Information Technology Services (ITS)

Recommended Computer Standards

Thinking 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

Operating System

Windows 7 Home

Processor Speed

2.0 GHz

RAM

4GB  RAM (Memory)

Hard Drive

120GB

CD RW or DVD RW Drive

RW drive is recommended as a backup device for your course work, should your computer ever fail, be damaged or stolen.

Networking Card

Allow access to Internet via a Internet Service Provider (ISP) eg: Bigpond,

USB Slots

Attach other devices such as printers, memory sticks, USB modems

Other Accessories

20” Flat Panel Monitor
1024 x 768 resolution or higher
128 Mb Graphics card
Keyboard
Mouse

Optional Accessories

Speakers, Bluetooth Module

Extended Warranty & Insurance

Recommend purchasing extended support warranty & accidental damage & theft Insurance

 

Minimum Laptop Specifications

Operating System

Windows 7 Home

Processor Speed

2.0GHz (Pentium M, Centrino or Celeron - Note: Pentium M & Centrino have a longer battery life)

RAM

4GB

Graphics Card

128 Mb

Hard Drive

120GB

CD RW or DVD RW Drive

RW drive is recommended as a backup device for your course work, should your computer ever fail, be damaged or stolen.

PCI 802.11/a/b/g Wireless Card

Provide UOW network access from within UOW campuses, find out more about Wireless at UOW.

Networking Card/Modem

Via an ISP, provides network access to UOW from off campus.

USB Slots

Attach other devices such as printers, memory sticks

Extended Warranty & Insurance

Recommend purchasing extended support warranty & accidental damage & theft Insurance.

 

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.

Standard Software Requirements

  • Email Client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook)
  • Web Browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari)
  • Anti Virus Protection (protects your computer from viruses)
  • Word Processing / Spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Office 2010, Open Office)
  • PDF Viewer (Adobe Reader)
Last reviewed: 25 October, 2011