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Recommended Hardware

Students: Computer Specifications for Academic Year 2012-2013

A computer that meets the specifications below is expected to last 3-4 years on the Notre Dame network, with the appropriate operating system and other software updates. To conserve desk space and for convenience and mobility when studying, we recommend that students purchase laptops. To protect your investment against accidental damage and costly replairs, ask your supplier about an extended warranty.

Recommendation for Windows Computers

Operating System: Windows 7

NOTE: Older versions of the Windows operating system have reduced functionality and may limit your access to some central services and applications. An upgrade to this operating system is available at a discount from the ND Computer Store.

When running Windows, additional available RAM (memory) and video RAM will improve your experience. Additional information about the Windows operating system is available at: http://oithelp.nd.edu/applications-and-operating-systems/windows-operating-systems/.

Hardware Configuration

  • Intel iCore processor or above
  • 4 GB of RAM or higher
  • 150 GB (or more) hard disk space total
  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128MB or higher
  • DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, 10/100/1000 NIC, 802.11g/n Wireless for laptops

Dell computer discounts for ND students

Lenovo computer discounts for ND students

Recommendation for Apple Macintosh

Operating Systems: Lion (Mac OS 10.7) or Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6)

Older versions of the Macintosh operating system have reduced functionality and may limit your access to some central services and applications. An upgrade to this operating system is available at a discount from the ND Computer Store.

Additional information about the Macintosh operating system is available at: http://oithelp.nd.edu/applications-and-operating-systems/mac-os-x/.

Hardware Configuration

  • Intel based Mac
  • 4 GB RAM or higher
  • 150 GB (or more) hard drive space total
  • Free space on hard drive: 5-10 GB (or more)
  • DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, 10/100/1000 NIC, 802.11g/n Wireless for laptops

Apple computer discounts for ND students

Faculty/Staff: Computer Recommendations

When purchasing technology for institutional use, you can access information regarding preferred and other suppliers for computers, miscellaneous IT hardware and campus agreement software. Click here for details.

Unsupported Technology

The OIT does not provide support for the following devices and operating systems:

Game Systems (e.g., XBox, Sony PlayStation, etc.)

In order to connect your game system to the ND network, you need to register it. Instructions to register your game system are available at: http://oithelp.nd.edu/networking/entertainment-systems/.

Wireless Printers

If you have a wireless printer, connect the printer directly to your computer. Printers are available for use by students in all residence halls and in the OIT operated computer labs.  For information, go to: http://oithelp.nd.edu/print/.

Wireless Routers/Airports & Network Routers/Hubs

The Notre Dame wireless network is available in all residence halls. Instructions on how to connect to the network are available at: http://oithelp.nd.edu/networking/.

Operating Systems

  • Windows XP and lower
  • UNIX
  • Linux
  • Macintosh OS 10.5 and lower