Get Connected: Equipment
Home Equipment Software Wireless Resources Register!Equipment You'll Need
A Computer
While most students at Cal choose to bring a personal computer to campus, you may choose to purchase one once you arrive at Cal, or use computers available on campus. If you choose to purchase a computer, either a desktop or a laptop computer will work with your ResComp connection. For an in-depth look at minimum requirements, look below.
Minimum Requirements
| New Computers | Used Computers | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Duo/Pentium Dual Core or AMD equivalent (PC or Mac) | Pentium
D or greator (PC desktop), Pentium M or greater (PC laptop) 1.2Ghz or greater (Mac desktop), 1 Ghz or greater (Mac laptop) |
| Memory | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 120 GB (desktop) 80 GB (laptop) | 60 GB (desktop) 40 GB (laptop) |
| Wired Networking | 10/100 ethernet port | 10/100 ethernet port |
| Wireless Networking | Not required (desktop) 802.11b/g wireless card (laptop) | Not required (desktop) 802.11b/g wireless card (laptop) |
| Operating System | Windows Vista/XP or Mac OS X 10.5 | Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.4 |
More information about computers and hardware is provided in our Computer Buying Guide.
Networking equipment (Wired)
In order to connect to the network, your computer will need a network card -- also called a Network Interface Card (NIC), an Ethernet card, or an Ethernet adapter. Macintosh computers made after 1995 come with networking capabilities as standard equipment and so do many newer PCs. If you have any trouble installing your Ethernet card or adapter, a Residential Computing Consultant can help you when you arrive on campus.
- Network Cards: To ensure a problem-free connection, we suggest you use a high-quality, name brand network card for your computer. For PC desktops you will need to use a network card that can fit in an open PCI slot in your computer. Mac desktops without built-in Ethernet require a card specially made for Macs. Laptops use PC card (PCMCIA) Ethernet cards. We recommend dongle-less cards, which do not need a separate connector between the Ethernet card and the cable. Both desktops and laptops with an open USB port can use USB Network adapters. We recommend that you get a network card or adapter that can support both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds (10/100BaseT cards). Most network cards can go both speeds, but USB adapters can only run at a maximum of 10 Mbps.
- Ethernet Cables: To connect your computer to our network, you will need to buy a Category 5, RJ-45 Ethernet Cable. We recommend you buy a cable at least 25 feet long, so that you can place your computer anywhere in your room and still be able to reach the network jack.
Networking Equipment (Wireless)
UC Berkeley provides wireless networking (AirBears) in many campus locations, including certain locations in the residence halls. In general, however, wireless connectivity is not available in individual dorm rooms unless you install your own wireless router. For an in-depth look at how to connect to the wireless network, and what equipment you will need, look at the Wireless Networking page.
For Information on installing your own wireless router, also look at the Wireless Networking page.