Purchasing a Personal Computer
Suggested System Requirements for Emerson Students: 
Emerson College does not favor one computer platform over another. We recommend that Emerson students purchase whatever system they are most comfortable using. Any software required in classroom activities are provided in Emerson's computer labs. Students should not worry about purchasing specific high-end software until they have used it in our computer labs and know specifically what they will need.
Some courses require the purchase of additional hardware, such as portable hard drives or removable media. Floppy disks are unreliable forms of media; we recommend a USB flash drive for keeping your files portable. It's a good idea to consult with faculty about specific requirements.
General Requirements:
If you need information or technical assistance before making a purchase, your first point of contact should be the Emerson College IT Help Desk.
- Specifications for standard systems (19k)
- Specifications for Digital Video Editing and New Media (18.7k)
Emerson College does not favor one computer platform over another. We recommend that Emerson students purchase whatever system they are most comfortable using. Any software required in classroom activities are provided in Emerson's computer labs. Students should not worry about purchasing specific high-end software until they have used it in our computer labs and know specifically what they will need.
Some courses require the purchase of additional hardware, such as portable hard drives or removable media. Floppy disks are unreliable forms of media; we recommend a USB flash drive for keeping your files portable. It's a good idea to consult with faculty about specific requirements.
General Requirements:
Internet Connectivity - In order to connect to Emerson's high-speed network, your computer will need to have an Ethernet card and a Cat-5 Ethernet cable. Ethernet cards are standard on all new computers. For specific instructions on connecting to Emerson's network, please visit the Connecting Your Computer to the Emerson College Network setup page.
Anti-virus Software - Norton AntiVirus is provided for all Emerson students. On-campus computers will be able to use LiveUpdate to download the latest virus definitions. Off-campus computers will need to use the Intelligent Updater available on Symantec's website. You must be on-campus to download Norton AntiVirus at http://rx.emerson.edu. You may also purchase your own anti-virus software, if you prefer, but having more than one anti-virus program installed at once can be extremely detrimental to the operating system, and is NOT recommended.
Technical Assistance:Anti-virus Software - Norton AntiVirus is provided for all Emerson students. On-campus computers will be able to use LiveUpdate to download the latest virus definitions. Off-campus computers will need to use the Intelligent Updater available on Symantec's website. You must be on-campus to download Norton AntiVirus at http://rx.emerson.edu. You may also purchase your own anti-virus software, if you prefer, but having more than one anti-virus program installed at once can be extremely detrimental to the operating system, and is NOT recommended.
If you need information or technical assistance before making a purchase, your first point of contact should be the Emerson College IT Help Desk.
- Call the IT Help Desk at 617.824x8080 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Visit the IT Help Desk at 120 Boylston Street, room 404A
- Send e-mail to helpdesk@emerson.edu
- Please view the list of Educational Purchase Vendors
