These recommendations are for anyone who is planning to buy a new computer. If you are going to bring a computer with you, you may view Eastern's minimum system requirements HERE. Want to know how to get connected on campus? Click here for more information and file downloads.

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Processor: There are many choices for processors right now. We recommend purchasing an AMD or Intel Dual Core processor with a speed of 2.6 GHz or faster (for laptops the equivalent would be a Dual Core with a speed of 1.66 or greater).

RAM: The more memory your computer has the faster it will compute when running multiple programs simultaneously. We recommend at least 2 gigabyte of RAM.

Hard Drive: We recommend at least 60 gigabytes of hard disk space, but this is mostly personal preference. Music files, photos, and other graphics take up lots of space. Each student should consider how they will be using their computer and decide what size drive will meet their needs.

Video cards: This is only an issue if you plan on playing video games. We have no specific recommendation for video cards. Most computers will use the onboard video capability of the motherboard and run adequately. If you do want to upgrade your videocard, we suggest getting at least a 128MB card or higher.

Operating System: If you are buying a new computer, you will be running Windows Vista or OS X. For students living on campus the university recommends Windows Vista Business (other versions of windows vista will work with the campus network but Windows Vista Business or higher is recommended). If you purchase an Apple computer, you will be running OS X. The EKU computer store offers a special discount on the Windows Vista Upgrade CD. Students can purchase this upgrade for $68.90. This price is usually cheaper than having Vista Business preloaded on the computer by the manufacturer.

Word Processor: Like the operating system, you have several choices for a word processor. The most common is Microsoft Office. If you are required to choose a word processor when you order your system, we recommend that you choose the least expensive word processor available or none at all. We recommend this because the EKU Computer Store offers a special student deal on Microsoft Office Pro 2007 and Office Mac 2008. Students can purchase this software for $68.90. This package includes Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Database, and Publisher.

Before you can use this software however, you will need to UNINSTALL any other Microsoft Office trial software you may have on your computer. Multiple versions of Microsoft Office do not coexist on the same computer!!

Antivirus Programs: If possible, we recommend that you purchase a computer without an antivirus program installed on it. Each student who lives on campus in the residence halls and wishes to set up their computer on EKU's network will be required to download Eastern's version of Norton Antivirus. You may use this antivirus program as long as you are a student at EKU.

If you are not going to live on campus, you may pick up a free copy of Norton Antivirus from the EKU Computer Store. Make sure that you bring your EKU ID card with you.

Before you can use EKU's antivirus software, you need to UNINSTALL any other antivirus software that you may have on your computer.

Internet/Wireless: All residence halls at Eastern have high speed internet ports in the student rooms. Students need to have an Ethernet card in their computer to access the internet on campus. This is now a standard feature on most laptop and desktop computers.

There are also many wireless areas at EKU. Most new laptops are wireless ready, but if yours is not, you will need to purchase a wireless card. Wireless cards are available for purchase at the EKU Computer Store.

Spyware: There are many free anti-spyware programs that can be downloaded either before you come to EKU or after you move in. Two of the more common ones are Ad-Aware SE and Spybot S&D. Download them here.

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Contact Information:

If you have any questions, please visit the EKU Computer Store. We are located on the first floor of the Student Services Building in room 158. We are open from 8:00-4:00 Monday- Friday. You may also call us at 859-622-8408, or e-mail us at computerstore@eku.edu.