Purchasing Hardware

• University Computer Guidelines and Specifications

• Student Computer Purchases

• Faculty and Staff Computer Purchases

• Faculty and Staff Computer Accessories

• Server Specifications and Purchases

• Wireless and Network Equipment Purchases

University Computer Guidelines and Specifications

New System Guidelines

Newly purchased systems should be configured to maximize their life expectancy.  A system that meets or exceeds the recommended minimum specifications should serve general needs for about three years. Higher end systems, while more costly, may be a good investment since systems at the bottom of a product line will generally have a shorter life span.  A three year warranty is required for all university owned computers.

Desktop Specifications

The desktop specifications below are split between Apple and PC Desktops. Then, the desktop specifications are seperated into minimum recommendation for a new system and acceptable minimum existing systems.

  PC Desktop Specifications

  Apple Desktop Specifications

Notebook/Laptop Specifications

The laptop specifications below are split between Apple and PC Laptops. Then, the laptop specifications are seperated into minimum recommendation for a new system and acceptable minimum existing systems.

  PC Notebook/Laptop Specifications

  Apple Notebook/Laptop Specifications

Student Computer Purchases

Dell Purchase Instructions

IBM Purchase Instructions

Staff and Faculty Computer Purchases

    NOTE: For staff and faculty PERSONAL computer purchases, look under student computer purchases above.

Every computer purchased with university resources goes through an approval process.  To make the approval process go quickly here are a couple of preapproved models:

The computer must meet the following rules:

1. A three year warranty for the computer is required.
2. An operating system must be included with the computer purchase.
3. Meet the minimum requirements under the University Computer Guidelines and Specifications.

Dell Purchase Instructions

IBM Purchase Instructions

Faculty and Staff Computer Accessories

For information on PDAs, printers, and scanners, please contact the Technology Support Center (Online Support Request, Email, or by phone 321-674-7284). Our staff will be happy to assist you with deciding on properly configured products.

Server Specifications and Purchases

For information on server purchasing and specifications, please contact Curtis Robinson, Enterprise Servers Manager, by Email or by phone 321-674-7999). Our staff will be happy to assist you with deciding on properly configured products.

Wireless & Network Equipment

The following categories outline preferred vendors for common network hardware. If more detailed information is required, the Technology Support Center (Online Support Request, Email, or by phone 321-674-7284) can help.

To connect to the campus wireless network, any 802.11b/g compatible wireless card will work.  For more information on the campus wireless: http://www.it.fit.edu/wireless.

Small inter-office or inter-dorm network connectivity

• Low network needs and multiple ethernet ports (hubs/switches)

Purchasing Information

Medium to large or high performance network connectivity

• High performance switched access to the network backbone
• Mid-to-large network connectivity to the network backbone, including high speed access to the network backbone, with larger port density needs

NOTE: Departments must contact the Network Manager before purchasing mid-to-large network equipment.

Purchasing Information