CNS @ TSTC - Hardware/Technology

Hardware/Technology Requirements

Computer Hardware Specifications

Reliable Internet Access
Processor [1]: i7 Processor 64 Bit 2.5GHz dual core minimum - 3.0GHz quad core or higher preferred.
- Processors must support AMD-V for AMD, or VT-x for Intel.
Memory: 24 GB minimum - 32 GB or more preferred
Storage: Internal - 1 TB or higher (SSD Preferred)
Storage: External - USB 3.0 hard drive 750 GB to 2 TB or SSD Drive
Storage: External - USB 3.0 flash drive(s) - 64GB minimum recommended
Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro or Windows 11 Pro (Required)
Optional: Dual Monitors

[1] Some Courses may require higher specs. Please refer to the resources section of this syllabi for any additional or course specific requirements.

Computer Peripherals

Headphones with Microphone (Noise-canceling headset is recommended)
Web Camera

Note: Features such as cameras, chat, raise hand, and microphones may be used for collaboration and to promote participation and engagement in class. Please mute mic when not in use to decrease background noise.

Application Software

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
PDF Reader (Adobe or Foxit)
Compression utility (WinZip or 7Zip)

Course Specific Technology

Additional/course specific requirements are listed under the Resources section of the course syllabus.

Purchase a New PC/Laptop

Amazon.com search that meets the computer hardware specifications required for the CNS degree.

Link

Purchase a Refurbished PC

You’ll see a couple screenshots below to show examples of what would be great home lab PCs for not a lot of money.

PCs like this can be bought on eBay or any number of other sites, including direct from the manufacturer. Some sites offer discounts to students. Just Google a phrase similar to Dell refurbished workstations or used Dell workstations to see the manufacturer's site. Replace the name Dell with whatever name you choose, such as HP, etc.

The prices shown in these examples vary greatly depending on a lot of variables. Both of these screenshots happen to be from New Egg as they had some good options for reasonable prices (02-17-22).

Keep in mind that used/refurbished computer equipment is very fluid and can change quickly

Build/Upgrade your own PC

Here are the specs for a home lab PC.

- MINIMUM Hardware Specifications for creating home lab
  - 2.8 GHz dual core Processor or higher (Xeon quad core or more is preferred). CPU should be Intel because it has fewer issues supporting a home lab, and must support VT-X.
  - 24 GB RAM is bare minimum (32GB or more preferred). The more the better.
  - A single 1TB hard drive is bare minimum (2 or more - 1 TB hard drives or larger is preferred). An SSD is always a good option if available.
  - Any modern NIC(Network interface card) that supports connecting to a wired/wireless network
- Software Specifications

Windows 10 Pro 64bit
Microsoft Office (free for TSTC students)
PDF reader of your choice (free)
VMWare Workstation Pro (free for TSTC students)

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