MU Information Technology -Computer Recommendations

Computer Recommendations

Mercer University recommends that all computers purchased for student use meet the following criteria in order to be compatible with university networks. Students may purchase computers through the retail venue of their choice. Special student rates may be available on certain computers from select retailers; for more information see Student Discounts.

Windows-Based Systems
Recommended Configuration	Intel Core 2 Duo 1GB (or more) RAM Windows XP or Windows Vista
Network Card and Cable	An Ethernet enabled computer system with a 10-15 foot Ethernet cable. (Network cables may be purchased at Auxiliary Services for $10.)
Network Configuration	Systems must have TCP/IP installed with configuration set to automatically obtain IP address from Mercer’s DHCP server
Web Browser	Internet Explorer is required to install Cisco Network Access Control and Windows updates.
Antivirus Software	All resident students are required to run an antivirus software package. Several packages (some free, some commercial) are supported on the residential network. For more information, see Antivirus Software.
Software	Microsoft Office is recommended and can be purchased via Mercer IT at a special student rate. For more information, see Student Discounts.
Network Access Assistance	Mercer employees and students are available to assist with basic system configurations to establish access to BearNet. Dial 7000 in Macon or 8989 in Atlanta for assistance with network access.

Macintosh
Recommended Configuration	2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 2GB (or more) RAM Mac OS 10.4 Tiger or later
Network Card and Cable	An Ethernet enabled computer system with a 10-15 foot Ethernet cable. (Network cables may be purchased at Auxiliary Services for $10.)
Network Configuration	Systems must have TCP/IP installed with configuration set to automatically obtain IP address from Mercer’s DHCP server
Web Browser	Firefox for Mac is recommended and can be downloaded from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/. Students must abide by the license restrictions imposed for this product.
Antivirus Software	All resident students are required to run an antivirus software package. Several packages (some free, some commercial) are supported on the residential network. For more information, see Antivirus Software.
Software	Microsoft Office is recommended and can be purchased via Mercer IT at a special student rate. For more information, see Student Discounts.
Network Access Assistance	Mercer employees and students are available to assist with basic system configurations to establish access to BearNet. Dial 7000 in Macon or 8989 in Atlanta for assistance with network access.