Desktop Support

Desktop Support & Minimum Recommendations

Desktop Recommendations are a listing of hardware and software currently supported by IRM and the level of support offered for each. These recommendations are guidelines for providing the best possible support while maintaining acceptable levels of performance with clients' computers throughout the university. Desktop recommendations are updated annually.

Windows XP
1.5 GHz Processor
1.5 GB RAM
40 GB Hard Drive

Windows 7
Any Dual-Core Processor
2 GB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
256 MB Video Card

Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard
G4 (2003+), G5 or Intel Processor
1 GB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard
Intel Processor (required)
2 GB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive

Software manufacturers define the system requirements for their software, which usually  include minimum processor (CPU), minimum memory (RAM), and minimum hard disk drive space (HDD). The more powerful the system, usually, the better the performance of the computer and the software.

When IRM posts desktop recommendations, careful consideration is given to  user needs for basic functionality, anti-virus, security, multitasking, software used for support, networking, etc. If a computer does not meet the minimum standards, IRM can determine whether a hardware upgrade is possible. If such computers cannot be upgraded,  IRM recommends that they be replaced with systems that do meet the minimum standards.

Computers that do not meet the minimum standards can encounter problems, and  IRM's ability to support such computers can be hampered. Hence, these computers may not be fully supported, if at all, by IRM when problems arise.