Computer Recommendations

Computer RecommendationsComputers are an essential part of engineering and Auburn's computer network is one of the finest in the nation, including wireless access in many areas of campus.

Although students are not required to have a personal computer, it is strongly recommended. The dominant systems in the College of Engineering are IBM-compatible PCs and Sun Workstations. Students who wish to purchase a computer are encouraged to purchase IBM-compatible PCs. Students who do not own personal computers may lease them through the university or another source or they can utilize our 24-hour student computer labs. Minimum recommendations:

Computer Recommendation Information

USB Pen Drive:
1GB USB Pen Drive is Highly recommended

Printers:
B&W - HP LaserJet, Canon, Lexmark: $300-600
Color - HP DeskJet, Cannon Bubble Jet, Epson Stylus: $75 - $300
Printer/FAX/Scanner - HP, Cannon, Xerox: $150-$800

Software: 
Most Windows PCs will come with Windows Vista. Both Windows XP and Windows Vista are supported. 

Microsoft Office is used in most curricula and is in all Engineering computer labs.  A version of Open Office is on the FCI CD you will be given.  Open Office is free.  Open Office reads and writes Microsoft Office documents.  It is recommended that you try Open Office and if it does not meet your needs, purchase Microsoft Office at an Educational discount from the AU Bookstore or other Educational dealer.

McAfee anti-virus is offered free by the University for personally owned computers.

Other software packages should be purchased as you find a need in your course work. It is recommended that you not purchase such software in advance because of version changes.