Bit - a bit is the smallest unit of data on a computer. A bit (or Binary digit) is either on or off. 8 bits make up a byte.
Backup USB Hard Drive - In an effort to reduce the chance of data loss and provide for better data security, the University requires all students to purchase an external USB hard drive for data backup. A majority of support requests to our IT staff are for data recovery from crashed systems. With the rapidly decreasing costs of external mass storage devices, we now require students to purchase a device for backup purposes. Good data backup practices are essential to a students' academic career. A larger backup drive is normally advisable as backups often grow larger than the original hard drive size as it is incrementally backed up.
Byte - A byte is made up of 8 bits and is the size of a character (such as the letter a).
Computer Platform - The form factor here represents the shape of the case that houses the computer. This can be a desktop, notebook, sub notebook, etc. For the College of Engineering a convertible Tablet PC form factor or a laptop AND a Windows 7 slate with pen is required. This enables the student to move from the classroom, to the library, to the study area and home with their computer. This also allows students to write on the screen and save handwritten notes electronically. There are two iterations of the Tablet, a convertible and a slate. The convertible acts like a notebook in that there is always a keyboard attached, the slate does not have a keyboard always attached and normally has a slower processor and is smaller and lighter. Tablets and slates offer the advantages of a laptop with the addition of a screen that can be used to annotate slides, draw diagrams, and write mathematical equations.
File System - The file system handles how files are stored, displayed and accessed by the operating system. We require the NTFS file system. The NTFS offers security enhancements not available in other file systems.
Gigabyte (GB)- A gigabyte is 1 billion bytes (actually between 1,000,000,000 and 1,073,741,824 bytes again depending on manufacturer). A gigabyte is 2 to the 30th power.
Hard Drive - The hard drive of a computer represents its nonvolatile memory. This is where programs and information reside. Standard tablet hard drives currently run from 320 GB to 500 GB or higher. Most tablet hard drives are either 5400 or 7200 RPM - faster revolutions translates to faster access of data from the hard drive. We require a hard drive with a minimum spindle speed of 7200 RPM.
Input/Output - Input/Output connectors offer means of connecting peripheral devices like printers, external hard drives, MP3 players and other items to the computer. A minimum of one USB 3.0 port is required for the College of Engineering.
Megabyte - (MB) A megabyte is 1 million bytes (actually between 1,000,000 and 1,048,576 bytes depending on the manufacturer). A megabyte is 2 to the 20th power.
Megahertz(MHz) and Gigahertz(GHz) - Speed rating used for processors and computer bus speeds. Megahertz represents 1 million clock cycles per second while Gigahertz represents 1 billion clock cycles per second.
Memory (RAM) - Computer memory - also known as RAM (Random Access Memory) is where most information is stored while programs are running. More memory usually means better performance of programs. 4 GB of RAM is the minimum requirement. A DIMM, or Dual Inline Memory Module, is the packaging that memory currently uses. One DIMM of RAM is recommended for easier upgrading later if desired. If you purchase 4 GB of RAM in 2 DIMMS, you would need to replace at least one DIMM if you want to upgrade. 8 GB of RAM is preferred, especially if you will be running multiple operating systems simultaneously.
Modem - The Modulator/Demodulator (Modem) converts digital to analog and analog to digital to allow computers to use standard telephone lines to transmit data. Modems allow users to connect to the Internet by way of a standard telephone line. Modems are seldom used today so they are no longer part of the requirement. High-speed technologies (DSL, Cable) have supplanted the phone modem.
Network Card - Network cards allow a high speed connection to the Internet. We require both a wired and a wireless Ethernet card. The wired card will be used in the dorms while the wireless card can currently be used in most buildings including the library, student centers, academic buildings and some dorms. Wireless networking allows students to take full advantage of the mobility offered by their Tablet computers. A wireless network cards that supports 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n is required. Virginia Tech is currently installing access points that support the 802.11n standard.
Operating System - The Operating System or OS is software that allows the user to interact with the components and applications on the computer. We require Windows 7 Professional 64-bit version. Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate 64-bit versions are also acceptable. As part of the student's software bundle updates to Microsoft OS's are available. After purchasing the bundle students will be able to upgrade to the next OS (once supported) at no additional charge as long as they are an Engineering undergraduate.
Optical Device - Optical devices come in many forms. CD-ROM drives, CD-R and RW, DVD, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD+R DL. We require a DVD+-RW. These devices offer a means of installing software, watching DVD's or backing up data.. Most notebooks today come with DVD writable drives that can at least read dual layer DVDs.
Processor/Processor Speed - The processor, which includes the Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the brains of the computer. This is where most non-graphics related processing and some graphics related processing is done on a computer. You will want a convertible tablet or laptop with the latest generation processor available, the 2nd or 3rd generation Intel Core i-5 or i-7 standard voltage processor. You will notice a noticeable lower level of performance from processors that do not meet our minimums.
Software - The College of Engineering has worked with various vendors to provide the best price possible for students on software that they will use here and in their careers. The Engineering software bundle is available during check in and will be picked up on the Torgersen bridge. The students billing address will be billed for the software shortly after classes begin so there is no need to bring payment when picking up this software. Again, the SWAT team, located in Torgersen 2080 can help you install your Engineering software or help remedy any computer problems you may have.
Video Card - Few tablets on the market have discrete video cards. The majority of systems have integrated graphics that will share the computer's available RAM. The more RAM the better.
Warranty - The College of Engineering recommends a three or four year warranty with accidental damage protection. All vendors offer some type of accidental damage coverage which will repair or replace the unit if it is damaged in any way, including liquids being poured in them. Coverage varies by vendor. Please review your specific vendors documentation regarding what type of coverage they provide. We require this type of coverage for at least three years and would recommend four for students to get the most out of their systems. For theft protection you should review your home owners policies as most cover computers if they are stolen.
Please visit Wikipedia if you would like more in depth descriptions for any of the technical terms above.