Buying a Computer

Buying a Computer

Penn is a technology rich learning environment and many of the class elements, such as assignments and student-professor communications, are handled electronically. While it is not necessary to own a computer because of the many computer labs on campus, including one in each College House, it may be more convenient to have your own.

Both Apple and Windows computers are used and supported at Penn. When deciding what kind of computer to purchase, we recommend that you check with your school or department for their guidelines and suggestions. (For example, an architecture major needs a more powerful computer than an English major.)

Penn’s central computing group, Information Systems and Computing (ISC), publishes recommendations each year for laptop and desktop configurations.

• Laptop Recommendations
• Desktop Recommendations
• Tablet Recommendations
• Netbook Recommendations

College House Computing also recommends looking at the academically discounted configurations available through Penn Computer Connection’s Back-To-School sale. All of the configurations sold through Computer Connect meet or exceed ISC’s recommendations.

• Computer Connection Back-To-School Sale (must authenticate with PennKey and password)

Operating System

• The current recommended operating system on a new computer is Windows 7 (Home Premium or higher) or Mac OS X version 10.5.8 and higher.
• Apple computers running Boot Camp will receive best effort support.
• Minimum system requirements for connecting to AirPennNet are:
• Microsoft Windows: Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista Home Premium or higher, Windows 7 Home Premium or highe
• Apple Macintosh: OS X version 10.5.8 or higher
• Earlier operating system versions are not supported
• Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Starter Edition, and Windows Vista Home Basic are not supported