Updated 4/3/12

Gellersen Center and the Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center both have 802.11n wireless networks. For this reason, many students will find it convenient to bring a laptop computer with an appropriate wireless network card installed. This network should be compatible with all new laptops with wireless network capabilities.  If you have questions or concerns please e-mail Laura Sanders, Assistant Dean for Student Success, at Laura.Sanders@valpo.edu.

2012 Recommended Computer Specifications

There are two sets of computer specifications. The first set is for those students wishing to purchase a new computer. The second set is for those students who already have a computer they wish to bring from home. Either a laptop or desktop computer is acceptable, but a laptop will provide the added benefit of being able to be taken to class. Please note that these are minimum specifications.

New Computer Specifications

Operating System--Windows 7 Professional.

Processor-- All AMD and Intel processors currently available on the market are acceptable.  Intel i5 and i7 processors are recommended.

Memory- 4GB or more. 

Hard Drive--500GB. Larger recommended if it fits your budget.

Monitor--17 or 19 inch LCD (desktop), 15 inch (laptop).

Video Card--512MB or larger. (Laptops, because of potentially smaller screen sizes may have less, although many have more.)

Sound Card--A sound card and speakers are recommended.

DVD+/-RW--Recommended. 

Network Card--A network card is required to connect your computer to the campus network. A wireless network card should also be included in a laptop.

Software--An office productivity suite such as Microsoft Office Student Edition is recommended. This can be purchased from your computer vendor or at the campus bookstore.  Google Docs, which is free, will work for many tasks, so if you are on a tight budget you can try using Google Docs on your own computer and Microsoft Office, when necessary, on College of Engineering lab computers.  You could always evaluate your needs for Microsoft Office later.

Computer From Home Specifications

Please note that the closer your computer is to the minimum specifications below, the sooner it will need to be replaced. Computers meeting only the minimum specs are not likely to run all software over the next four years.

Operating System-- Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business or Ultimate, or Windows 7 Professional.  The home versions of these operating systems are not fully supported but are known to work.

Processor—Intel Core2 processor or AMD processor not older than five years.  A Pentium IV processor 3.0 GHz or higher may meet some of your needs.  If this is what is available, you could use it when you can and then make use of lab computers when necessary.

Memory-- 1GB or more

Hard Drive--80GB.

Monitor--Any monitor that works with your system.

Video Card--64MB.

Sound Card--A sound card and speakers are recommended.

CDROM--Necessary for loading files.

Network Card--Same as for a new computer.

Software--Same as for a new computer.