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MSB Computer RequirementsThe nuts and bolts of computer configurations is a fearsome area where one hesitates to tread because there are so many options and multiple good answers to any one problem. This document will detail some of the hardware decisions you must make when purchasing a computer If you just want the quick and dirty on all this is MSB has an arrangement with Computerware of Vienna Virginia to provide laptops to students. We have worked hard on the configuration and price this "Standard Computer"...go buy one. If you want to talk to me regarding any of these suggestions, or anything about computing at MSB, my phone number is 202-687-4721, or you can e-mail me at john.carpenter@msb.edu. Must you have a computer?This is the requirement: MBA students are required to have a personal portable laptop computer that runs Windows Vista Business, or Windows 7 Professional. Windows XP is no longer fully supported as it will not run MS Office 2010. MSB does not have a formal undergraduate computer hardware requirement. However, for practical purposes all students should bring a new technology laptop that runs Windows Vista Business, or Windows 7 Professional. Windows XP is no longer fully supported as it will not run MS Office 2010 . The computer you bring does not matter as much as the requirement to run Windows. We can support many types of hardware. We only support Windows software.
Here are the details Operating SystemAt MSB we support machines running the English version of Windows Vista Professional or Windows 7 Professional exclusively. We strongly recommend Windows 7. Windows XP is no longer fully supported as it will not run MS Office 2010. Windows Vista Business will still be supported but MSBTC recommends all new student computer purchases run Windows 7. We do not support computers running the Apple OS or Linux. The MSB Technology Center will support the following editions of Windows 7:
The MSB Technology Center will not be able to fully support the following editions of Windows 7::
"Home" versions of Windows 7are the versions that most computer makers use to define whether a computer is "Windows 7Ready". By design Home and Home Premium have limited networking functionality. This limited functionality may prevent full connectivity to the MSB Network and access to certain applications. 32-bit and 64-bit versions. There are significant internal differences between 32 and 64 bit operating systems. They are significant enough that not all hardware can even run a 64-bit version of Windows. MSB can support either version. 32-bit Windows 7 is more than adequate for 99% of all users and will be for years. Purchasing the 32-bit version also ensures compatibility with everything. 64-bit Windows is the future however. As new programs are written to take advantage of 64-bit operating systems things will speed up dramatically.. Recommended ComputerMSB has developed a series of Lenovo computers which can be purchased from a local vendor. The "Standard Computer" can be found here. It has a few extra features beyond the minimum and will cost a bit more than the absolute minimum required. MSBTC views these additional features as worthwhile. The R Series computers are good laptops but they make few provisions to limit size and weight. The fact that they do not have to manage issues around miniaturization make them easier to engineer and build and are hence less expensive. They are portable, but are the heaviest of the recommended computers. There is no performance penalty, just size and weight. The T Series computers do make an attempt to reduce size and weight. They are quite a bit lighter than the R, but still have the 15 inch and 14.1 inch screen options . These are the computers that most corporations purchase, including MSB for faculty and staff. Once again, there are no significant performance tradeoffs between the R and T/ W. The T and W W are just more compact. The X Series . They have made a concerted effort to enhance portability. Principle impacts are performance and screen size. The X 200 is the only "Tablet" computer offered by Lenovo. X Series computers are adequate for any standard MSB or business application, like anything using MS Office, but they are not good for large-scale database functions or sophisticated computer games. There are slower then comparably priced T/R/W series laptops. The screen is only 12.1 inches in the X 200. In my view this is too small for long-term use (like typing a paper). X Series owners may find the want to augment their system with an external monitor (which will plug right in). Another issue is the internal CD ROM has been eliminated in the X200 to save weight. An external CD ROM must be purchased separately. The W Series are larger laptop computers. They are by far the most powerful and have the best graphics. (up to 17 inch) One W model actually has 2 built-in screens. They are quite heavy. If you are not planning on bringing your computer to class a lot however, this is a powerful laptop computer. Macs and Non-Standard Laptops. MSB concentrates on full hardware service for the standard Lenovo computer operating Windows. We have found setting a single standard is a necessary requirement in providing comprehensive support to students. The standards we have selected represent what we believe most students will encounter in the business world. MSBTC support for everything other than the standard is provided as a "best effort". "Best Effort" is pretty good for Dell and other "IBM Compatible" computers. We can do a lot for users with computers that have Windows installed by the manufacturer. Even warranty support from the Computerware vendor rep in the Tech Center is available for many brands. BUT... the further we get from the standard, the less 'best effort" represents. For our Mac users MSBTC can provide software support for those Macs running Windows. We can not normally help with hardware issues. As our support options are a function of manpower we don't expect the situation to change. And because we cannot provide full support, MSBTC does not recommend student bring anything other than the standard computer to MSB. Recommended VendorThe vendor providing sales and service is Computerware of Vienna, Virginia. We believe Computerware will give you an excellent value. There are advantages to purchasing the MSB Standard Computer Configuration. For the most part, these involve support after the sale. Briefly, these advantages are: MSBTC will be able to assist in troubleshooting problems. MSBTC has a lot of experience helping fix problems with the Standard Computer. Vendor assistance is easy to get. Computerware will have representatives in the MSB Tech Center several times over the week to talk directly to individuals having problems with a Standard Computer. No appointment required. You will not be out of a computer if yours breaks. Computerware will loan a replacement computer to an individual who has purchased the Standard Computer and is experiencing problems that require the computer to go back to Computerware for repair. If you decide to check out Computerware's web site, remember this: - There are just a few computers on the web site. That does not mean these are the only possibilities. Many things can be customized and still retain all your support options. - If you do not see what your want CALL COMPUTERWARE. 703-821-8200 - Don't like the price?? CALL COMPUTERWARE 703-821-8200. The price may have changed. Also, Lenovo has said that they will meet or beat any Dell price for identical equipment. Most other brands will be a little cheaper. There is a reason for that. - Don't want a Lenovo? Computerware can sell you just about any brand other than Dell. If you do not buy the Lenovo some support will go away. Computerware is a good outfit, but the purchase arrangements do not involve MSB. Other than a recommendation the MSB Tech Center has no role in the business arrangement between Computerware and individuals purchasing computers from Computerware. We don't get any sort of a kickback for a computer you might purchase from them, so, we do not get involved in arbitrating disputes. If you have a problem, let us know and we will help you communicate it to Computerware. That is about all we can do, however. Minimum SpecsHere are the minimum laptop specs. We provide them to you so you may set a lower technology limit on your laptop purchase. The MSB recommended computer is all this and more. The recommended Lenovo laptops are are significantly faster than these minimum specs. In reality, most new laptop computers these days are faster and better equipped than our minimum. Minimum Specs include at least:
Detailed Specifications DiscussionThis is a discussion of the configurations by device. It tells you more about the specs and why we recommend what we do.
