Hardware

For more information please contact the GSLIS Help Desk:
Room 228 GSLIS
244-4903 or 800-377-1892
help@support.lis.illinois.edu

Personal Computers | Faculty/Staff Workstations | Minimum Requirements for LEEP | Micro Order Center

General Personal Computers

There are no set hardware requirements for on-campus classes. If you have questions or concerns about a computer you are considering purchasing, please contact the "GSLIS Help Desk"-help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-.

In addition to retail computer stores you should also check with computer manufacturers who sell systems directly and offer an academic discount. University of Illinois students, staff, and faculty can also order through the Micro Order Center, which offers academic discounts and can be cheaper because they order in volume.

Faculty/Staff Workstations

If you are a new faculty or staff member, or a current faculty or staff member eligible for an upgrade to your GSLIS workstation, you will have a choice between a laptop and a desktop computer. You will also have a choice of a Macintosh, Windows, or Linux operating system.

Since operating systems, hardware, and peripheral availability can change rapidly, you will need to determine the best match for your needs in consultation with GSLIS technical staff at the time of your order.

Minimum Requirements for LEEP

This listing of technology requirements is for students enrolled in LEEP classes for the 2009-2010 academic year. It will be revised on a yearly basis. If you expect to continue in LEEP for a few years, it might be best to exceed what is listed. Requirements will likely increase each year, as new technologies become available and exceeding the below minimum requirements will make your computer faster and more powerful.

If you have questions, it is strongly recommended that you contact LEEP staff at -help, at support.lis.illinois.edu-, especially before making any major investments in computer equipment.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Windows

• Windows 2000/XP/Vista
• Pentium III 1 GHz Processor
• 256 MB RAM

Macintosh

• Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
• G4, G5, or Intel Processor
• 256 MB RAM

Linux

• Red Hat Linux, Novell SUSE 10, Ubuntu
• Pentium III 1 GHz Processor
• 256 MB RAM

Other Considerations

When considering purchasing a new computer (laptop or desktop) you may also want to consider the following:

• At least 500MB free hard drive space for class work and software
• A CD-R/CD-RW/DV-R/DV-RW/external hard drive to store or back up your data
• Ethernet capabililty
• Wireless capability
• Microphone Headset--recommendations

Network Connectivity

• A reliable Internet connection is required. Modem, ISDN, DSL, Cable or other dedicated Internet connectivity for at least 20 hours/week. Several Web pages provide information about which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer an Internet connection in your area. One such service is http://www.thelist.com.
• 56K modem or higher speed connection required.
• Please be aware that a satellite ISP is not recommended due to latency issues with the LEEP live sessions. If a satellite ISP is your only option for connecting to the Internet, please contact the GSLIS Help Desk for guidance. We also cannot currently recommend a cellular wireless connection plan for your ISP.
• Must include SLIP, PPP, or other TCP/IP connectivity.
• LEEP staff will provide guidance in acquiring and using Internet software such as Telnet/SSH, Web Browser, and any other Internet-based software required. However, it will be the student's responsibility to find an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and to actually make the connection to the Internet. ISPs should give you the software needed to connect to the Internet and also provide tech support if you have problems.

Last Modified: May 2009