Recommended hardware for off-campus learning

Off-campus students will need at least 10 hours per week access to a computer system to complete their course. They will do some of their work on-line and communicate with staff via on-line newsgroups and e-mail using the Internet. A number of course materials will be made available through the GSIT unit pages (restricted).

Students will therefore need a computer comparable to the systems outlined below.

Purchasing Computers

A recommended system configuration is provided in the table below; on the basis of this information students can decide whether their current PC will be suitable for the course they considering or are undertaking.

Most problems with computers show up in the first few minutes of use. Therefore, before purchasing it is worth having the actual computer assembled and turned on for at least five minutes. Most reputable PC suppliers will be happy to cooperate with this (unless they have a policy that permits a purchaser to return the computer for any reason and receive either a new replacement or full refund). This is also a good chance to make sure that you can read the text on the display easily, and that you are happy with the "feel" of the keyboard.

Here are the details of the kind of computer system that is recommended:

• Type of CPU - Pentium 4 2.6 GHz
• RAM - 512 M
• Hard disk - 80GB
• Floppy disk - 1.44MB 3.5"
• DVD Burner
• Monitor - 15" LCD monitor (or CRT monitor)
• Printer - Inkjet or laser
• Mouse - Optical mouse
• Modem - 56K or ADSL or cable modem, or any other means of Internet connection
• Operating system - Windows XP (XP Pro is recommended)