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MSB Computer RequirementsUpdated May 2008 The 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 The quick and dirty on all this is MSB has an agreement with Computerware of Vienna Virginia to provide laptops to students. We have worked hard on 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?MBA students are required to have a personal portable laptop computer that runs Windows XP or Vista. MSB does not have a formal undergraduate computer hardware requirement. However, for practical purposes it is highly recommended that you bring a new technology laptop that runs Windows XP or Vista. What Operating System do you need?At MSB we support machines running the English version of Windows (XP or Vista) exclusively. Windows XP will still be supported but MSBTC recommends all new student computer purchases run Windows Vista. We do not support Apple computers running the Apple OS. As of May 2008 some vendors have yet to update their programs for Vista. MSB will support Windows Vista to the extent that programs will run on it. We expect all critical systems to run on Vista but in some cases users may have to wait until vendors update their programs. The MSB Technology Center will support the following editions of Microsoft Vista:
The MSB Technology Center will not be able to fully support the following editions of Microsoft Vista:
"Home" versions of Vista are the versions that most computer makers use to define whether a computer is "Windows Vista Ready". By design, Vista Home and Home Premium, have limited networking functionality. This limited functionality may prevent full connectivity to the MSB Network and access to certain applications. Manufacturers are going to be dumping equipment that will not run the Premium Editions of Vista and they are not going to tell you about it. Purchasing a "Vista Ready" computer does not necessarily mean you are getting what you need. 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. 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 three series. 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 smaller 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. The T is just more compact. The X Series (Standard) have made a concerted effort to enhance portability. Principle impacts are performance and screen size. X Series computers are still adequate for any standard MSB or business application, like anything using MS Office, but they are not good for large scale database functions, movies, or sophisticated computer games. There are slower then comparably priced T series laptops. The screen is only 12.1 inches in the X. In my view this is too small for long term use (like typing a paper) and X Series owners should augment their system with an external monitor (which will plug right in). Also, the internal CD ROM has been eliminated in the X to save weight. An external CD ROM must be purchased separately. The X300 is the newest laptop from Lenovo. It is very thin and exceptionally light. There are several new technologies in the X300 series. It is extraordinary that a computer this thin and light still comes with a writable DVD and multiple USB ports. The X300 has a 64GB electronic hard drive. The hard drive is very fast, since it has no moving parts. It is however, only 64 GB. Big enough but some users with large data requirements (movies, Many songs) may feel a bit cramped. The X300 is currently quite expensive. Macs and Non-Standard Laptops. MSB requires for laptops to run Windows. We have a recommended laptop computer, a Lenovo, that is fully supported from a hardware perspective as well. While there are some issues with a "standard computer" we have found setting a single standard a requirement in providing comprehensive support to students. The standards we have selected represent what we believe the vast majority of students will encounter in the business world. MSBTC cannot provide complete hardware and software support for Apple, Dell, or any computer other than the recommended Lenovo laptops. MSBTC support for everything other than the standard is provided as a "best effort". The further we get from the standard, the less 'best effort" represents. For our Mac users that means MSBTC can provide limited support for those Macs running Windows natively and very little support for Apple equipment running Apple OS. 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 significant advantages to purchasing the MSB Standard Computer Configuration. For the most part, these advantages involve support after the sale. Briefly, these advantages are: It is ready to go. To the extent possible we have pre-loaded the standard computer with MSBTC software and configured to attach to the MSB Network. 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. 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. Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:
MSB 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 2003 and 2007. MS Office 2003 is on the way out. We recommend you purchase the MS Office 2007 Professional version. 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/ for $100 or so plus shipping & handling. Students can also find purchases for Microsoft Office through the following
vendors: 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 512MB capacity. A 2 GB key only costs about $15. External Hard Drive An external USB hard drive of 300 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 first. Printer If you get a printer get a cheap one, with color. A good HP inkjet should only cost about $150. Because students can do high resolution color and black and white laser printing in the MSB Labs many personal printers in dorm rooms are left 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. 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. But, connecting all these external items each time you get home is more difficult than just dropping your laptop into a docking station. Scanner An inexpensive scanner will prove useful on occasion. We have them in the lab but it is nice to have your own. Forget it if you don't have extra $$$ sitting around. Laptop Insurance and Security Equipment A cable security lock is cheap insurance and will deter 99% of possible thefts, particularly in the student dorms...if it is used. For replacement insurance check with your home insurance agent. Most laptops are already covered in homeowners insurance as far as replacement. It will be far cheaper to get the laptop insurance from your home insurance company as a rider. Laptops "disappear" occasionally around here, but it is much more common to have them misplaced or forgotten, or put out of commission by damage that is not covered in the warranty. Prior to getting insurance, I would extend the warranty. It is probably a better use of the same dollars. Then get a lock-down cable, use it, and be careful where you leave your laptop. Miscellaneous InfoDisclaimer There is a disclaimer that goes along with this computer advice. The author is me, John Carpenter, Chief Technology Officer at the McDonough School of Business. There are probably a few of my personal prejudices built into this advice. After all, the "P" in "PC" stands for "Personal". Personal Preferences
Your computer is designed to cater to desires which differ from one person to the next. It is likely that some of your preferences are different from mine. Because of that, remember the golden rule of purchasing a computer...GET SOMETHING YOU LIKE!!!. Don't let the tech specs get control of you. A large part of computer purchasing should be based on hormones. If you get an "IBM compatible" computer, the differences between brands are pretty minimal. It is a tragedy to spend $$$ 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. 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. 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. The undergraduate laptop "requirement" will not be official for a couple of years. If you want a desktop unit, go for it, but you may need a laptop by January 2009 if you are still here. 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. Good Luck. Carp |
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