Technology Recommendations for Incoming Faculty, Staff, and Students

The Office of Technology Services doesn't have any specific requirements when it comes to computers for incoming freshman.  We do, however, provide this list of recommendations as a guide when purchasing computers and software.

Recommended Computer Software / Hardware Specifications

• Laptops are preferred due to their portability from home and school as well as to and from class.  We recommend steering away from Netbooks unless financially necessary.  The small screen real estate coupled with the non-standard size keyboards can make it difficult to be used as a primary, everyday computer.
• SCREEN SIZE: 13'' or greater
• CPU:  Intel or AMD processors with 2 or more cores (Intel i3, i5, i7, Core2 Duo, Dual Core, AMD X2, etc.)
  2.5GHz or faster.  (Note that some academic programs have more poweful technology requirements, please contact your instructor or advisor for more details)
• MEMORY:  2GB minimum (4GB or more recommended)
• HARD DRIVE:  100GB or more recommended, 7200 RPM or greater for faster performance
• SOFTWARE: 
  Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.5+ recommended.
  Microsoft Office:  Software highly recommended.  Concord currently does NOT offer Microsoft Office to our students but students may receive educational discounts from http://www.journeyed.com.  
  AntiVirus:  Software highly recommended.  We recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for students to use.
  Adobe Photoshop:  Recommended for students in Graphic Arts/Design.  Computer labs are equipped with Photoshop but students must work on projects during lab hours.
  Browser:  Internet Explorer 7+, Firefox 3+, Safari 4+ all recommended.  It is important to keep your browser software up-to-date so that online CU systems are rendered properly.
• NETWORKING / INTERNET:  Most, if not all, of newer laptops come with both 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless as well as wired ethernet capability.  An ethernet port is required for internet access in the rooms of the residence halls.  Wireless can be found in all other buildings as well as the lobby areas of the residence halls.
  Note:  We do our best to ensure optimal connectivity to all of our on-campus students so that they are able to complete assignments in a timely manner.  We make use of packet shaping technology to prioritize traffic so that homework-related activity is placed before recreational activity. 
• WARRANTY:  A warranty that covers parts and labor as well as accidental damage is highly recommended.
  Note:  Due to liability issues, we do NOT provide computer repair for student computers and we highly recommend a Warranty that covers computer equipment during the student's full academic career at CU.

Purchasing a computer

Currently, Concord does not sell computer equipment to our students.  All equipment must be obtained from an outside company such as Dell, HP, or Apple.  Most companies provide educational discounts or promotional offers for students of higher education.  Some useful links:

• Apple Store for Education
• Dell University
• Dell Outlet
• HP Government, Health & Education

Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff computers as well as software are usually provided by the university.  Please contact the help desk for details at x5291, or 304.384.5291 from off campus.