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> Helpdesk >Policies > Service Center > Minimum Hardware Requirements
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Effective October 2008*
In an attempt to maintain network security, reduce user
frustration and avoid wasting resources attempting to maintain decrepit
systems, minimum standards have been established for computer hardware.
The established standards will help minimize security risks and problems
with unreliable hardware, and will keep systems in step with the requirements
of current software. The standards are updated annually.
Because budgeting must be done nearly a year in advance, we have also
included what the minimum requirements will
change to on October 1. You are encouraged to plan to meet the Fall
standards during the summer so that we have ample time to configure your
new system before the standards take effect. The following is
our current and future minimum requirements for a reliable machine
supported by Forestry Computing Resources in accordance with the Workstation
Policy:
| |
Current Minimum |
Minimum starting October 2009 |
|---|---|---|
OS |
Windows XP SP2 |
Windows XP SP2 |
CPU |
1.1 GHz CPU (Laptops) |
3.4 GHz Pentium 4 CPU |
RAM |
1 GB of RAM |
2 GB RAM |
HDD |
30 GB min.;
7200 RPM |
40 GB min.; 7200 RPM |
If your system does not meet (or will shortly fail to meet) these minimum hardware requirements, then the system is probably overdue for an upgrade. If you need an upgrade, you should check the computer recommendation page at http://wwwdata.forestry.oregonstate.edu/helpdesk/services/comp_buy/ to familiarize yourself with recommended new system specifications. Then you should contact Helpdesk for assistance in configuring the system and placing your order. This is critical to make sure the system is supportable and that the software on it is compatible with the campus licensing agreements. Do not place computer orders without working through Helpdesk!
If your system is below minimum standards, but you can't afford to upgrade at this time, contact Helpdesk anyway. Sometimes we know of underutilized systems that might represent an acceptable improvement over your current outdated machine.
If circumstances dictate that it is impossible to upgrade a system which is below minimum standards, you can keep the machine on the network as long as:
-
You take responsibility (with Helpdesk staff assistance as needed) for maintaining the machine with the most current security patches. Older machines sometimes have problems with the latest security patches. If that is the case and the machine is no longer securable, we will need to remove it from the network and from Forestry Computing Resources support.
You understand that Helpdesk staff will only be able to spend a limited amount of time diagnosing or resolving a problem. If the problem cannot be resolved within an hour, continued work will only be done if the estimated cost of repairs, in time and materials, does not exceed the value of the system.
You understand that if the system develops problems it is often less expensive to upgrade the hardware/software than to try to find patches or updates for the older items. Computing Resources will declare a problem as unfixable if it is determined that the cost of repairs would exceed the value of the system.
If you have a system that falls below minimum system requirements and you do not have it connected to the network we will not request that you replace it; as long as it is not on the network. If the system is running properly and is operating as a stand alone machine then the helpdesk will not perform any routine maintenance on the computer.
Thank you for working with us to help ensure that your computing needs are
met in a satisfactory and cost effective manner. Please contact a member of
the Helpdesk staff if you have any questions.
*Updated annually -- Last updated: October 1, 2008