Computing Requirements and Recommendations
for Students
If you already own a computer, please be sure it meets the University's minimum configuration requirements. If you have not yet purchased a computer, please review the recommendations for SLU network compatibility listed below. If your computer does not meet or exceed these requirements, you may not be able to connect to the University's network reliably. To minimize connection problems, we recommend all machines have factory or dealer installed network interface cards in order to ensure maximum compatibility.
- Minimum requirements
- Compatibility recommendations
Minimum Requirements for Windows computers 
- 1.6 GHz Pentium 4 or equivalent minimum processor speed
- 512 MB RAM
- 1 GB free hard drive space
- CD-ROM drive
- Surge protector
- Microsoft Windows XP operating system (Windows XP Pro strongly recommended)
- Network interface - most 10baseT cards are compatible (twisted pair, ethernet)
- Original software and manuals that came with the computer, including recovery CDs
- Word processing software - Microsoft Office 2002 and 2007 are available for purchase at the Brewer Bookstore
Minimum Requirements for Macintosh computers
- 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor
- 256 MB RAM
- 30 GB free hard drive space
- CD-RW drive
- Surge protector
- Mac OS X 10.2 operating system
- Orginal software and manuals that came with the computer, including recovery CDs
- Microsoft Office 2004 for OSX
- Built-in ethernet
Windows Compatiblilty Recommendations
- 2.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 667MHz 4M L2 Cache, Dual Core processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 80 GB hard disk drive
- DVD+/-RW Drive
- Built-in ethernet
- Integrated 802.11a/b/g compatible wireless (laptop)
- Windows XP Professional operating system
- Microsoft Vista OS
- Microsoft Office 2007, available at a discounted price to students at the Bewer Bookstore
- 4-year manufacturer's warranty with accidental protection (laptops)
Macintosh Compatibility Recommendations
- 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4 processor
- 512 MB RAM
- 60 GB hard disk drive
- 500 MB free hard drive space
- DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
- surge protector
- Mac OS X 10.3 operating system
- Microsoft Office 2004
- Orginal recovery CDs
- 3-year manufacturer's warranty
- Built-in ethernet
