Minimum Computer Requirements:                                                            Table A

IBM compatible:

Windows XP SP2:

-1 GB of RAM
-Intel or AMD 1GHz processor or better
-CD or DVD drive
-Free PCI expansion slot or built-in 10/100 Ethernet

Macintosh:

Mac OS X or higher:

-1 GB of RAM
-G3 processor or better
-CD or DVD drive
-Built-in 10/100 Ethernet

Buying a new computer?  We Recommend:                                             Table B

IBM compatible:

Windows XP SP2 or Vista:

-2 GB of RAM
-Intel or AMD 2.8GHz processor or better
-CD or DVD drive
-Free PCI expansion slot or built-in 10/100 Ethernet

Macintosh:

Mac OS X:

-2 GB of RAM
-G5 or Intel Processor
-CD or DVD drive
-Built-in 10/100 Ethernet

Recommended Network Cards:                                                                  Table C

IBM compatible:

PCI slots:
Linksys -     LNE100-TXU

PC card slots (Laptops):
Linksys -     PCM100 (for wired networks)
Linksys -     PCM100 (for wireless networks)

The Hofstra bookstore carries the above network cards.

Macintosh:

All new Macintosh computers have built-in Ethernet network ports but some require a card or transceiver.  If your Macintosh does not have built-in Ethernet, or you're not sure, then please contact the ResNet office for advice.

Network Cards:

Please read the guidelines below before purchasing a network card.

• ResNet supports network cards from most major manufacturers including Linksys, 3COM, Intel, Xircom, and IBM. We do not recommend the purchase of no-name or generic brand equipment.

• Be sure that the vendor you purchase your network card from has a reasonable return and exchange policy, in case the card you purchase is defective or incompatible with your system.
• No matter where you purchase your card, it is important that you hold onto your receipt.
• If you purchase your network card from an off-campus vendor, be sure to inform the salesperson that you need a 10/100 compatible Ethernet card (for twisted pair wiring).
• When purchasing a network card, be sure that you have been provided with the correct card for your system - PCI card for desktops and PC cards (PCMCIA) for laptops. If you do not plan to install the card yourself, we recommend that you let the installer determine that you have the correct card before unwrapping it.
• The fastest way to get connected to the Hofstra network is to have your network card installed before you move onto campus. Although network card installation is a free service provided to Hofstra students by the ResNet office, we cannot guarantee same-day installation. During the first two months of the fall semester, we often have a one-week waiting period for network card installations.

New computer purchases:

If the manufacturer or dealer of the computer you plan to purchase offers a network card option, then we recommend that you purchase this option.  We make this recommendation for the following reasons.

• The installation of internal components, such as a network card in some desktop computers, will void the manufacturer's warranty.  If the manufacturer or dealer installs the network card, the computer will continue to be covered under warranty (be sure to ask your dealer.)

• There is no guesswork involved when purchasing a network card from the dealer or manufacturer; the card is guaranteed to work in the system you are purchasing.  Although ResNet will provide free installation of a network card, we cannot make any guarantee of compatibility between the computer you own and the cards we recommend.
• Plug and go.  When you purchase a network card from a manufacturer or dealer, the card is pre-installed and configured.  You just need to plug the computer into the network port and you're connected.