<p>I will be a freshman in the Fall 2013 (Major: Computer Science)
What specific features should I look for in a PC and a Laptop (Might get both)?
I know I need an Intel Processor (i5 or i7) and a good amount of RAM. What else though.?
Feel free to post specific suggestions such as manufacturer and model.</p>
<p>Here’s my opinion:</p>
<p>Minimum requirement
Processor: Intel core i3 or higher, AMD A8 or higher
RAM: At least 4 GB
Hard Drive: At least 320 GB
Graphics card: not required</p>
<p>Recommended requirement:
Processor: Intel core i5 or i7(quad core 3rd gen recommended), AMD A10(its quad core)
RAM: 6 GB or more
Hard Drive: 500 GB or more
Graphics: any will do the job, no separate card required if you choose AMD A10</p>
<p>Brands: Acer, Dell, Asus, Hp, Gateway, Lenovo.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input.
What would you say about the HP Envy M6 with the Intel Processor?
Here’s the link:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---ENVY-15.6%26%2334%3B-Laptop---8GB-Memory---750GB-Hard-Drive---Natural-Silver/7703056.p?id=1218858583403&skuId=7703056[/url]”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---ENVY-15.6%26%2334%3B-Laptop---8GB-Memory---750GB-Hard-Drive---Natural-Silver/7703056.p?id=1218858583403&skuId=7703056</a> </p>
<p>Also, should I have Windows 8? (Most of the laptops already have it when purchased)</p>
<p>Windows 8 is really a pain to use due to the lack of a start button. But I guess that is more of a personal opinion.</p>
<p>If your school uses a Unix or Linux computing environment for its CS courses, get a computer that is will supported by such operating systems. This will allow you to do much of your CS course work on your own computer not needing to be connected to the campus networks or worrying about overloaded shared computers (though you would have to upload it there to turn it in).</p>
<p>The same goes for if the CS courses use Microsoft Windows, MacOS, etc…</p>
<p>Power ain’t that important. Don’t use Windows 8’s default mode. If you go Windows, install Linux as well (you can have both on the same HD and decide at boot which to use). I recommend a version that uses KDE, not Gnome, like Kubuntu. Make sure you have gcc installed and emacs or another simple text editor. Learn basic Linux commands.</p>
<p>If you go Mac, it’s already built on UNIX, get gcc and learn how to use the terminal though.</p>
<p>Either way, UNIX/Linux will make it easy to remotely connect to your student account on whatever *nix system they are using.</p>
<p>Yeah, that Hp looks fine. Try to get Windows 8. It boots really fast. You can always install ubuntu, fedora, Mint.</p>