Required Hardware

These are only recommended specifications for student personal computers. No matter what brand computer you purchase we will do our best to provide a connection for you, but we can not guarantee functionality for all network cards.

Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/2000

Unsupported, and not recommended

Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 or Macintosh OS X

Hardware	Minimum Requirements Listed Below
*Processor*	Intel® Core™ 2 Duo (or equivalent), 2Ghz or better
*RAM Memory*	2GB, with option for 3-4GB configuration
*Graphics*	ATI or NVIDIA (Vista Premium & Windows Aero ready)
*Display*	User preference (smaller screen for portability)
*Hard Drive*	120GB, with option for larger drive
*Optical Drive*	Internal CD/DVD read-write
*Modem*	Optional (Not required for TCNJ)- Integrated 56K with RJ-11 port
*Network Card*	10/100/GB Ethernet Card
*Wireless*	Integrated 802.11 A,B,G 128 bit encryption wireless.
*Type II Card Slot*	Optional - At least one open slot available with machine.
*Ports/Connections*	VGA or DVI Port 2 USB Port 1 Firewire (Optional) I/O (Audio, Headphone)
*Battery*	6 or 9 cell

Software
*Operating System*	Windows 7,Vista-certified; XP/Vista; or OSX
*Office Suite*	Office 2010, Office 2007 (Windows) or Office 2008 (Mac)
*Antivirus*	Provided by The College of New Jersey.

Misc. Services and Items
*Warranty*	Three to Four year onsite warranty and accidental damage coverage.
*Security*	Security cables are recommended for laptops

25' (or shorter) Ethernet Cable (RJ-45)
For Mac's we also recommend Parallels, for running Windows Programs
For a printer friendly version of this information print the second page of the New Student Information Pamphlet

To get discounted prices on computer purchases for TCNJ students, please consult the IT Computer Purchases page for more information.

If you are not sure whether to purchase PC or Mac, please contact the department chair for your major to verify any specific requirements for software you will need to use.

For purchasing third-party network hardware, RES.net recommends the following specifications:

Must be a 10/100 Ethernet Adapter
Must have an RJ-45 jack (looks like an oversized phone jack)
Must be a Category-5, straight-through Ethernet cable (not a crossover cable)
Network cable is recommended to be a length of 25' or less