The recommended computer specification for use in schools must be able to run the latest innovative learning software and have the power to take advantage of future developments in educational technology. In particular, high specification computers are needed for any work with sound and video which are becoming increasingly common on the Internet and in curriculum software packages. To ensure that the computers have as long a working life as possible, the highest specification that funding allows should be purchased. The actual specification will change as technology develops but currently the minimum recommended specification is :
| Curriculum PCs Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (3.0 Ghz) or equivalent 2 Gb DDR2 SDRAM 250 Gb Hard Disk Drive DVD RW Drive 17" TFT Monitor Sound (24bit), Video (512MB) and Network Card (1Gbps) Second display adapter (if a SMART Board is to be connected) 6 x USB2 Ports USB2 Ports, Mic and Headphone Sockets positioned on the front of the PC 3-yr warranty Windows XP Professional SP2 |
Laptops Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor (1.86 Ghz) or equivalent 2 Gb DDR2 SDRAM 100 Gb Hard Disk Drive DVD RW Drive 15" TFT Display Network Card and Internal Modem Integral Speakers and Mic 4 x USB2 Ports Wireless Card 3-yr warranty Windows XP Professional SP2 |
| Admin PCs Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (3.0 Ghz) or equivalent 2 Gb DDR2 SDRAM 120 Gb Hard Disk Drive DVD RW Drive 19" TFT Monitor Sound, Video and network cards basic Speakers (if not integral with monitor) 6 x USB2 Ports USB 2 Ports, Mic and Headphone Sockets positioned on the front of the PC 3-yr warranty Windows XP Professional SP2 |
Server Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (3.0 Ghz) or equivalent 2 Gb DDR2 SDRAM 2 x 400 GB Hard Disk Drive RAID mirroring for HDD 1Gbps Network Card DVD RW Drive 4 x USB 2 Ports Back up facility - Internal Tape Drive, REV Drive or Removable Hard Drive Windows Server 2003 Standard |
| Thin Client 17" TFT Monitor 1 GHz CPU 256MB SDRAM 512MB Flash RAM 1Gbps Network Card 4x USB2 Ports Front positioned, USB2 ports, Headphone and Mic sockets |
Projectors 1500 ANSI Lumens XGA 3 year lamp warranty 3 year projector warranty Built in security features, e.g. PIN, removable security panel, Personalised splash screens. |
Regarding Curriculum PCs, a second display adapter has been listed as part of the specification. This is only necessary if an adaption VDU, such as a projector for a SMART Board, will be connected to the PC.
Many schools will not require a dedicated Server. The specification has been included for those schools where a Server is required.
The recommended Kirklees council supplier is DELL. Hardware can be ordered through InTech, Tel: 01484 225954 or internal 7000.
It is not recommended that schools purchase old refurbished equipment which may have high maintenance costs and will be increasingly unable to run the newer operating systems, management information systems and educational software. Although they may be useful for some very basic tasks in the short term, such machines are especially poor for applications which require a lot of processing power such as multimedia. There will also be significant replacement costs in near future.
Where schools intend to purchase a large amount of equipment, such as equipping a new ICT suite, it is important that a number of quotes are obtained in order to be able to show best value for money.
Any further queries please contact David Fleming, 01484 225798