<p>If a freshman brings a computer instead of buying it through Duke, (i) is any special configuration required and, if so, how complicated is it and (ii) is there any difference in service provided during the year if there are problems.</p>
<p>1) Configuration: basically anything sold on the market right now except netbooks and iPads will be sufficient. Netbooks will do almost everything but they are just not powerful enough for particularly performance-intensive tasks. </p>
<p>Here are the “minimum hardware requirements” as set out by Duke OIT:</p>
<p>[OIT</a> at Duke University: Recommended Computer Specifications](<a href=“http://www.oit.duke.edu/comp-print/recommendations/hardware_specs.php]OIT”>http://www.oit.duke.edu/comp-print/recommendations/hardware_specs.php)</p>
<p>I would note that many of those recommendations appear to be severely outdated and while they might be sufficient for college work, almost anything you buy on the market now will most likely be better. </p>
<p>2) If you do not buy through Duke, then Duke will only handle software issues on campus while your student is enrolled. All hardware and warranty issues must be resolved by contacting the manufacturer or retailer directly. If you buy through Duke, Duke OIT will also act as intermediary in resolving hardware that are under warranty. (Note: for Macs, Duke OIT may still ask you to take your computer to the Apple Store regardless of where you bought it)</p>