Hardware

Faculty/Staff Workstations
Minimum Requirements for LEEP
Micro Order Center

General Personal Computers

There are no set hardware requirements for on-campus classes but the information below may serve as a guideline for base requirements of a system you could use. If you have questions or concerns about a computer you have or are considering purchasing, please contact the "GSLIS Help Desk"-help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-.

In addition to retail computer stores you should also check with computer manufacturers who sell systems directly and often offer an academic discount. University of Illinois students, staff, and faculty can also order through the Micro Order Center, which offers academic discounts and can be cheaper because they order in volume.

Faculty/Staff Workstations

If you are a new faculty or staff member, or a current faculty or staff member eligible for an upgrade to your GSLIS workstation (computers are replaced every three years), you can review the following specifications to determine the type of system that will work for your needs. You can also use our computer ordering worksheet (an excel file) to determine whether various configurations are within the spending allowance.

Click here for the Mac specific ordering worksheet(an excel file)

Laptops

All Laptops include:

• CD Burner / DVD Player
• Wireless & wired networking
• 3 Yr Extended Warranty

Company	Dell	Dell	HP
Model	Latitude D820	Latitude D620	HP Compaq nx6310
Processor	Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz	Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz	Intel Celeron M 420 1.66 GHz
Screen	15.4	14.1	15.0
Starting Weight	6.0	4.37	6.1
Memory Space	256MB to 2GB	256 MB to 2GB	1GB
Hard Drive	80 GB	60 GB	60GB
Links	Latitude D820	Latitude D620	Compaq nx6310

Company	Apple	Apple
Model	MacBook Pro	MacBook
Processor	2.16 GHz	2.16 GHz
Screen	15	13
Starting Weight	5.2	5.6
Memory Space	1 GB	1 GB
Hard Drive	120 GB	120 GB
Links	MacBook Pro	MacBook

Desktops

Company	EP Computer
Model	AMD
Processor	Sempron 3000
Memory	1 GB
Hard Drive	80 GB

EP computer with Windows XP or Linux is available through OITR Special Order.

Company	Apple	Apple
Model	IMac 17"	Mac mini
Processor	2.0 GHz	1.83 GHz
Memory Space	1 GB	1 GB
Hard Drive	160 GB	up to 160 GB
Links	IMac	Mac mini

Neither IMac requires the purchase of a monitor.

Peripherals

These are some suggestions for you to order, but you may choose others if you prefer.

Monitors

17" Monitor View Sonic VX724

19" Monitor View Sonic VX924

20" Monitor View Sonic VX2000

PC Keyboards

Belkin Classic Keyboard 107 Key Win98/W2K PS/2

Natural Keyboard Elite PS2/USB 95/98

Mac Keyboards

Adesso Intellimedia Pro MAC Ergonomic Keyboard

Apple Keyboards

Cordless Keyboard/Mouse Sets for PCs or Macs

Logitech Cordless Desktops

Mice

PC Mice

Apple Mice

External Hard Drives

iomega external hard drive (larger capacity and heavier weight)

FireLite portable hard drive (smaller capacity and lightweight)

Docking Stations

Dell Docking Station

HP xb2000 Notebook Expansion Base

HP Notebook expansion base includes a wireless keyboard and mouse

Carrying Cases

Kensington

Targus

Hardware Extras

Belkin USB 4-Port Hub

Extra HP Pavilion power supply

Extra Dell power supply

Minimum Requirements for LEEP

This listing of technology requirements is for students enrolled in LEEP classes for the 2006–2007 academic year. It will be revised on a yearly basis. If you expect to continue in LEEP for a few years, it might be best to exceed what is listed. Requirements will likely increase each year, as new technologies become available and exceeding the below minimum requirements will make your computer faster and more powerful.

If you have questions, it is strongly recommended that you contact LEEP staff at -help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-, especially before making any major investments in computer equipment.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• IBM compatible Pentium II or greater (at least 400mhz)* with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista - or - Macintosh with OS X.
• 128MB RAM memory.
• 500MB free hard drive space for class work and software.
• CD-ROM drive.
• Sound card with speakers and/or earphones.
• Color monitor with at least 800x600 resolution.

  * or equivalent AMD chip.

  Unix-based computers can also run LEEP software. Please contact us if you are planning to use a Unix computer for your LEEP courses.

Other Considerations

When considering purchasing a new computer (laptop or desktop) you may also want to consider the following:

• A CD-R/CD-RW (or DV-R/DV-RW) to store or back up your data
• Ethernet capabililty
• Wireless capability

Network Connectivity

• A reliable Internet connection is required. Modem, ISDN, DSL, Cable or other dedicated Internet connectivity for at least 20 hours/week. Several Web pages provide information about which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer an Internet connection in your area. One such service is http://www.thelist.com.
• 56K modem or higher speed connection required.
• Please be aware that a satellite ISP is not recommended due to latency issues with the LEEP live sessions. If a satellite ISP is your only option for connecting to the Internet, please contact the GSLIS Help Desk for guidance. We also cannot currently recommend a cellular wireless connection plan for your ISP.
• Must include SLIP, PPP, or other TCP/IP connectivity.
• LEEP staff will provide guidance in acquiring and using Internet software such as Telnet/SSH, Web Browser, and any other Internet-based software required. However, it will be the student's responsibity to find an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and to actually make the connection to the Internet. ISPs should give you the software needed to connect to the Internet and also provide tech support if you have problems.

Last Modified: April, 2007