Computer Purchase Advice

We strongly recommend purchasing a business workstation class or better computer rather than the less reliable home use computer.

Just because a computer is claimed to be "Internet Ready" does not mean it will work on our network. Your computer must be configured to be connected to a large (several thousand stations) Ethernet network running TCP/IP exclusively. Beware of vendors who do not understand the above sentence and its implications!

We highly recommend purchasing a laptop. Laptops are much more convenient for Residence hall use than are desktop computers.

If you purchase a desktop computer, you are much better off paying more for a monitor with a clear stable image. We recommend a 17" LCD screen.

The processor should be 1ghz or better.

Purchase plenty of Memory (RAM), 512MB or more is what we recommend.

80GB is the minimum recommended size hard drive.

A CD ROM drive is a necessity; we highly recommend purchasing a DVD drive. A CD-RW drive for back up is recommended.

Purchase a good surge protector (look for highest Joule rating). Surge protectors help protect your computing investment.

Recommended Vendors
Click here to see special offers available to UNLV students on new computers.