IT Services Recommendations on When to Replace Aging Computers
For 2009–2010
This recommendation deals with when to replace an aging computer. If you are buying a new computer, IT Services recommends purchasing one of the Stanford Dell Bundles (Windows), Stanford Lenovo Bundles (Windows), or Stanford Apple Bundles (Macintosh), which offer pre-configured desktop and laptop computers that will meet the needs of most students, faculty, and staff and are available at discounted prices. You can find more information about the bundles on the following web pages:
- Dell at Stanford:
dell.stanford.edu
-
Lenovo at Stanford:
lenovo.stanford.edu -
Apple at Stanford:
apple.stanford.edu
If you choose to purchase a new computer that is not one of the recommended bundles, it should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6 (IT Services recommended); Windows XP Professional or Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz or faster
- 2 GB RAM or greater
- 120 GB hard drive or larger
Definition of general academic and administrative computing needs
This recommendation deals with computers for general academic and administrative use. For the purposes of this recommendation, general academic and administrative needs are defined as:
- the ability to run at least four applications concurrently (e.g., a browser, an email client, a word processor, and a spreadsheet application)
- the ability to install and run current, off-the-shelf, general-purpose business applications
- the ability to install and run current Stanford-specific administrative applications
This standard must be adjusted accordingly for users who place either higher or lower demands on their systems (e.g., for special-purpose applications on the high end or simply as a web-browsing terminal on the low end).
Three to four year replacement rule of thumb
Based upon experience with the continuing changes and improvements in desktop computing capabilities, it is recommended that a three to four year replacement cycle will create an adequate platform to support standard business applications. However, each computer should be assessed on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to support the unique work applications of its user.
If your computer is below this line...
If your computing needs fall into the profile of "general academic or administrative use," as described above, and your current computer falls below the standards listed below, you should plan to replace or upgrade your computer in the 2009–2010 academic year.
Windows Computers
- Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista (Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate Editions), or Windows 7 (Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate Editions)
- Pentium IV (3 GHz or faster) or newer
- 1 GB RAM
Macintosh Computers
- Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, or Mac OS X 10.6
- Laptops: Intel processor / Desktops: G5 or Intel processor
- 1 GB RAM*
All Computers
If you spend more than a few hours each week using any of Stanford's web-based administrative applications, such as PeopleSoft or Oracle Financials, IT Services strongly encourages you to have at least a 20-inch display, or larger. Display size is measured diagonally from corner to corner. A bigger display means less scrolling and squinting, as you try to view a large amount of graphic information within a limited space.
More specific information about operating system requirements is given in the following table and notes.
| 'Green' Fully supported, modern OS. |
Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or
Ultimate1 Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate x64 Edition1, 2 Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate x64 Edition2 Windows XP Professional Windows XP Professional x64 Edition2 |
Mac OS X 10.6 Mac OS X 10.5 |
| 'Yellow' Plan to replace in the coming year. |
Mac OS X 10.4 | |
| 'Red'
Outdated OS / Not supported. Should be replaced as soon as possible. |
Windows 7 Home Premium3 |
Mac OS X 10.0-10.3 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 8.6 Mac OS 7 |
Notes
- See Windows 7 at Stanford for compatibility issues.
- Note on 64-bit versions of Windows:
Most applications and services commonly used at Stanford will run under 64-bit versions of Windows. A noteworthy exception is the Admin VPN service. If your work requires you to use the Admin VPN, you should not purchase a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows.
- Note on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 Home Editions:
Home additions are not recommended for faculty and staff computers. These versions are not compatible with the campus infrastructure.
