Recommended Computer Specifications for Public Libraries
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Patron Computer
Hardware:
Hard Drive and RAM
- Minimum 80GB hard drive
- Suggested 120 GB or more depending on how much software you plan to have on patron computers\
- Minimum 2 GB RAM ; Suggested 3 GB RAM
- Networking: Ethernet Network card (NIC) or wireless card
Operating System
DO NOT purchase Vista Home Basic
- Vista Home Premium: minimum recommendation. This will be suitable for most small libraries. Note: Vista Home Premium will not work if you have a domain set up on your network.
- Vista Business or Vista Ultimate are also suitable but more expensive.
- See this article for more info: Windows Vista Review:
Part 2: Understanding the Vista Product Editions
- You may still find offers to purchase Windows XP. If you do, make sure you purchase XP Professional.
Optical drive
- DVD (just a DVD/CD player) - minimum recommendation
- DVD/CD-RW combo (DVD Player/CD player and burner/writer - Recommended
- DVD/RW Drive (DVD and CD burner) – Purchase only if you want patrons to be able to burns CDs and/or DVDs; or if you do not have this capability on existing staff computers so you have this available for library staff use)
- New Blue Ray
Video/graphics card
- Integrated cards should be fine for patron computers
- Dedicated cards are a step up and would be needed for a computer for complex video games. If you plan to offer gaming on this patron computer get a dedicated card.
Sound/Speakers
- Make sure there is a sound card
Headphones and/or speakers for patron computers.
- Internal or external speakers
Keyboard and Mouse
- PS/2 or USB Keyboard (makes sure you have enough USB ports if choosing USB)
Surge Protector
- Recommend Tripp Lite and APC (American Power Conversion).
Software
- Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software (also called a “productivity suite”)
- Microsoft Office (versions and prices vary from $120 - $325) Purchase from TechSoup Stock for significant discounts.
- Open Office (Open Source) – free download
- iWork (Mac) – For Mac OS X - $79
- Google Docs - free
- Adobe Acrobat Reader - free
- Anti-virus Software (Norton, Trend Micro, AVG, McAfee) Malware protection (prices vary) ClamWin (Free Open Source)
- Security (Deep Freeze, Centurion, Clean Slate, Windows Steady State) (prices vary)
- Browser - Internet Explorer (comes with Windows), Firefox, Safari (comes with Mac OS X) – free with OS or download
- Players – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Real Player, Shockwave and Flash players (all free)
Warranty
3 year, parts/service/on-site - Always get the warranty!
Staff Computer
Hardware: Hard Drive and RAM
- 120 GB or more depending on how much software you plan to install as well as pictures, instructional videos, pdf files, etc.
- Minimum 2 GB RAM ; Suggested 3 GB RAM
- Networking:
Ethernet Network card (NIC) or wireless card
Operating System
DO NOT purchase Vista Home Basic
- Vista Home Premium: minimum recommendation. This will be suitable for most small libraries. Note: Vista Home Premium will not work if you have a domain set up on your network.
- Vista Business or Vista Ultimate are also suitable but more expensive.
- See this article for more info:
Windows Vista Review:
Part 2: Understanding the Vista Product Editions
- You may still find offers to purchase Windows XP. If you do, make sure you purchase XP Professional.
Optical drive
- DVD/RW Drive (DVD and CD burner) - minimum
- BD-ROM - I think it would be a good idea to have a drive with the new Blue Ray format on one computer in the library
Video/graphics card
- Integrated cards should be fine for a staff computer.
WebCam
- For distance learning and video-conferencing for meetings
Sound/Speakers
- Make sure there is a sound card
- Headset with microphone for webinars and video conferencing
- Internal or external speakers
Keyboard and Mouse
- PS/2 or USB Keyboard (makes sure you have enough USB ports if choosing USB)
Surge Protector
- Recommend Tripp Lite and APC (American Power Conversion).
Software
- Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software (also called a “productivity suite”)
- Microsoft Office (versions and prices vary from $120 - $325)
- Open Office (Open Source) – free download
- iWork (Mac) – For Mac OS X - $79
- Google Docs - free
- Adobe Acrobat Reader - free
- Anti-virus Software (Norton, Trend Micro, AVG, McAfee) Malware protection (prices vary)
- Browser - Internet Explorer (comes with Windows), Firefox, Safari (comes with Mac OS X) – free with OS or download
- Players – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Real Player, Shockwave and Flash players (all free)
Warranty
3 year, parts/service/on-site
Purchasing Tips
- Make sure when you configure online that you are in the correct area. Dell won't sell a library a computer from the "Home" area so you need to configure as a small business or local government.
- Vendors treat public libraries differently. You may find one company will give an educational discount whereas others plop you into a non-profit area, or state and local government.
- Stay away from Best Buy and Circuit City unless you can get operating system and the configuration that meets your needs. The computers at these locations are pre-configured and it's harder to find the right one.
