• help and training
    • Dreamweaver Support Website
    • Documentation (login)
    • Take an On-Line Class
    • Restore your Deleted Files
    • Emergency Contact
    • UIS & IT Training
    • Access & Database Help
  • classpages and software
    • Classpages
    • Uploading your Syllabus
    • Purchase New Hardware & Software
    • Licensed Software
  • network access and the web
    • New Accounts
    • Network Printing (IPrint)
    • Wireless Access
    • Off Campus Access
    • Web Services
    • Google Analytics Help
    • Urchin Statistics
    • Personal Websites
    • Passwords & Accessing a Colleage's M Drive
    • KSG PHP Information
    • VPN
    • PIN Information
    • PDF Creator
  • desktops and hardware
    • Purchasing Recommendations
    • Windows Updates & Infected Computers
    • Printers
    • Information on MS Vista
    • USB Thumb Drives & File Storage
    • Dispose & Release Computers
    • Insurance & Inventory
    • Moving your Computer
  • email and communication
    • Lotus Notes/Notes @ Home
    • KSG Email on the Web
    • Outlook and Other POP Clients
    • Spam, Viruses & Other Annoyances
    • Chat
    • Listservs, Mass Emailing
    • Blackberry Cell Phones
  • policies
    • Quotas
    • Support Information
    • Responsible Computer Use
    • Harvard's Security Policy
    • Copyright Information
    • Departing Employees

Purchasing a New Computer

The recommended configuration for computers in the HKS environment is listed below. If your PC does not meet the specifications below, you should consider purchasing an upgraded computer. HKS is a Windows environment, MACs are not officially supported, however, ITS still offers limited help for Mac users on campus.

Suggested Configurations

The minimum configurations below are required if you buy an institutional computer (a computer for HKS). If you are using the IBM personal discount they are not required but strongly recommended.

CPU (desktop or laptop computer)

  • Pentium D 3.0 GHz
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 160GB hard disk
  • CD/DVD Recordable
  • 17" Flat Panel Display (recommended)

Software

  • Windows XP Professional
  • McAfee Anti-Virus Software (provided by ITS)
  • MS Office
  • Internet Explorer (supported browser at HKS)

Suggested Computer Vendor

Harvard has a university wide agreement with IBM. See below for ordering:

TPC Institutional and Personal Purchases - TPC has institutional and personal Harvard pricing for hardware and software. A Harvard PIN is required to make TPC purchases.