Hardware

Personal Computers | Faculty/Staff Workstations | Minimum Requirements for LEEP | Micro Order Center

General Personal Computers

There are no set hardware requirements for on-campus classes. If you have questions or concerns about a computer you are considering purchasing, please contact the "GSLIS Help Desk"-help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-.

In addition to retail computer stores you should also check with computer manufacturers who sell systems directly and offer an academic discount. University of Illinois students, staff, and faculty can also order through the Micro Order Center, which offers academic discounts and can be cheaper because they order in volume.

Faculty/Staff Workstations

If you are a new faculty or staff member, or a current faculty or staff member eligible for an upgrade to your GSLIS workstation, you will have a choice between a laptop and a desktop computer. You will also have a choice of a Macintosh, Windows, or Linux operating system.

Since operating systems, hardware, and peripheral availability can change rapidly, you will need to determine the best match for your needs in consultation with GSLIS technical staff at the time of your order.

Minimum Requirements for LEEP

This listing of technology requirements is for students enrolled in LEEP classes for the 2008–2009 academic year. It will be revised on a yearly basis. If you expect to continue in LEEP for a few years, it might be best to exceed what is listed. Requirements will likely increase each year, as new technologies become available and exceeding the below minimum requirements will make your computer faster and more powerful.

If you have questions, it is strongly recommended that you contact LEEP staff at -help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-, especially before making any major investments in computer equipment.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• IBM compatible Pentium II or greater (at least 400mhz)* with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista - or - Macintosh with OS X.
• 128MB RAM memory.
• 500MB free hard drive space for class work and software.
• CD-ROM drive.
• Sound card with speakers and/or earphones.
• Color monitor with at least 800x600 resolution.

  * or equivalent AMD chip.

  Unix-based computers can also run LEEP software. Please contact us if you are planning to use a Unix computer for your LEEP courses.

Other Considerations

When considering purchasing a new computer (laptop or desktop) you may also want to consider the following:

• A CD-R/CD-RW (or DV-R/DV-RW) to store or back up your data
• Ethernet capabililty
• Wireless capability

Network Connectivity

• A reliable Internet connection is required. Modem, ISDN, DSL, Cable or other dedicated Internet connectivity for at least 20 hours/week. Several Web pages provide information about which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer an Internet connection in your area. One such service is http://www.thelist.com.
• 56K modem or higher speed connection required.
• Please be aware that a satellite ISP is not recommended due to latency issues with the LEEP live sessions. If a satellite ISP is your only option for connecting to the Internet, please contact the GSLIS Help Desk for guidance. We also cannot currently recommend a cellular wireless connection plan for your ISP.
• Must include SLIP, PPP, or other TCP/IP connectivity.
• LEEP staff will provide guidance in acquiring and using Internet software such as Telnet/SSH, Web Browser, and any other Internet-based software required. However, it will be the student's responsibity to find an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and to actually make the connection to the Internet. ISPs should give you the software needed to connect to the Internet and also provide tech support if you have problems.

Last Modified: December, 2008