These are the minimum suggested computer configurations for new computers for the 2009 - 2010 academic year. If you are considering purchasing a new system, please visit the Tech Marketplace on myNEU for specially priced Apple and Dell systems. Please remember to check with your college and/or department to determine if there are any extra requirements for systems and/or required software packages.
Already own a computer? Click here for more information.
PC Desktop
- Microsoft Windows XP Desktop
- Windows XP (with Service Pack 3 installed)
- 2.8GHz Single-Core CPU or greater (Recommended: Dual Core CPU)
- 2GB memory or greater (optimally expandable to 4GB)
- 100 GB Hard Drive or greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive
- Keyboard / Mouse
- Anti-Virus (Symantec Antivirus software is provided by Northeastern University)
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network Cable
- Strongly Recommended: 200GB External Hard Drive or greater for data backups
- Recommended: LCD flat panel monitor
- Microsoft Windows Vista Desktop
- Microsoft Vista Home Premium or greater with SP2 installed
- Dual Core CPU 1.8GHz or greater
- 4GB memory
- 100 GB Hard Drive or greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive
- Keyboard / Mouse
- Anti-Virus (Symantec Antivirus software is provided by Northeastern University)
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network Cable
- Strongly Recommended: 200GB External Hard Drive or greater for data backups
- Recommended: LCD flat panel monitor
PC Laptop
- Microsoft Windows XP Desktop
- Windows XP (with Service Pack 3 installed)
- 2.8GHz Single-Core CPU or greater (Recommended: Dual Core CPU)
- 2GB Memory or greater (optimally expandable to 4GB)
- 100 GB Hard Drive or Greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive
- AC Adapter
- Anti-Virus (Symantec Antivirus software is provided by Northeastern University)
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network Cable
- Wireless 802.11(a/b/g) card
- Strongly Recommended: 200GB External Hard Drive or greater for data backups
- Microsoft Vista Desktop
- Microsoft Vista Home Premium or greater with SP2 installed
- Dual Core CPU 1.8GHz or greater
- 4GB Memory (optimally expandable to 4GB)
- 100 GB Drive or Greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive
- AC Adapter
- Anti-Virus (Symantec Antivirus software is provided by Northeastern University)
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network cable
- Wireless 802.11(a/b/g) card
- Strongly Recommended: 200GB External Hard Drive or greater for data backups
Mac Desktop
- Mac OS X 10.5 or greater
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz CPU or greater
- 2GB Memory (optimally expandable to 4GB)
- 4GB of Memory if you plan to run Windows on your Mac
- 120GB Hard drive or Greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network Cable
- Strongly Recommended: 250GB External Hard Drive or greater for Time Machine data backups
- Recommended: LCD flat panel monitor
Mac Laptop
- Mac OS X 10.5 or greater
- Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz CPU or greater
- 2GB Memory (optimally expandable to 4GB)
- 4GB of Memory if you plan to run Windows on your Mac
- 120GB Hard drive or greater
- CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
- 10/100 or faster Ethernet card
- 25 Foot Network Cable
- Wireless 802.11(a/b/g) card
- Strongly Recommended: 250GB External Hard Drive or greater for Time Machine data backups
Already have a computer? Most computers manufactured in the past 10 years will be able to connect to ResNet, provided they have at least a 10BaseT Ethernet card installed. You do not need to buy a brand-new, top of the line computer in order to connect to the network. However, depending on your computer, your on-campus support options may be limited. The ResNet Resource Center only offers limited, best-effort support for older operating systems, such as Windows 98/Me/2K, MacOS9, OSX Jaguar, as well as Linux and its variants. Full support is offered for Windows XP, Vista, Mac OSX 10.3 and higher, and Windows 7 upon its official release.
Further, each NEU college and department may have its own minimum system requirements, recommendations, and required software packages. Bringing an older machine that can only handle word processing and Internet usage may suffice for some students, but probably won’t do for many. Do NOT assume that your computer meets the needs for your college or department, simply because it can connect to ResNet. It is your responsibility to determine what, if any, technological requirements your college, department, and individual classes may have. If you have any computing questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the IS Help Desk at xHELP (617-373-4357) or email resnet@neu.edu.
New Student Computer Purchase - System Recommendations 2009-2010