To make the best use of the networks available and software used in the College of Engineering and throughout the University, the college recommends that incoming students purchase a laptop computer instead of a desktop model. For students who already have a good desktop computer, there is no need to purchase a laptop. The decision, laptop or desktop, should be based on how the computer will be used.

A 512 Mb RAM and a 30 GB hard drive with a 1.4 GHz processor are suggested.  If the computer is somewhat older and has 256 Mb RAM and a 1 GHz processor, it will still do everything required in engineering courses, only at a somewhat slower pace.

Wireless networking is also highly recommended, as the campus is growing in WiFi hot spots.

For any computer, the operating system should be Windows XP professional, not Windows XP home edition. The Notre Dame Solutions Center offers software for lower prices than commercial vendors. A partial list of available software packages is available at http://oit.nd.edu/store/guide.shtml, and anyone with questions should e-mail solution@nd.edu for more information.