Thinking of buying a PC?

The specification required for a suitable computer is fairly basic. Almost any new PC or Apple should be suitable. If you are planning to use an older computer you should look for the following minimum specification:

  • 1 Ghz CPU
  • 1 Gb of RAM
  • 40 Gb Hard disk drive
  • DVD ROM drive
  • PCI-E Graphics Card with at least 128MB of memory
  • USB ports

You should also consider the following points:

  • Wireless connectivity is available across the Brookes campuses with ongoing deployment extending the coverage. The service is available to all Brookes staff and students (registration required) and is available free of charge. You might wish to consider purchasing a computer with wireless capability. Details of the current staff scheme and hardware requirements can be found on our Wireless web pages.
  • The most popular current software used in our pooled computer rooms is Windows XP and Office 2003 and Office 2007. Install and familiarise yourself with this software for best compatibility. Software is available at reduced rates to Brookes’ students.
  • Internet Explorer and Firefox are the supported web browsers.
  • An Internet connection is available in most halls of residence using a local area connection. To access it you will need an Ethernet adapter fitted to your computer. For more information please refer to the HallNet web pages.
  • Most of the PCs in the university's pooled computer rooms are fitted with USB sockets and DVD/CD re-writable drives. We sell competitively priced USB memory sticks and optical media. These provide a very effective way to back up and transport your work.
  • It would be useful to purchase a small printer for use in your room. Although local monochrome laser printers are available in each computer room as well as central colour lasers and plotters they can only be accessed from the pooled room computers.
  • A power supply that will accept 220-240 Volt input from a 3 pin English power point.
  • If you purchase an Apple computer for connection to HallNet then please ensure that it has an Ethernet adaptor built in that supports TCP\IP with an RJ45 socket, and that it is running MAC OS version 8.6 or later with Safari or Internet Explorer 4.5 or later. Earlier MAC network systems are not supported and we cannot supply MAC components.
  • The Computer Services Centre sells a range of computer hardware so that you can easily upgrade your computer during your time at Brookes.
  • You may need to re-install files at some time please ensure that you have all your original disks with you or that you copy them to a folder on your hard drive.
  • For portable equipment we recommend that you fit a security device to prevent opportunistic theft. These are available from the Computer Services Centre.

Purchasing information is available from the following pages:

If you require further advice please contact the Service Desk on (01865) 483311 or email servicedesk@brookes.ac.uk