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ACS Director: Tom Van Gilder
Admin Assistant: Judith Walker

Main Office: 262-6272
Tech Support: 262-6266
Walkin Support: 262-TECH (8324)

Location: 2073 Raley Hall

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University Computer Purchases

In order to offer timely, high-quality support, computers used on campus must meet specifications that allow them to run their associated operating systems and application software in a satisfactory manner. The following standard configurations take into account the performance levels needed to effectively execute the applications used by the majority of our on-campus users.


Minimum standard configurations for the purchase of new computers:

These configurations are sufficiently robust to handle the current operating systems and the associated application software.  Currently we support Windows XP and Mac OS 10.  The hardware systems specified for new purchases are sufficient to run new operating systems as they are made available in a supported form.  Over the past several years Appalachian has had the greatest success in purchasing, maintaining and configuring Apple, Dell, Gateway and IBM/Lenovo computers.  Please see the computer consultant responsible for your area for help in ordering a computer.

PCs (Windows XP, Vista ready)
Processor: Intel Dual Core or Core Duo (Pentium D or AMD Dual Core)
Memory: 1.5 GB min, 2 GB recommended
Hard Disk: 60 GB
Stand-alone Video Card

Macs OS X
Any new Mac
512 MB min, 1 GB recommended
60 GB

Required configurations necessary to upgrade operating systems:

These systems must meet or be upgraded to the minimum specifications before we can install new operating system upgrades and then to be able to support them.

Windows Vista Upgrades Minimum
Processor: Pentium IV
Memory: 1.5 GB min, 2 GB recommended
Hard Disk: 40 GB           

Mac OS X (10.3 and above)
400 MHz G3 and greater
512 MB min, 1 GB recommended
10 GB

Limited Support Provided:

Computers with specifications below the lowest listed levels provide a very limited set of functions.  These computers will be unable to support current operating systems and or application software.  The performance of computers below the mentioned configurations may be so poor as to render the systems unusable.  We recommend that you try to replace these machines as soon as possible.

Windows XP
Processor: Pentium III - 600 MHz
Memory: 256 MB
Hard Disk: 10 GB          

Mac OS X
Less than 400 MHz G3

If you are considering sending any computer systems, peripherals or software to surplus or the computer “Bone Yard,” please inform the Technical Support Desk at 6266 or place a RightNow request.  We will pick up all hardware and software you no longer want and help in transferring those items that are currently listed on your inventory.