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Suggested Machines for Students

While Auburn University has a number of computer labs, there are not enough resources to immediately meet the needs of all the students. Therefore, we recommend that incomming students aquire a computer so that they can work more effectively in their dorm rooms or apartment.

The College of Business recommends either a laptop or a desktop. MOST IMPORTANTLY it should be utilize the Windows Operating System. This is because most software that comes with our textbooks is written for the Windows Operating System and the world of business runs on Windows.

Notebooks allow for portability. The need for portability increases as a student progress through the program. This need could be for things like working on a group project, doing research at the library, or taking notes in class.

Desktops allow you to get more horsepower for your money. This horsepower could allow you to use this machine for more than computing. It could be the only entertainment device for a dorm room or a small apartment, running TV and audio applications.

Here are some breakdowns you need to look for:
  Laptop
Desktop



Operating System Windows Windows
Processor Intel Dual Core Intel Dual Core or Quad Core
Memory (minimum) 2 Gig 2 Gig
Hard Drive (minimum) 80 Gig 120 Gig
Video Dedicated Graphics card with a minimum 128MB of memory Dedicated Graphics card with a minimum 256MB of memory
Network On-board wireless 802.11g or higher On-board wired 100Mbits or higher
Screen 12.1 inch or larger 17 inch or larger
Optical Drive DVD +/- RW DVD +/- RW
Waranty 4 year On-site 4 year On-site
Microsoft Office Available through the bookstore at a very reduced rate Available through the bookstore at a very reduced rate
Antivirus Free download from the campus OIT at http://www.auburn.edu/software Free download from the campus OIT at http://www.auburn.edu/software