New Student Computer Purchase, Email & Internet Information
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Student Computing and Requirements
Public Computing Centers
SUNY-ESF provides computing centers where students have access to hardware, software, network connections and printers during business and some extended hours. The systems provided can meet all the academic needs of most students. ESF recommends, however, that students have their own laptop or desktop computer that meets or exceeds minimum performance specifications (see below).
- Public Computing Center Hours
- Software Available on Public Computing Center Machines
- General Information about the ESF Computing Center
Email and the Internet
All matriculated ESF students receive email accounts. Your fall registration packets will include account information.
Access to email and the Internet is available without additional charge through the Computing Centers on either the ESF or Syracuse University campuses, or through computers off-campus. Students owning computers and a modem and/or a network interface have access to Internet services through a variety of sources.
All Syracuse University residence halls feature wireless access to the campus network and Internet. Students living off-campus can subscribe to a commercial Internet Service Provider or dial into the Syracuse University network. For detailed information on your options and their costs, please visit: http://its.syr.edu/connecting
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Owning Your Own Computer
Although ESF students are not required to own or lease a computer, many students choose to do so. Purchasing a computer system with the correct specifications can be a difficult task. Use the specifications below to you make the best decision for you. The information listed is pertinent to all programs at the College. If you already own a computer, you do not necessarily need to purchase a new one to meet these specifications.
The College is a primarily a Windows-based computing environment. Macintosh computers have access to most network features, but some Mac users may find that certain courses and degree programs require use of software that does not run natively on the Mac OS, or for which Mac licenses are not cheaply available. Nearly all such software will run on Macs with Boot Camp and Windows installed, and most of it will run successfully on emulation software like Parallels or Fusion. All such software will be installed and available for student use in ESF's computing clusters.
Recommended Minimum PC Specifications for New Students
Approximate minimum specs for a 4-year stay
To handle the demands of advanced academic applications, document formats, media, etc., your computer should meet minimum specification levels for features, memory, drive space and processing power. The pre-configured systems availabe to ESF students direct through Dell Computer and through the SU Bookstore meet these specifications. If you already have a computer or purchase one elsewhere, use these specifications to assess your system. If your current system doesn't meet these approximate minimums, we suggest that you anticipate needing to replace it at some point during your years at ESF.
- Purchase direct from Dell (discounted pricing)
Laptop
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
- 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
- 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
- 256MB Video card
- Integrated Audio
* Landscape architecture student specifications
Desktop
- AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4000+
- Flat Panel Display
- 1GB at 667MHz
- 80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
- 16x DVD+/-RW Drive
- 256MB Video card
- Sound Card
Or ...
- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300 (2MB L2 Cache,1.86GHz,1066 FSB)
- 1GB RAM at 667MHz
- 80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
- Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
- Flat Panel Display
- 256MB Video card
- Sound Card
* Landscape architecture student specifications
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Computer Systems Available through the Syracuse University Bookstore
Syracuse University (SU) offers computers for purchase by students through the Syracuse University Bookstore, http://bookstore.syr.edu—computers can be purchased online. The systems described on the SU site meet or exceed the minimum performance specifications of ESF academic programs, and they are very aggressively priced. These same specifications can be used if purchasing computers from other sources.
Regardless of where you purchase your computer, ESF recommends that you carefully consider service arrangements in case you need to have your computer serviced while attending school.
Notebook or Desktop?
The portability of a notebook allows you to easily use it at school or home and the ability to use your own computer for giving class presentations. In addition, laptops equipped with wireless cards (8011b, 8011g) can access the wireless network in ESF's Moon Library, as well as SU's AirOrange wireless network. However, security may be a concern with notebooks.
Desktop units are not portable, but tend to be less expensive for equivalent machines. They often have advantages in hard drive speed, keyboard feel, monitor size, etc. There are no clear winners in making this decision; just different choices and personal preferences.
Technology advances so rapidly that it is difficult to be certain that a computer you purchase now will meet all of your computing needs throughout your academic life. However, the specifications of the systems described below should be sufficient for a considerable period of time.
Software
The Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher) is recommended as basic software for academic use. Please note that Microsoft Office is NOT included with the computer systems offered through the SU Bookstore. It must be purchased separately, and is available at the SU Bookstore ($200, subject to change without notice). Office can be purchased online from the SU Bookstore. If you do not need Microsoft Access, you can purchase the Microsoft Office Student and Teacher edition, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook (no Access) at an approximate cost of $150 (available at Staples, OfficeMax, BestBuy, etc.).
SU Bookstore Systems
Designated systems sold at SU have at least the minimum features and performance specifications for use in all SUNY-ESF programs, except for the Landscape Architecture (LA) program. LA purchasers should purchase or compare specifications with the high end laptop offered.
Computers purchased through these offerings are maintained, serviced, and covered by warranty through Computing & Media Services "’Cuse Care" service located throughout the Syracuse campus. Please contact The University Bookstore for ‘Cuse Care terms and conditions. Manufacturer’s warranties also apply. All questions regarding purchases of a computer through SU should be directed to the SU Bookstore, (315) 443-9900, http://bookstore.syr.edu.
| To buy or learn about systems that meet or exceed ESF minimum specifications, visit the... Remember that all computers are purchased, managed, and serviced through Syracuse University CMS and are NOT open for specific customizations. |
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Additional Recommendations
Data Storage and Transport
We highly recommend the use of USB Thumb Drives for transportable data storage. Thumb drives come in a wide range of capacities, are fast and reliable, and will work on all Public Computing Center computers. Zip disks and floppies are no longer supported at ESF.
Printing
We suggest you purchase a printer with your personal computer. While SUNY-ESF has various printers available throughout campus, we cannot guarantee that printer availability will match your needs.
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Questions?
Call or email the Computing Center, (315) 470-6861 or computingcenter@esf.edu.
