University of Mississippi Law Library

Minimum Notebook Recommended Specs:

• 1.4 GHz Pentium 4, Centrino or equivalent AMD processor
• 512+ MB RAM - more is better, particularly for Windows XP. Vista should have at least 2GB of RAM for acceptable performance.
• 24X CD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive
• 40 GB HDD or larger
• 12.1" SVGA (TFT) display
• Video memory 32 MB +
• Networkings: for Connectivity Ethernet 10/100 network interface - built in or PCMCIA card (NIC) 802.11b or g wireless network interface - built in or card (Optional, but needed if you want to use our wireless network.)
• Lithium Ion battery
• Windows XP (Professional Edition recommended)
• 3 year replace or repair warranty.

Consider a service agreement that includes expedited or cross-shipping to minimize the time you are without your laptop.

Notebook computer buyers should limit themselves to proven brands including Toshiba, IBM, HP, Gateway, Sony & Dell.

Minimum Desktop Recommended Specs:

• 2.4 GHz Pentium 4, Celeron D, Pentium D, AMD Athlon, Sempron or faster processor
• 80 GB HDD
• 512 MB RAM (minimum); 2 GB RAM or more preferred for Vista.
• 48X CD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive
• Sound Card or built in audio w/speakers
• 56k Internal modem or cable or DSL modem as required
• Video Memory 64 MB+
• Ethernet 10/100 network interface
• 17" SVGA monitor
• Windows XP (Professional Edition recommended)
• 1 or 3 year on-site replace or repair warranty (depending upon the manufacturer)

Apple Recommended Systems

Desktop

• Processor Speed: Intel Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 1 GB RAM
• Display: 20" Widescreen LCD
• Hard Drive: 250 GB
• CD-ROM Drive: SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) Drive
• Additional Storage: USB Memory Key (Flash Drive)
• Operating System: MacOS X
• Software: Microsoft Office 2008 (e-academy) Login requires UM WebID

Laptop

• Processor Speed: Intel Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 2 GB RAM
• Display: 13" Display
• Hard Drive: 160 GB
• CD-ROM Drive: SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Wireless Networking: AirPort Extreme built-in
• Additional Storage: USB Memory Key (Flash Drive)
• Operating System: MacOS X
• Software: Microsoft Office 2008 (e-academy) Login requires UM WebID

The Campus Helpdesk Store is also an authorized Apple Campus Store.

Prices vary depending upon where, when, and from whom you make your purchase. We recommend you purchase a proven brand such as Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Sony or Toshiba.

Notes and Suggestions:

1. Include a printer if you don’t already own one and you want to be able to print at home. If you plan to do a lot of printing, consider the cost of consumables - ink cartridges or toner. Ink jet printers are generally cheaper, but the cost per page can be much higher than a laser printer.
2. Compare features, prices and especially warranty coverage before choosing a computer to buy. Consider an extended warranty / service agreement, especially if you are buying a laptop. Check into the average turnaround time for repairs if you have to send it back to the manufacturer.
3. A desktop PC will generally provide you with at least 50% more computing power than a laptop for the same price.
4. If you get a laptop, get a well padded case for it that can hold all the necessary accessories – power supply, network cable, disks & CD’s etc. Laptops are more fragile than one might think, so be gentle with it, and it will be much less likely to fail.
5. Get the best computer you can afford if you plan to keep it for all three years of law school. A high end computer today will be approaching obsolescence in three years. Buy a computer that can be upgraded by replacing or adding individual components. This will allow you to avoid having to purchase a new machine just to upgrade the processor speed, memory, etc.
6. Install and correctly configure good anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software. Check frequently for updates, and renew your update subscription when it expires. UM students can get Norton anti-virus software without charge. For more information, visit the IT Virus Center website at http://www.olemiss.edu/virus/. To get the Norton anti-virus software, go to the IT Helpdesk website at http://www.olemiss.edu/helpdesk/. The download link is on the right side of the page under Online Forms.