Baseline Hardware for Computing and Networking

North Dakota State University Agriculture

developed by AITAG

January 2004

Two components of the baseline hardware are 1) minimum specifications for current computers, and 2) recommended specifications for new computers, as well as specifications for new computers that will be used for special applications.

Minimum Baseline for Current Computers

Current computers, at a minimum, should be capable of effectively using Windows 9x (95, 98, ME)*; this generally means:

* Faculty and staff are urged to consider replacing computers that do not meet the minimum baseline if it is technically or economically imprudent to repair or enhance the unit.

** Should be upgraded with a larger hard drive – possibly a 20GB.

Baseline Specifications for New Computer Purchases

Component	Recommendations
	New Desktop	New Laptop
RAM	512MB	512MB
CPU speed	Pentium 4	Pentium M
Hard drive size	40GB	40GB
Disk drive	3.5" floppy	3.5" floppy
CD drive	CDRW/DVD Combo	CDRW/DVD Combo
Sound system	yes
Keyboard	yes
Mouse	optical
Monitor	17" CRT
Ethernet card	10/100	10/100
Other ports	USB 2.0, serial, parallel	USB 2.0, serial, parallel
Modem	no	yes
Video	integrated 32MB to 64 MB	32MB
Warranty	3 years	3 years
Operating System	Win XP Prof	Win XP Prof

* Monitor, keyboard, and mouse are integrated into laptops. If a laptop is to be used as a desktop replacement, the user may want to consider purchasing a port replicator or a docking station, as well as a conventional monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

	A port replicator is for users who want to turn their notebook into a desktop by connecting common peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse and serial devices) and providing access to an Ethernet network. (About $200 to $300)
	A docking station is for users who want all of the features of a port replicator, and also the expansion flexibility provided by an IDE module bay, 2 PCI card slots, and integrated SCSI support. (About $450 to $550)
	Either accessory mentioned above is brand and/or model specific and should be purchased at the time the laptop is ordered.
	If purchasing a refurbished computer, spending an additional amount to acquire a three-year warranty is advisable if one is available.

NDSU Ag faculty/staff members are encouraged to contact Sue Hendrickson, Agriculture Communication Computer Services, shendric@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 231-7397 if you have questions about baseline hardware. Sue can also assist with ordering equipment. Suggested vendors include:

	Daktech (Local Fargo Vendor):  http://www.daktech.com
	Dell:  http://www.dell.com
	Gateway:  http://www.gateway.com
	Micron:  http://www.micron.com
	Varsity Mart:: http://www.ndsu.edu/bookstore/electronics/

Peripherals

NDSU Ag faculty/staff members are encouraged to contact the following members of the Agriculture Communication staff for recommendations on hardware peripherals.

Item	Suggested Ag Comm Contact
Digital Cameras	Dave Rice, drice@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7381 Sue Hendrickson, shendric@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7397
Digital Projectors	Mike Miller, mmiller@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-857-7677 Lynette Flage, lflage@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-265-5200 Sue Hendrickson, shendric@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7397
Personal Digital Assistants or Pocket PCs	None
Printers	Sue Hendrickson, shendric@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7397
Scanners	Deb Tanner, dtanner@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-7891 Sue Hendrickson, shendric@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7397
Videoconferencing Equipment	Lynette Flage, lflage@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-265-5200 Mike Miller, mmiller@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-857-7677 Dave Jacobs, djacobs@ndsuext.nodak.edu, 701-231-7896