If you are planning on purchasing a new computer for the school year, you are encouraged to follow the guidelines below to ensure that your computer will serve you well into your academic career. For a more detailed list of hardware recommendations, please see the University Helpdesk's Computer Recommendations page. Students with older computers will be supported as long as they meet the minimum Memory and Operating System requirements. Students are encouraged to purchase laptop computers for the added portability and decreased space usage.

• Memory: 2 GB or greater
• Processor: 2.4 GHz or greater
• Warranty: You are strongly encouraged to purchase at least a three-year extended warranty to protect your investment in your new computer system.

• Memory: 1GB: Vista/Mac OS X or 512MB: XP
• Processor: 1.8 GHz

Students purchasing new computers can receive attractive educational discounts when buying from the following vendors:

• Dell: Buy directly from Dell online.
• Apple: Buy directly from Apple online, or buy in-person from the KSU Apple Store.

• Windows XP or Vista
• Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
• All versions of Linux (with limited support)

• Kent State-Licensed McAfee Enterprise (free)
• Educational discounts offered by E-Academy

• Network Interface Card (Included in most computers)
• Ethernet Cable (RJ-45) (Not a phone cord; slightly larger)

• 802.11g compatible Wireless Card
• Must be located in wireless zone on campus

• The use of wired or wireless routers and Internet connection sharing on campus is not permitted
• If you wish to use two computers, you may purchase an inexpensive 5-port Ethernet switch