CMU recognizes that purchasing a computer is a personal decision. However, as a guideline for incoming CMU students, CMU's Faculty Technology Planning Committee in 2002 established minimum computer hardware and software recommendations. If you choose a computer that does not meet these recommendations, you may not have adequate equipment to complete all your class work at CMU.

	Your Computer
	Operating System
	Software
	Laptop or Desktop?
	PC or Mac?
	Purchasing Opportunities
	Financial Aid Opportunities
	2006-2007 Minimum Student Computer Configuration Specifications
	PC Notebook (Laptop)
	PC Desktop
	Macintosh Notebook (Laptop)
	Macintosh Desktop

Your Computer
Your decision about which computer to bring to college might be determined by your academic interests, particularly later in your college career. Transfer students may wish to contact individual departments for specific recommendations.

Your computer should have adequate storage and processor speed and the ability to access the World Wide Web via a direct Ethernet connection. These features are available in most computers purchased within the last four or five years. in fact, many entry-level systems cost as little as $1100 and will meet all of your basic college needs.

High-speed Ethernet connections are available across campus. CMU's library has 300 open Ethernet connections, and each CMU residence hall room has four Ethernet connections (visit http://www.resnet.cmich.edu/ for system requirements, network card information, and setup requests). This makes it possible for you and each of your roommates to go online simultaneously without tying up the telephone line with slower dial-up modems. If your computer is not Ethernet ready,  technicians are available to help you configure it to connect to the Ethernet. The cost is minimal.

Operating System
If you own a PC, it should operate Windows XP or higher. If you own a Macintosh, it should run the Macintosh operating system (OS) 10.0 or higher.

Software
At a minimum, students need programs for word processing, Web browsing, and virus detection. If you do not already have a word processing program, CMU recommends Microsoft Word. Web browsers, which come free with most computers, include Netscape and Internet Explorer. In some courses, spreadsheet, presentation, and Web design software are helpful. For these applications, CMU recommends Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Some browser software programs include Web editors, but you may wish to have another Web design program such as Microsoft FrontPage or Adobe GoLive.

Laptop or Desktop?
Laptop systems, although more expensive, provide exceptional mobility both on campus and on the road. For example, you can carry a laptop to the library, hook up to a high-speed Ethernet connection and conduct research. On the occasional weekend home, you can conveniently take your research and assignments with you.

Desktop systems generally are less expensive and connect to larger monitors, which can be useful when working with desktop publishing, graphics, and Web design programs. Most desktop systems also have full size keyboards and mouse-style navigation devices. Most residence hall rooms are furnished with desks that accommodate desktop systems.

PC or Mac?
The acronym "PC" means "personal computer" but has also become standard identification for computers with Windows operating systems. PCs are used in most business settings and represent a majority of computer users worldwide and on campus. Macintosh maintains a strong presence in the world of education, desktop publishing and design. Macs may be favored in certain disciplines and curricula.

Purchasing Opportunities
CMU does not sell computers to students but does use its purchasing power to provide favorable purchase and lease agreements with major vendors on basic computer systems, including desktop and laptop systems (see the Related Links on this page). The systems are preconfigured with the University's standard software applications and are ready to operate effectively right out of the box. Setup support is available.

Financial Aid Opportunities
Incoming students can include up to $1,000 in their financial aid budget for the cost of a computer. Students may be eligible to receive an increased federal Direct Student Loan, federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, or a loan from a private lender to cover this expense. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for the federal loan and some of the private loan programs. For additional information contact Scholarships and Financial Aid at (989) 774-3674 or toll free at (888) 392-0007.

2006-2007 Minimum Computer and Printer Configuration Specifications
The following are the minimum notebook, desktop, and printer configurations we recommend.