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| Computer Hardware & Software Requirements (Windows) | ||
| Since the degrees offered through the Department of Communication are entirely on-line, students must not only demonstrate a certain degree of computer literacy (see Computer Literacy Test) but meet certain minimum computer hardware/software standards as well. The following are minimum system components that work best with current SAU information systems. (Printer-Friendly version of this page) Processor (Minimum: Pentium-200MHz) The Pentium III is now available with speeds exceeding 400MHz. Since the programs within the SCE are not dependent on video for delivery, you don't currently need the higher speeds or large amounts of video RAM. Memory (RAM) (Minimum: 32 MB) 32 MB is the minimum needed to effectively run Windows 98 on a Pentium machine. Microsoft will soon ship Office 2000 (Scheduled for June, 1999) which runs best with at least 32 MB of RAM. The price of computer memory continues to decline making memory upgrades much more affordable. Do not hesitate to add more memory. Hard Disk (Minimum: 1.6 Gigabyte (GB); Recommended 4+ Gigabyte) Popular software packages require a great deal of disk space, and a 1.6 GB hard drive should be the minimum. Hard disk space is now very inexpensive; purchasing a smaller disk (1.2 GB for example) will only save you about $50 or so. CD ROM (Current Standard: 8X - 24 X) Built-in CD-ROM drives are standard now on new machines. Most software is distributed via CD, which makes for easy installation. There are thousands of information and entertainment software packages available only on CD. Sound Card/Speakers (Sound Card: 16-bit, SoundBlaster-compatible; Speakers: external) Sound cards and speakers should be standard components on computers and add under $100 to the total cost of the system (unless you buy enhanced speakers). Audio is becoming an important part of Internet communications, Internet telephony for example. Monitor (Minimum: 15" SVGA color; Recommended: 17" SVGA color) Computer monitors are measured by their diagonal width. The larger the size, the more viewing area you have (and the easier it is on your eyes). Be certain to check the "viewable" measurements as some of the good 14" monitors may only be .1 or .2 inches smaller and $100 cheaper. 15" monitors are the minimum; a 17" monitor can be purchased for about $250 more, and will provide you with much more screen real estate. Floppy Disk (3.5" current standard) 120MB SuperDisk is a preferred option if available as part of your computer package. The SuperDisk also uses the 1.4MB standard 3.5 inch diskette in addition to the 120MB diskettes. Graphics Memory (2 MB RAM on the Video Card) |
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