Making Real Connections With ITS: Helping You Connect!
This is one of the most common questions asked by incoming and current students: What type of computer should I bring when I come to campus? Although there is not one specific, easy answer, TU’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Office offers you these guidelines to help you make “real connections!”
First, your computer must have the following:
- Windows XP SP2 Operating System or Windows Vista SP1 Operating System.
- At least a 1.6 GHz processor.
- Minimum of 512 MB of RAM.
- 40GB of hard disk space available.
- Ethernet adapter.
- A network patch cable. This cable is used to go from the wall to the computer. Please be aware that this is an eight pin wire, and a phone cable CANNOT be used. For your convenience, network patch cables are available in the TU Bookstore.
- (optional for laptops) An internal or external 802.11 B, G wireless adapter.
Please note: online students will need a cable modem or DSL Internet connection.
Most computers already come preinstalled with the network card in both PC's and laptops. Make sure you check your machine before you buy one. However, very few computers will come with a network patch cable.
Second, ITS recommends the following types of computers:
- Dell – Tiffin University has an ongoing relationship with Dell that could save you money. Please click here for more information.
- Compaq
- Toshiba
- Hewlett Packard
The following types of systems will NOT be supported:
- Computers that do not meet the minimum requirements as described above.
- Windows 2000, 98, 95 or any earlier version of Windows.
- Apple or Macintosh computers.
- Computers running any version of Linux.
For more helpful information from ITS, please go to our Need To Know page.
If you have any other questions concerning what type of PC you should bring, please call the ITS Help Desk at (419) 448-3430, or call (800) 968-6446 and ask for the ITS Help Desk.