Hardware Standards

Introduction

Standardization is the single most important component in providing quality service at the lowest possible cost. When purchasing new hardware, CSB/SJU network standards must be observed.  The hardware categories below represent recommended configurations required to support the current versions of software on the campus network. Specific vendors and platforms have been designated as standards when their products and services have proven to be in the long-term best interest of faculty, staff, and students.

General Purpose Computers

• PC (Current minimum specification)
  HP/Compaq Business Class
  Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
  17" LCD flat-panel monitor
  160 GB local hard disk
  DVD+/-RW
  2 GB Memory
  Standard mouse & keyboard
   
• Macintosh
  iMac, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
  17" integrated monitor
  160 GB local hard disk
  Superdrive
  2 GB Memory
  Standard mouse & keyboard

OR

MacPro Dual Core Intel Xeon Processor
17" LCD flat-panel monitor
160 GB local hard disk
Superdrive
2 GB Memory
Standard mouse & keyboard

Notebook Computers

• HP
  Intel Core Duo Processor
  80 GB local hard disk
  DVD+/-RW
  2 GB Memory
  14” TFT Display
  Modem/Ethernet/Wireless

Printers

• Networked Laser Printer
  The standard networked laser printer provides high quality printed output for departmental use. Typical minimum specifications should include the following:
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Built-in TCP/IP connection
  • 16MB Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • 20 pages per minute
  • 600 dpi resolution
  • 136 TrueType fonts, PostScript level 3 Emulation

  Color networked laser printers are only available for high volume color printing by multiple users. Occasional color printing should be done at the SJU or CSB Duplicating Center.
   

• Personal Printer
  A personal printer is intended for use where there is a requirement for printed output and a shared networked printer is not available or where special requirements exist, such as color printing. These devices are typically not "heavy duty" printers and should not be converted into network printers by sharing the resource. Typical minimum specifications should include:
  • Hewlett Packard
  • USB compatibility
     
• Multi-Function Printer
  If you are considering purchasing a multi-function printer for your department, please contact IT Services prior to your purchase decision to assess network compatibility issues. Compatibility problems are common with these devices and therefore IT Services cannot guarantee connectivity with all multi-function printers. Support of multi-function printers will be on a limited basis.
  • It is the responsibility of the vendor to meet our standard network requirements. The printer vendor will need to review our standard requirements or contact IT Services to assess network compatibility issues.
  • IT Services will need 10 working days notice prior to installation to prepare for printer setup.
  • IT Services cannot guarantee that functions other than printing will work on the campus network. Multi-function printers are highly variable and features such as cost accounting, scanning to email, etc. may not function in an enterprise network environment.
  • Vendors and owners of the multi-function printer need to maintain compatibility with network changes and enhancements.

Scanners

HP with USB support is the preferred scanning device on the network. For example, some popular, supported models are as follows:

• HP Scanjet, 4800 dpi, 48 bit, 8.5x11, USB
• HP Scanjet, 4800 dpi, 48 bit, 8.5x14, USB

Additional scanning software is not required for user with Windows XP operating system.

DVD+/-RW Drives

All new staff/faculty machines will be equipped with a DVD+/-RW drive. The built-in software with Windows XP will be used for copying data to CD media.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) vary in the type and the time required for installation. IT Services will attempt to connect PDA devices; however some are incompatible with the current network software configuration. If you are attempting to connect a personally-owned PDA see Employee-Owned Technology Policy for more information. Listed below are the recommended PDA devices.

• Handheld/Pocket PCs by HP
• Palm Handheld
  See the Palm website for more information.

Data handhelds

In order to take advantage of “push e-mail “technology available at CSB/SJU for data phones through Exchange, IT Services recommends that you purchase a Windows Mobile 5.0 or higher device. For information about the Windows Mobile Service and the devices its supports, see Wireless Access with Handheld Devices.

If you have any questions on this information or need more information, please contact the CSB/SJU Computer Store at Extension 2864.