Students entering Summer 2010 or later should NOT purchase a computer until the new requirements are posted in late spring. New technology may cause next year's requirements to be substantially different.
Please note that the College of Engineering requirement is different from the general University requirement as we require a Tablet PC platform and the Engineering Software Bundle. All Freshmen and Transfer Engineering students entering Summer and Fall 2009, or Spring 2010 are required to meet this requirement. Windows 7 is not currently acceptable or supported.
Minimum Computer Requirement
| Platform | Tablet PC Convertible |
| OS | Windows Vista Business Edition, 32 bit version (*see note below) |
| PC Processor speed | Intel Core 2 Duo (dual core processor) 2.2 GHz or higher |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 GB (1 dimm recommended to allow for easy upgrade.) |
| Hard Disk Drive | 120 GB or larger ; 5400 RPM spindle speed or better |
| Video RAM | 128 MB |
| CD/DVD drive | DVD+-R writeable DVD (External drive acceptable) |
| Input/Output Ports | USB 2.0 |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/g/n |
| NIC/Ethernet Card | 10/100/1000 Ethernet Card |
| Printer | Any Windows compatible inkjet or laser printer |
| Warranty | 3 Year onsite with accidental damage coverage (recommend 4 years) |
| External Backup Drive | USB external hard drive of 160GB or more |
*Vista Statement: If
you have purchased a machine pre-installed with a different
version of Windows, you may obtain a copy (included as part
of the University Mandatory Microsoft Campus Agreement Bundle) of Windows Vista Enterprise Edition via the software download server. Vista Ultimate may also be purchased directly from Software Sales for an additional $10. Vista Enterprise and Ultimate exceed our requirements and are acceptable.
Mandatory 2009 Software Bundles
All entering Freshmen and Transfer Engineering Students are required to purchase both the University Microsoft Campus Agreement Bundle (includes Office and Windows Upgrades) and the 2009 Engineering bundle (see below). The University Microsoft Campus Agreement Bundle should be picked up during orientation. The 2009 Engineering software bundle will be available for purchase in August during move-in. Both bundles include upgrades to any of the purchased software as long as the student is enrolled as a College of Engineering undergraduate. When new software versions become available students can download them at no charge. Purchasing copies of any of the software from another vendor cannot be substituted as part of the bundle.
The 2009 Engineering Software Bundle will NOT be available for purchase or pick-up during orientation.
All Summer 2009 entering Freshmen and Transfer Engineering Students must buy the 2008 Engineering Software Bundle. The 2008 Engineering Software Bundle will be available upon arrival for summer session.
The 2009 Engineering Software Bundle tentatively includes the following software:
| Microsoft Engineering Bundle: Visual Studio, Visio, and Project. |
| AutoDesk: Inventor and Mechanical Desktop (free) |
| MatLab: Mathematical analysis software |
| LabView: Simulation and graphical programming software |
| PDF Annotator: Note taking and document revision software |
| Virginia Tech will provide all students with Symantec Anti-Virus software during summer orientation on the VTnet CD. Students are strongly encouraged to install immediately and update regularly. |
Ordering Information:
Links to Helpful Information
- Hardware and software requirements policy statement
- Definitions of technical terms
- Additional information on the Tablet PC
- Frequently asked questions about the tablet requirement
Previous Requirements (not applicable to students entering Summer 2009 or later!)
If you have any further questions or concerns please
email the Director of Information Technology or call at 540-231-2117.
