A computer purchase is not required to attend KGCOE.  However, if you do want to bring your own, here are some things to think about before purchasing.

Operating System – Windows or Mac (Apple)
Choosing an operating system is largely a personal preference. Most students, faculty, and staff in the college use Windows. Most of the advanced applications that students work on are used on RIT-owned lab computers and not their personal systems. An important consideration is that there is an available office suite able to open and edit documents. An example is Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac.

Laptop or Desktop
Desktop computers offer more power for the money. They typically come with larger screens and a more powerful CPU. They allow for more internal components and are more upgradeable. Laptops offer portability. Students are able to carry their laptops with them and are not tied to their desks when they need to use their computers. You will typically pay much more for a laptop with the same specifications as a desktop.

Processor
Generally speaking, the higher the GHz, the faster the processor. Currently there are many different options for CPUs. There are single core, dual core and quad core options. Most computers come with at least a dual core processor. By and large, the more cores, the more computing power it will have. A safe bet is to find the fastest processor available and drop back one or two steps. The newest processors usually have inflated prices; but if you step back too far, the computer will become outdated more quickly. In terms of brand, AMD and Intel are nearly identical. AMD processors tend to be slightly less expensive. You will experience no compatibility issues by choosing AMD or Intel.

Hard Drive
If you have a large music, video or photo collection, more space will be required. Computer games can also take up large amounts of space. Laptop hard drives are usually 5400RPM (revolutions per minute), while Desktops typically have 7200 RPM hard drives. It is possible to find a “faster” 7200RPM drive for a laptop. More RPMs usually means better performance from the hard drive.

RAM
When purchasing a new computer, purchase at least 2GBs of RAM. RAM can give you the most performance increase for the money. This doesn't mean go out and buy as much RAM possible. RAM drops in price exponentially, meaning that the same time next year you will be able to get double the amount you have for less than what you paid originally. Upgrading the RAM on both a laptop and a desktop is a very simple process.

Removable Media
USB Flash Drives (also called pen or jump or thumb drives) are extremely useful devices. They allow students working on lab machines to copy their files to their home machines and vice versa.

Monitor
A 19-inch desktop monitor is pretty standard. Monitors come in two types: widescreen (rectangular) and full screen (square shaped). The difference is nothing more than personal preference. Widescreen is more common now. Larger monitors allow you more viewing space on your computer, but limit the space available on your desk. Most of the monitors you find today will be LCD monitors. Their slim profile allows them to fit well on desks without taking up all the space.

Laptop monitors come in three basic sizes: 13 in., 15 in. and 17 in. The larger the screen size, the larger (and bulkier) your laptop will be. The smaller screen size makes it harder to see and limits the space on your screen, but generally makes your laptop lighter and smaller. Laptops with screens smaller than 13 in. are ultra portable, but don't typically offer the computer power of larger models.

Network
Currently the University has 100MB wired connection on nearly all of campus. There are some areas with 1GB (1000MB). Most computers come standard with at least a 100MB wired connection.

As for Wireless, RIT has recently instituted a wireless N (802.11a/b/g/n) network for the entire campus. Most laptops come with at least an 802.11b/g network card which will work on campus. Generally speaking, wireless N cards are backward compatible with wireless B/G networks, while G cards are not compatible with N. If you have a laptop with a wireless card you will be able to access this network from any building on campus and in your dorm room or on campus apartment.  Individual wireless routers are no longer permitted on campus since they can interfere with the existing network and cause service interruptions to other people.

Graphics and Video
A 256MB video card is sufficient for most applications. Purchase a graphics card (also called video card) with more for games, CAD applications or TV/Video applications. There are two major brands for video cards: ATI and NVIDIA. Both offer similar compatibility and performance. If possible, purchase a laptop with separate memory for the video card.

Printer
There are plenty of black and white printers available for students to use on campus. Color printers are also available, typically for a small per page fee. An inexpensive printer is advisable for quick print jobs. Dell and many other computer companies typically offer printers free (after mail in rebate) with a purchase of their computer systems.

Warranty
Get the three year extended warranty if you can afford to do so.

RIT has agreements with many computer manufacturers such as Dell, Apple, SONY. Please call RIT Computer Sales at 585-475-2211 for more information on these purchasing programs.