Recommended Computer StandardsThinking about purchasing a computer for home use?
The information below is a guide to assist in selecting a suitable computer. The type of computer required will depend on the UOW course you are undertaking and the software required – it is recommended that you consult with the relevant Faculty for any special hardware/software requirements before purchasing a computer. Minimum Desktop Specifications
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Operating System
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Windows Vista Home Premium
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Processor Speed
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2.0 GHz
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RAM
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2GB RAM (Memory)
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Hard Drive
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80GB
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CD RW or DVD RW Drive
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RW drive is recommended as a backup device for your course work, should your computer ever fail, be damaged or stolen.
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Networking Card
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Allow access to Internet via a Internet Service Provider (ISP) eg: Bigpond,
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USB Slots
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Attach other devices such as printers, memory sticks, USB modems
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Other Accessories
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17” Flat Panel Monitor
1024 x 768 resolution or higher
128 Mb Graphics card
Keyboard
Mouse
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Optional Accessories
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Speakers, Bluetooth Module
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Extended Warranty & Insurance
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Recommend purchasing extended support warranty & accidental damage & theft Insurance
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Microsoft Office 2007 *
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Until October 2008, Microsoft are offering all University Students the chance to purchase Office 2007 Ultimate editions for $75.
More information can be found at www.uow.edu.au/its/notcheating
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*Note: The University of Wollongong has not yet moved to MS Office 2007. Files created in Office 2007 format (.docx) are not readable by earlier versions of Microsoft Office (such as Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office 2000) unless they are saved in a format suitable for earlier versions (.doc).
While the infrastructure to support Microsoft Office 2007 is being developed, students using the new version are advised to save their documents in the Office 2003 format.
Read instructions for saving in Office 2003 format. Minimum Laptop Specifications
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Operating System
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Windows Vista Home Premium
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Processor Speed
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2.0GHz (Pentium M, Centrino or Celeron - Note: Pentium M & Centrino have a longer battery life)
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RAM
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2GB
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Graphics Card
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128 Mb
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Hard Drive
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80GB
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CD RW or DVD RW Drive
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RW drive is recommended as a backup device for your course work, should your computer ever fail, be damaged or stolen.
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PCI 802.11/a/b/g Wireless Card
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Provide UOW network access from within UOW campuses.
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Networking Card/Modem
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Via an ISP, provides network access to UOW from off campus.
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USB Slots
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Attach other devices such as printers, memory sticks
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Extended Warranty & Insurance
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Recommend purchasing extended support warranty & accidental damage & theft Insurance.
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Consider purchasing a service contract for technical support of your computer. An extended 2 year warranty is money well worth spending. With the added 2 year service contract, your computer will be covered for a total of 3 years.
Always buy the most you can afford and keep in mind the weight when considering a laptop, as you will be carrying the laptop, along with your textbooks.
Many laptops now come with built-in modems or modem PC cards. You will need to have a modem to connect to the Internet/UOW via an ISP from home; You should check with your ISP prior to purchasing your computer to understand exactly what you need to purchase to connect your computer to the internet.
While on campus, you will need a wireless card to connect to the UOW network/Internet. Standard Software RequirementsEmail Client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook)
Internet/Web Browser (e.g. Internet Explorer)
Anti Virus Protection (protects your computer from viruses)
Word Processing (e.g. Microsoft Office)
Spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Office)
PDF Viewer (Adobe Reader)
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