|
This document reflects the Office of Information Technology's (OIT) current
minimum recommendations for Macintosh
computers purchased for use by students, faculty, and staff at the
University of Maryland. The intention is to recommend both
hardware
and software for a system that will remain useful for the next few years.
Current and prospective members of the university can also purchase
recommended Macintosh computer systems and acquire recommended software
through our web page on purchasing a Dell or Apple
system.
If any of the terms used below are unfamiliar, definitions can be found at
http://whatis.techtarget.com/.
Note that all currently available Macintosh systems (including iMac,
MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Pro) meet these specifications.
Macintosh Systems Hardware Recommendations
| Processor |
Desktop: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Laptop: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
|
| Memory |
2 GB |
| Hard drive capacity |
120 GB or more |
| Networking |
Ethernet card for residence halls or on-campus offices
AirPort card for wireless (not necessary for desktops)
|
| CD/DVD Player |
Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CDRW) or Super Drive (DVD-RW/CD-RW) |
| Operating System |
Mac OS X 10.4 and above |
NOTE: Some students initially bring an older computer from
home to the university. Such systems are not considered to be useful for more
than a year.
Macintosh Systems Software Recommendations
| Operating System |
Mac OS X 10.4 and above |
| Office Suite |
Microsoft Office 2004 and above
|
| Web Browser |
Firefox 3.x
Safari 2.x or higher
SeaMonkey 1.1.x
|
| E-mail Client |
Thunderbird 2.x
Mail 2.x or higher
SeaMonkey 1.1.x
Entourage 2004 or higher
|
| Anti-Virus Software |
Free, licensed VirusScan 8.6 if you
are a student, faculty or staff at the University of Maryland College
Park
|
| RSS Clients |
Firefox 3.x (live bookmarks)
Thunderbird 2.x (feeds)
|
|
