Recommended technology specifications:

The Computer Store recommends the following minimum hardware specifications for new computer purchases:

Processor: i5, i7, or Xeon

RAM: 16 GB or more

Hard Drive: 250 GB or more

For CAD users a discrete graphics processor – AMD or NVidia

 

Suggestions for selecting a computer:

The most valuable asset of a computer is not the processor speed, the memory size, or the brand. The most valuable asset is the interface supplied to the user. Does the user like using this computer? If the screen gives you headaches, the keyboard feels like cardboard, or the laptop weighs too much; you will not like using it the way it was intended. The best way to select a machine is to first feel the keyboard, do you like the feel of the keys under your fingers? Then assess the screen, is it clear to you, do you feel you can look at it for hours without getting a headache or other ailment?  Once you’ve decided if these two features are to your liking, begin to look at the specification of the machine. Will it be enough power for what you want the machine to do? You can contact the manufacture, the vendor, or the retailer for more information on alike models that have the same interface features that gives more power.

Bottom line: The keyboard and the screen are the two pieces of technology that the user interacts with the most, after that, consider the specification. 

Hardware


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Apple

  • iPad
  • iMac
  • MacBook
  • MacBook Pro
  • Mac Pro
  • Apple accessories
Dell Logo

Dell

  • Inspiron 
  • XPS  
  • Alienware
  • Venue
  • And much more
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Microsoft

  • Surface Pro
  • Surface Book
  • Windows 10 PCs
  • Windows Phones
  • Accessories 

Software


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Kivuto

  • JMP
  • Minitab
  • SAS
  • SPSS
  • Parallels Desktop
  • EndNote 
  • VMWare Fusion
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Azure Dev Tools for Teaching

  • Visual Basic
  • OneNote
  • SQL Server 2014
  • Virtual Academy
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Adobe (for Students)

  • Creative Cloud for 
    students
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Autodesk (for Students)

  • Fusion 360
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Maya
  • And much more

A note on Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Office 365 is available though the Microsoft 365 Portal. This is a no cost product, which the licensing is tied to your activity with the University. When you leave the University the functionality of the software changes to read only. However, this product provides the most up-to-date supported version of the software, along with early access to new features and online collaboration capabilities. 

How does the Personal Purchases Work?

These sites are direct links to the vendors. The Computer Store will have no connection to your order, it is between you and the vendor. When you order a product you will pay for it and it will be delivered directly to you. If there is an issue with the order, first contact the vendor and then contact The Computer Store.