Purchase Recommendations

NOTE:  As computer technology continually changes, recommendations quickly becomes outdated.  Our recommended configurations are provided simply as a guide for making computer purchases.  The College of Southern Idaho makes no specific endorsement of any specific brands of hardware or software, nor assumes responsibility for purchases made by persons who follow some or all of the recommendations contained herein.  Please note, that Dell offers special discounts to students purchasing through the CSI Bookstore. 

Recommended Reading:  PC World's purchasing guide for help on what to get in your computer.

Windows Platforms

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad, AMD Anthon 64 X2, or newer
Memory: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended (64 bit OS is needed for memory > 4GB)
Hard drive size: 500GB or larger.  Graphic Arts & multimedia production students are encouraged to obtain minimum 1TB or larger drives.
Wireless:  802.11g or n (recommended for laptop users)
Operating System: Windows XP (32 Bit), Vista (64 Bit) or 7 (64 Bit). 
Software:  Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 (available through the CSI Bookstore), Virus Checker such as McAfee or Symantec.

Recommended Accessories

USB flash/thumb Drive - minimum 4GB

Is a New Computer Necessary for Students to Succeed?

The College of Southern Idaho offers many campus computers for students to use.  Thus, it often is not necessary for students to obtain their own computers to succeed in their studies.  Besides cost savings of using campus computers, many advantages exist in using CSI computers.  Most needed software is installed and ready for use.  Printing to a campus printer is only available through a campus computer.  Maintenance and service are provided by trained technical staff.  Nonetheless, if a student feels a new computer would be helpful to them, we offer these guidelines & recommendations.