Hardware Recommendations
IT recommends buying as much computing power as you can afford, since these computers are expected to be used for at least four years.
For a desktop, a flat screen (LCD) monitor is much smaller and easier to transport but can cost over $100 more than a similarly-sized CRT monitor.
To connect to the network cable jacks in the dorm rooms, you will need an Ethernet cable (25 feet is an adequate length). Alternatively, if you have wireless (802.11b or 802.11g - most laptops and some desktops have this capability), you can use this instead.
A printer is recommended for students, for the sake of convenience; however, each college computer lab (as well as other computer labs around campus) has a printer. Printing costs 5¢ per page (black and white).
A list of Rice's approved vendors can be found here.
Further questions can be directed to helpdesk@rice.edu.
PCs
Make sure you refer to Windows Vista hardware requirements if you are considering the purchase of a new Windows machine. Even if you opt for Windows XP, make sure you purchase a Vista-compatible machine so that you will be able to upgrade to Windows Vista in the future.
There are many factors that you should consider when purchasing a new PC. Microsoft's Windows Vista has raised the bar the hardware requirements for a PC. You will want to have no less than 2 GB of RAM. Another important area to consider is the video card. Vista is graphics-intensive, so it is best to get a video card with at least 256MB of video RAM. IT recommends purchasing a hard drive with a capacity of at least 80GB. Several PC vendors have specials that let you double the size for a fraction of the price. If you can, take advantage of one of these specials. With 160GB of hard drive space, you will be certain to have enough space for all of your digital media and any future programs you might want to install. With regards to the processor, IT would avoid the bottom dollar model and go for the most power currently available. Do not forget to consider the warranty. You will want to purchase a warranty that lasts as long as you expect to use the machine, which is usually three to four years.
Macs
IT recommends getting 2GB of RAM to ensure compatibility with any future software upgrade requirements. The default hard drive is good for most purposes, but bear in mind that digital media files require plenty of space. If you plan on editing audio or video for your class projects, make sure your drive spin speed is at least 5400 rpm. With regards to the processor, IT would suggest buying for the future; avoid the bottom dollar model and go for the most power currently available.
For more specialized applications, also consider the available ports and expansion options. For example, the MacBook or iMac series do not have Firewire 800 ports but the MacBook Pro and Mac Pro series do. The AppleCare Protection Plan is recommended, especially for laptops.
Linux
Most PC hardware today are certified to run Microsoft Windows. However, this does not mean that the system will successfully run Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is necessary for you to select a system that has been certified to run RHEL. Red Hat maintains a catalog of currently certified hardware.
Furthermore, vendors such as Dell and HP sell PCs and servers that are specifically certified to run RHEL. Some of these models will be nearly the same as their Microsoft Windows certified counterparts. However, it is important to note that there might be subtle differences in hardware components and firmware that are required in order to run RHEL.
Suggested minimum requirements for a RHEL desktop PC are as follows:
* A modern processor (at least 1GHz).
* 1 GB of system memory (more is preferred depending on your computing needs).
* 80 GB hard drive (more is preferred depending on your data storage needs).
* DVD-ROM drive.
* Gigabit ethernet card.
* nVidia graphics card that supports dual monitors
Linux systems are usually purchased with specific computing needs in mind. Rice IT can assist you in selecting specific hardware to meet your needs. Please contact the Help Desk to request assistance. For more information about Linux support at Rice, please see our Linux FAQ.