Computer Science Laptop Initiative
Computer Science Laptop Initiative
Fall 2011
TTU’s Computer Science Department is requiring laptops in our lab classes starting this fall. It no longer makes sense for us to maintain fixed desktop computer laboratory environment. We are moving toward cloud-based solution that allows our laboratory environment to be available anywhere at anytime and enables and encourages new approaches to teaching.
The initial set of courses that will require laptops include CSC 2101, CSC 2111, CSC 2121, CSC 2500, CSC 3550, and CSC 3560, but since we will no longer maintain desktops computer in our labs, students in all CSC courses need to make sure they have access to appropriate computer resources.
Hardware:
- Notebook or laptop (Extended life batteries are encouraged.)
- Netbooks or tablets (such as the Apple iPad and Motorola Xoom) are not encouraged as a primary computing platform due to their limited processing power and restricted software environments.
- Recently purchased systems are probably sufficient.
- Intel Core 2 Duo or better processor (i-series preferred). Equivalent AMD processors are also acceptable; System RAM should be at least 4GB; Storage capacity: 250GB traditional hard drive, 100GB SSD; Smaller screen size (i.e. 13-14 inch) is recommend to minimize travel weight; Optical drive: DVD-RW drive; Wireless networking: 802.11n (Wired connection is not required for our classes, but could be useful in others environments)
- A three-year warranty is recommended. Additionally, many manufacturers offer plans that cover accidental damage, which is not typically covered under the base warranty.
Software:
- Recommended operating systems: Windows 7 (PC) or OS X 10.6 (Apple) (or higher). Students should select an operating system environment they are comfortable using. Linux is also acceptable.
- Microsoft Office is available at a discount via TTU Information Technology Services (ITS). The OpenOffice.org suite is also available for free.
- TTU ITS requires anti-virus software be installed and running on all systems on the campus network.
- A list of freely available solutions can be found on the TTU ITS. Microsoft also provides the Microsoft Security Essentials suite that includes malware protection for free. This can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/en us/security_essentials/default.aspx.
- Additional applications are often available via academic license or other special licensing terms when needed.
More information:
- http://www.csc.tntech.edu/seed
- TTU Information Technology Services http://www.tntech.edu/itspurchases/softwareathome/
- TTU Computer Science Microsoft Academic Alliance
(students in Computer Science courses) - http://msdn01.e-academy.com/elms/Storefront/Home.aspx?campus=tntech_cs
