The Florida State University College of Information

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Hardware and Software Requirements

All students are required to own a personal computer for the duration of enrollment in the College of Information.

Students' computers must meet or exceed these minimum specifications:

On-Campus Students:	Distance Students:
Notebook Computer 2.0 Ghz P4 Processor or equivalent 1 Gigabyte RAM 120 GB Hard Drive 10Mpbs (or higher) Network Card CD-RW or DVD +/- RW 802.11 b/g Wireless Network Card Sound Card USB 2.0 Ports Headset w. microphone	Desktop -or- Notebook Computer 2.0 Ghz P4 Processor or equivalent 1 Gigabyte RAM 120 GB Hard Drive 10Mbps (or higher) Network Card DVD +/- RW Connection to the Internet Sound Card USB 2.0 Ports Headset w. microphone

Required Software for All Students
Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003 or newer Antivirus or Computer Security Software (McAfee, Symantec, Avast, etc.) Adobe Acrobat Readeror FoxIt Reader Web Browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, etc.) Java Runtime Environment (JRE) (http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp) Data Exchange Software (SSH Secure Shell Client, CuteFTP) Multimedia Player Software (Windows Media Player, Real Player, QuickTime, VLC) File Compression Software (WinZip, ZipIt, Stuff it) Additional Required Software for School Media Students Chalk & Wire

Required Software for All Students

Additional Required Software for School Media Students

The FSU Computer Store offers package deals for CI Students >>
Students can purchase computers with financial aid >>
Students may choose between Apple or PC computers. The College of Information does not impose any make/model requirements.
We recommend some additional hardware items:
- A high-speed (Cable or DSL) Internet provider if you live off-campus
- An inkjet or laser printer
- An Uninterruptible Power Supply
- A Surge Protector
Students who own Apple Computers will need PC emulator software.
- If you own a PPC Apple Macintosh (older), you will need MS Virtual PC
- If you own an Intel Apple Macintosh (newer), you will need one of the following:
Instructors may require additional software for specific classes. Some common software programs we use in the College are:
The College Help Desk maintains a short list of free software applications here: http://ci.fsu.edu/user_services/software_dl.htm
Currently enrolled students are eligible to download free Microsoft software through the MS Academic Alliance program. For more information, visit http://ci.fsu.edu/msdnaa.
Help with Chalk and Wire can be found at: http://www.coe.fsu.edu/chalkandwire/index.html.