Computer & Software Recommendations
Purchase Agreement Discounts
Midwestern Higher Education Commission
Holy Cross College has a special purchase agreement with Dell, Gateway and IBM and the Midwestern Higher Education Commission. An enrolled Holy Cross College student can get up to 10% off the purchase price of the computer. Students interested in purchasing a PC through this plan simply need to follow the below steps:
To obtain discount:
- Visit www.mhectech.org.
- Select "Purchase Computer".
- Select Dell, Gateway or IBM.
- Select "MHEC/Dell(Gateway/IBM) Faculty, Staff and Student Personal Purchase Plan".
- Follow the directions listed.
Dell University
Holy Cross College participates in the Dell University program. Through this program, HCC students, faculty, and staff can receive a 2-12% discount on new computers and computer equipment based on the warranty chosen and price of the system. Click the link below to browse items in their online store.
Recommended Computer Configuration (new PCs):
- Processor: 2.4GHZ for Desktops; 1.4GHZ for Laptops
- Memory: 1 GB RAM or higher
- 60 GB hard drive or higher
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet Network Card for resident students
- 128 MB of video RAM or higher
- Sound card (subwoofer speakers are forbidden in the dorms)
- 17-inch monitor for desktops
Required Operating System:
- Windows Vista Business or Ultimate recommended; Home versions currently will work, but may not in the future as the college moves to newer technologies.
- Windows XP Professional recommended; Home version currently will work, but may not in the future as the college moves to newer technologies.
- Macintosh computers will work, but are not supported by IT staff.
Recommended and Required Software:
- Antivirus software is required for all computers. You must use either Norton or McAfee. If you do not currently have appropriate antivirus software on your computer, you may bring your computer to the office in the computer lab (V-246) to receive a free version of Norton Antivirus.
- Microsoft Word 2007 - students not taking Computer Applications course
- Microsoft Office 2007 Professional or Academic - students taking Computer Applications course
- Anti-spyware/adware software is recommended. Several easy-to-use and free programs are readily available on the internet. We recommend any of the following:
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Lavasoft Ad-Aware
- Microsoft Windows Defender
Recommended Computer Manufacturers:
- Desktop: Dell, Gateway
- Laptop: Dell, Toshiba, Gateway