Recommended desktop and notebook systems

Before you buy a desktop or notebook system, check with your school's IT group (links are below) to see if they have identified "recommended configurations" or "recommended hardware and software." There are two reasons for doing so.

• Different types of computing tasks require vastly different system features and capacity. By following your school's recommendations, you can be sure you get "enough computer" for your needs without spending extra money on power or capacity you'll seldom use.
• Most school-based IT groups focus their resources on supporting a defined set of widely used technologies from well-established manufacturers. While you are free to use other products, support for recommended products tends to be faster and more extensive.

Most schools list recommended configurations on their web pages.

Links to school-based IT resources

Core network/server technologies

If you are purchasing network or server equipment, you may want to review the core technologies defined by the Network and Server Services (NSS) group, which supports the Harvard core network and Central Administration infrastructure and applications. Because NSS has developed a "critical mass" of expertise and resources for these key technologies, service responsiveness and quality are maximized.

Products supported by Repair Services

If, after reviewing school-recommended systems and/or core technologies, you are still undecided about a hardware purchase, you may want to check out hardware products supported by Repair Services. By purchasing a supported product, you are ensured of prompt, convenient warranty and repair service over the life of your system.