (suggested)
- Sound card, and speakers or headphones
- 1024 by 768 or higher resolution monitor
- Printer
Versions of Microsoft Windows Vista with features
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate-Recommended
- Aero Glass-Included
- Burn DVD Videos-Included
- Media Center-Included
Microsoft Windows Vista Business-Not Recommended
- Aero Glass-Included
- Burn DVD Videos-Not Included
- Media Center-Not Included
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium-Recommended
- Aero Glass-Included
- Burn DVD Videos-Included
- Media Center-Included
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic-Not Recommened
- Aero Glass-Not Included
- Burn DVD Videos- Not Included
- Media Center-Not Included
Computer Performance and Hard drive
Most students at UF will take courses that will use online delivery and communications; Many of these courses use E-Learning. The minimum recommendation provided here is one that ensures that a student will have a reasonable use experience when dealing with online and learning materials. More importantly a smooth experience will make learning more effective for the student (see the college requirements section for more details).
Hard drive space will vary depending on the needs of the program and the habits of the student. Sufficient space must be allowed for the student’s data and applications. Check with your academic department for any specific requirements.
With Windows Vista the storage requirments are higher, due to the larger sizes of the files. It is also suggested to buy a fast hard drive so that the read/write speed will be fast enough to gather data without any delay. The suggested speed is 7200rpm (revolutions per minute) on most hard drives.
DVD and CDRW
The ability to read and write CDs provides a great deal of flexibility to transfer data and most importantly to create permanent backups of the students work. It is important to backup important data files that are stored on your computer. Other backup alternatives are available, such as, back up files onto another computer or use a backup service on the internet. Or you might consider a large (1GB or larger) storage device, such a USB Flash Drive, Zip Drive, CD-R or CD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-RW, USB or Firewire external hard drive (make sure your computer has compatible ports), or other similar technology that will allow you to make frequent, easy and preferably automated backups of your files. Unlike previous versions of Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows Vista requires a DVD-ROM drive to install the operating system and it is nessecary if you ever need to reinstall the operating system.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Many external devices can be connected through this port to the computer, such as flash memory, MP3 players, Ipods, Digital cameras, external Hard drives, DVD burners, Ethernet adapters, etc... USB 2.0 is suggested for Microsoft Vista.
Ethernet Adapter for Connection to the Network
An Ethernet adapter is required for connection to the network. Broadband connectivity is highly recommended (DSL, Cable, or Satellite). Students using dialup only may experience difficulties with some UF systems and may need to use facilities available on campus. Housing and many department complexes offer broadband services as part of their standard living arrangements. In addition, broadband services can be contracted locally. Student living in the Division of Housing should consult the Division of Housing Web Page for more information. Ethernet connection ports are available in most campus labs, classrooms, libraries and other public places to accommodate students with notebook computers.
Wireless Connection to the Network
Laptop users can access Wireless services available at many locations on campus. UF Wireless Homepage
Sound card
Use of multimedia for instruction is now commonplace. A reasonable sound quality is important for uses such as streamed video of classes, distance tutoring, and narrated PowerPoint.
Monitor
A monitor resolution less than indicated here will result in web pages not fitting on a single screen. This will require scrolling vertically and horizontally to view a complete page