Computer Purchase Recommendations

Many of you have asked what are some guidelines for purchasing a new computer.  This webpage is intended to try and give you some direction in a way that it is always up-to-date.
For the time being, we are recommending Dell computers.  They are reliable, cost competitive and they offer up to a 4-year warranty.  In addition, their service and support is second to none.  When we need replacement parts, we normally have them the next day or on the 2nd day depending on what time of the day we call for the replacement parts.
One thing we DO NOT recommend is to purchase parts and build your own computer.  If you decide this is the way you'd like to go, you will have to take the responsibility of keeping track of all warranty information and resolving problems under warranty with the manufacturer.
One good place to start with the specifications of a PC is with the software you intend to run on the PC.  In most cases, computer software will give you the minimum hardware necessary to run the software and the recommended hardware for the best performance of the software.  Use this as the basis for configuring your computer. 
As for the specifications for a new computer, use the below chart as a basic guideline and recommendations when configuring a new PC computer.  Remember that these are only suggestions and not strict guidelines.  We are just trying to give you some idea of what to look for when shopping for a new computer.

Processor	The processor should be the fastest available or something within 10% of the fastest processor.  For instance, if the fastest processor available is 3.0Ghz, you should purchase something between 2.7Ghz and 3.0Ghz.  To give you an example of the changes in technology when it comes to processors, in just 6 months, processor speeds increased by about 20%.As for the manufacturer of processor, both Intel and AMD processors work very well.  For laptop computers, we recommend a processor that will provide the best extended battery life. One processor that we do not recommend for computational use is the Intel Celeron processor since these processors perform poorly when used for computational purposes.  Otherwise, they will work just fine. If you are going to use the computer for heavy computational use, you may want to consider the Intel Xeon processor, the Intel Itanium processor or the AMD Athlon 64 processor. Mobile Processors are slower in clock speed but perform as well as most regular Intel or AMD processors.  Use the same 10% guidelines above within the mobile processor speeds.
RAM (memory)	The absolute minimum amount of RAM that we recommend is equal to ½ of the total RAM an average computer will hold.  If a computer will hold a maximum of 2GB of RAM, the minimum you should consider is 1GB of RAM.  Under no circumstances should you ever go below ¼ of the maximum RAM.  A general rule of thumb... If this is computer is going to be used for computational use, more RAM is almost always better.
Hard Disk Size	We always recommend the largest hard drive available.  With the increasing space needed to load the operating systems and programs, the amount of disk space required to hold the OS, programs and your data increases.
Monitor	When you can afford them, we recommend the LCD flat panel monitors.  They give you far more desk space, their quality is very good and they use less power.   When you are not able to afford the LCD monitor, we recommend the CRT monitor with the flat screen.  For the CRT monitors, these will provide the best quality image on the screen.
Video Card	There are many video cards that have 32MB, 64MB, 128MB and so on.  You should decide what video card to order based on the planned use and needs you have for the computer you are purchasing.  If you are going to be doing very detailed, high definition graphics, you should consider something with a reasonable amount of RAM for the job you are doing.
Floppy Disk Drive	Many companies do not provide you with a floppy disk drive as a regular feature.  Many are making them an option and charge about $15 add it.   Since there is only 1 size (1.44MB) available, adding this to your computer should be something you decide based on your needs.
CDROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD_RW	There are many drives available for writing data to a CD or DVD media.  The main difference between the CD-RW and the DVD-RW is the amount of data that can be stored on a single disk.  The CD hold about 650MB of data and the DVD holds about 4.7GB of data.  In any case you should always get the device with the fastest write speed. One thing to keep in mind is that the writable CD is a great way to backup your data.
Network Card	A network card is normally included in the configuration of the PC.  However, if you are purchasing a laptop, you may want to get a wireless network card in addition to the internal network card.  Many areas on Campus have access to the Internet via UF's wireless network.   The one thing to keep in mind with wireless network cards is that they MUST be WiFi compatible.
Sound Card and Speakers	Most of the time, the sound card and the speakers that come with a new computer are sufficient for the needs we have in the Department.   Normally laptop computer have the speakers built into the computer.  With a desktop computer, you may need to purchase the speakers as an option to your computer.
Removable Media	Sometimes you may want to have the option of storing your data to some sort of removable media other than a floppy disk or a CD.  Due to their limitations, Zip Drives are not as popular as they use to be.  Unless you have a specific need for this type of media, we recommend that you avoid these drives. One form of removable media that is becoming very popular are the USB Flash Memory Sticks.  These devices can hold up to 2GB (at a price) and can be carried in your pocket.  These are compatible with most any computer that has a USB port.
Printers	In most cases we recommend the Hewlett Packard line of printers.  They have a wide variety of the types of printer available and they are extremely reliable.
UPS	A UPS is always something that is nice to have on critical computers that are doing computations or are servers on the network.  With a UPS you can avoid most interruptions due to power failures or fluctuation in the power.
Warranty	What kind of warranty should I look for?  If someone offers a 1 year warranty, that is far too short.  The minimum warranty you should settle for is 3 years.  We expect all computers that we purchase to last for 3 years so we want to keep them under warranty during that time. Here is something to keep in mind.  Labs computers are financially supported by your lab funds and not Department funds.  Having to replace parts that are not under warranty can be rather costly.