So you want to buy a computer?
Based on an Appendix from the Report to Senate, CCCP 1993/94
The following is a guide for students coming to Brock University.
It should be noted that you do not need your own computer, as you
can use the computers provided by Brock University for your courses.
Specialized facilities, such as laser printing, are also available at Brock.
The following is intended as a guide only and should not be considered
an endorsement by the University of any system or product
Personal computers
If you are unsure of what to buy, or of what version is needed, please consult with
faculty or staff in your proposed Department. Consult Brock Micro (in the Bookstore) for
available software, hardware and pricing. Note also that enhancements, such as larger,
higher resolution monitors, might be good for games or esthetics, but are not considered
essential.
Hardware
Macintosh PC or compatible
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Model LC III or LC 475 486 DLC/DX 33 MHz
Memory 4 MB minimum 4 MB minimum
Hard Disk 80 MB as a minimum 170-245 MB
Floppy Disk 3.5" high density 3.5" high density
Monitor Performa Plus 14" SVGA
Ports Standard 2 serial, 1 parallel
Mouse Standard Required for Windows
Keyboard Apple Extended 101 enhanced
Modem External 14.4K bps Internal 14.4K bps
Printer Apple StyleWriter II Canon BJ200
or HP DeskWriter 520 HP DeskJet 520
Software
Macintosh PC or compatible
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Operating System System 7 (included) DOS 6.2 and Windows 3.1
Word Processing* Microsoft Word Microsoft Word or WordPerfect
Communications** Versaterm ProComm Plus
Presentation Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet* Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel
Language Compiler Metrowerks Modula-2 Logitech Modula-2
Symantec C++ Symantec C++
* - may be included as part of an integrated package such as Microsoft Works
** - or the software supplied with the modem
These suggestions are based on sales trends at Brock Micro, as of May 1994.
Their September 1994 prices for sample configurations
are available here.
Unix workstations
Science students and others planning to use computers extensively at Brock and
afterwards may want to consider purchasing a Unix workstation. Currently, there are
two interesting possibilities:
- PC + Linux (more
here) :
a 486 (or better) PC with at least 8MB of RAM is a good
candidate for turning into a Unix workstation. If purchasing, you may want to consider a
better-than-ususal disk controller (SCSI), a CD-ROM drive, and an Ethernet controller
(twisted pair) if you are planning to use the computer on campus. Linux is public-domain, but
you may find it convenient to buy a CD-ROM with Linux on it. Additional public-domain
software can be downloaded via anonymous ftp from spartan.
Estimated total price: $3,500 - $4,000
- SGI Indy: Silicon Graphics educational discounts are applicable for student
purchases (the details are still under negotiation). Thus some students may want to
consider buying a SGI Indy PC, with
- MIPS R4600 RISC CPU
- 16" colour monitor
- advanced video and audio capabilities
- built-in SCSI, Ethernet, and FDDI ports
- digital video camera and full multimedia support
and a number of software packages licensed to Brock University, as well as an extensive
selection of public-domain software.
Estimated total price: $7,500
It may be possible to arrange for a network connection in the student residences (the policy is
currently under consideration).
Students are urged to contact Unix Support Services for further details:
Mike Grau, x4004, mike@spartan.ac.brocku.ca
James Whybra, x3843, james@woody.ccs.brocku.ca