Applications SoftwareMSB uses MS Office 2007 Professional but expect to move to MS Office 2010 32-bit version in August of 2010. All new purchases and upgrades should be Office 2010 32-bit. We do not yet recommend the 64-bit version of MS Office 2010 because it has multiple compatibility issues. MS Office Professional includes Excel, Word, Power Point, Access, and Outlook Mail. MSB uses all the MS Office programs except Outlook. The right place for them to purchase it is here: http://elms20.e-academy.com/georgetown/. Students can also find purchases for Microsoft Office through the following vendors: Microsoft Web Site - Occasionally has good deals Note: Prices are subject to change. Please check at the respective sources. Extra EquipmentFlash Drive Also called a memory stick, memory key... This is a USB memory device that connects directly to your computer. It has replaced portable storage devices like floppy drives. MSBTC recommends each student have at least one with at least 4 GB capacity. The flash drive is just for moving files around. It is a very poor long-term data backup device. External Hard Drive An external USB hard drive of 500 GB or more will allow you to regularly back up your computer. If you get no other extra equipment this is what you should consider. Backups are really important. Printer If you get a printer get a cheap one, with color. A good HP inkjet should cost about $150 or less. Because students can do high resolution color and black and white laser printing on MSB printers many personal printers in dorm rooms are unused. Docking Station It is just an ease-of-use item and should be dropped quickly if you are saving money. All laptop computers manufactured in the last few years already have easy-to-use connections for monitors, keyboards, mice and all sorts of USB peripherals built in. The USB port on your laptop computer can accommodate a multi-port repeater that you can use to connect 5-10 devices, more than enough. Connecting all these external items each time you get home is more difficult than just dropping your laptop into a docking station,but not by much. Scanner An inexpensive scanner will prove useful on occasion. We have them in the Tech Center but it is nice to have your own. Laptop Insurance and Security Equipment A security lock is cheap insurance and will deter 99% of possible thefts, particularly in the student dorms...if it is used. Most laptop theft is already covered in homeowners insurance as far as replacement. Laptops "disappear" occasionally around here, but it is much more common to have them misplaced or forgotten, or put out of commission by damage that is not covered in the warranty. Prior to getting insurance, I would extend the warranty. It is probably a better use of the same dollars. Then get a lock-down cable and be careful where you leave your laptop. Then get accidental damage insurance. Miscellaneous InfoDisclaimer There is a disclaimer that goes along with this computer advice below. The author is me, John Carpenter, Chief Technology Officer at the McDonough School of Business. There are probably a few of my personal prejudices built into this advice. After all, the "P" in "PC" stands for "Personal". Personal Preferences Your computer is designed to cater to desires which differ from one person to the next. It is likely that some of your preferences are different from mine. Because of that, remember the golden rule of purchasing a computer...GET SOMETHING YOU LIKE!!!. Don't let the tech specs get control of you. A large part of computer purchasing should be based on hormones. If you get an "IBM compatible" computer, the differences between brands are pretty minimal. It is a tragedy to spend $$$ on a computer because you think from a logical point of view that it "is what you should buy", when what you really wanted to do was get the "cute" laptop or the desktop machine that is really good at computer games. My advice is to make sure in the end that you feel good about the decision. Also, after you have purchased a computer, don't spend time second guessing yourself or doing additional price searches. The price you paid for your recent purchase WILL go down. That does not mean you got a bad deal or that you got taken. It is just the way things are. Buy your computer and enjoy it. Don't beat yourself up about the deal. Desktop Computers Whether you purchase a laptop or a desktop computer is dependent on your personal requirements. There are no real processing penalties (other than games), just price and portability. You will pay more for a laptop with the same power. Desktop computers are generally more powerful for the dollar, and they generally have better video displays. However, laptops have the huge advantage of being portable. At MSB laptop computers are recommended because MSB is moving to a more computer-oriented classroom environment. This means lots of things but the bottom line is that all students will need a laptop. Last Advice: If you get a deal, bring it in to the MSB Tech Center, we will let you know what we think about it. |
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Accounts
Hardware
Security
Software
Email
Wireless
Printing
Netwk Files
Comp Req
Mac OS X
Remote Acc