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Minimum Networked
Workstation/Printer Standards

[Page last edited: May 25, 2005 4:46 PM]
[Standards last approved: May 19, 2005]

Workstations, running either Windows or Macintosh operating systems, must conform to certain minimum standards in order to operate effectively on IPFW's network. This document serves to provide these specifics exclusively for:

  1. new purchases and
  2. existing computers which are transferred to new users or have changed functions (so called "hand-me-down" machines)
with a particular emphasis on their ability to operate on our campus-wide network. However, no single specification can fully anticipate the true minimum needs of each user. That will depend on the unique software and peripheral applications expected to run on a workstation. Many configurations will need to exceed those listed below in order to provide an effective workstation.

There are two contexts requiring minimum standards. The first involves transferring existing equipment. If you expect to upgrade your networked workstation with a used computer, it needs to meet the specification below for transferred machines. If you are purchasing a new computer, it needs to minimally meet the new workstation requirements. The standards include CPU, memory, and operating system considerations.

Transferred Workstations - New Workstations - Printers

Existing Networked Workstations Transferred to New Offices
- Windows
   CPU: Pentium III 800 MHz or equivalent
   Memory: 512MB
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional+
- Macintosh
   CPU: G4
   Memory: 512MB
   Operating System: OS X or higher
* Technically, Microsoft support for Windows 98 ceased 12/31/2002 .Development of new network software and drivers for this OS has stopped making it difficult to install new software and/or new devices under this version of Windows. ITS in conjunction with ITPC is working towards eliminating Windows 98 on all networked campus workstations.

[Standard approved by ITPC May 19, 2005]
New Networked Workstations
- Windows
   CPU: Pentium 4 or equivalent
   Memory: 512MB
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional
- Macintosh
   CPU: G4 or G5
   Memory: 512MB
   Operating System: OS X 10.3 or higher

[Standard approved by ITPC May 19, 2005]
New Networked Printers
   - Must support postscript printing
   - Must have an internal print server
   - Must support IP-based printing (i.e., LPR, iPrint drivers)
   - Must not be part of an All-in-One unit (copier/fax/printer)