FAS IT publishes standards each spring for computer support in Harvard dormitories. We publish two sets of standards:
- Recommended minimum configuration for new computer purchases: This describes a system that should last through an undergraduate student's four years at Harvard without requiring replacement or significant upgrading during that time.
- Recommended configurations for computers you already own: This describes our minimum recommendations for students bringing computers to campus. Any student bringing an incoming computer should be aware that this may not be a sufficiently versatile system to last throughout their college career.
For the 2009-10 academic year, the system requirements are:
- Recommended minimum for new purchases:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB hard disk, Windows Vista SP1 or OS X 10.5. - Recommended minimum for computers you already own:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2GB RAM, 160 GB hard disk, Windows Vista SP1 or OS X 10.5.
Additional Requirements
- An external Hard Drive to back up data (documents, pictures, music.) The hard drive should be of sufficient size to backup all of your data.
- A cable and locking system for enhanced security.
- A wireless Ethernet card conforming to 802.11b/g standards (in addition to, not as a replacement for, a wired Ethernet connection).
- An external keyboard and mouse to improve ergonomics when computing for long stretches.
When considering system requirements, please note that an Ethernet card or device is required for network access from your room for both laptops and desktops. The network card should be 10Mb/s or 10/100/1000 and have an RJ- 45/10BaseT connector.
See http://www.fas-it.fas.harvard.edu/leopard for current information on Leopard support from FAS Information Technology.
No support is offered for Linux, other versions of Unix, or operating systems earlier than Windows XP or Macintosh OS X 10.4. These operating systems may work on the FAS Network but support and assistance with these systems are not guaranteed.
Any laptop or desktop offered for sale under Harvard's partnerships with Apple and Lenovo is recommended for purchase and is supported by FAS Information Technology for network and instructional access. More details are available at: http://www.computers.harvard.edu/