4. Purchasing a New PC

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4. Purchasing a New PC

Here we discuss what you should look for when preparing to buy a new PC that will perform well in the FNAL NT domain or other modern networked environment.

We recommend that you go through your group's PC administrator to make your PC purchase, and coordinate the necessary networking, software and installation requests through him or her.

4.1 Determining and Justifying Your Computing Needs

Some divisions require that a form detailing the need and expected use of any new desktop system be submitted before the purchase can be approved. The form is called an Abbreviated Implementation Plan (AIP) . The Fermilab standard AIP format is available on-line. Your group's PC administrator will know if you need to submit it. Even if your department/division does not require this, you may want to look it over. It can help guide you in outlining your needs and thinking about system security.

4.2 What to Buy

4.2.1 Standard PC Running Microsoft Windows Software

What you need in a PC depends upon the functions you will need to perform (the following recommendations were determined as of May 1999; we will attempt to keep them updated as newer technology becomes available):

Physics Analysis and Engineering Use:

A very fast Pentium III (minimum 500 MHz) with standard integrated 3COM 10/100 ethernet card and a high-end graphics card.

If you plan to run Linux as well, see section 4.2.3: Windows/Linux Dual Boot System .

General Use:

A Pentium II, not quite as fast as that needed for physics analysis (we recommend 400 MHz) with standard integrated 3COM 10/100 Ethernet Card. (See note above regarding Linux.)

The following workstation configuration should be suitable for most users at Fermilab. Most of the popular hardware vendors can provide these features:

Intel Pentium II or III
400 MHz or greater CPU with 256 kB or greater cache
3 or 4 PCI slots and 3 or 4 ISA slots
minimum of 128 MB SDRAM memory
1.44 MB diskette drive
~ 3 GB EIDE hard drive or SCSI hard drive
high speed CD-ROM/DVD drive
PCI SVGA card with 4 MB memory with 1280x1024 True color (16.7 million)
104 Key enhanced keyboard
mouse
Intel or 3COM 10/100Base-T Ethernet
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (or current release) installed
option for 21-inch monitor or 17-inch monitor

All components must be on Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility List . You should ensure that your vendor can provide adequate technical support and service for at least the first year.

If you are purchasing peripherals for a Windows NT system you already have, you should also check the NT-compatibility list to see that the exact model of the peripheral is supported by the exact version of NT you are running.

Also ask your group's PC administrator about any additional requirements, including software that should be included in the order.

4.2.2 Windows Laptop System

We have identified a number of things to consider when ordering a laptop. They are listed in the Web page Laptop Support at Fermilab at http://www.fnal.gov/cd/main/laptop.html.

4.2.3 Windows/Linux Dual Boot System

The hardware requirements are slightly different for a workstation that is intended for Windows NT/Linux dual boot. In particular, the 3COM ethernet card mentioned above is not recommended; Linux will run at 10 but not at 100. We recommend the Intel EtherExpress card instead. For more information, refer to the OSS group's Web page on Linux athttp://www-oss.fnal.gov/fss/documentation/linux/.

4.3 Warranties

All new computers come with either a standard 1-year or 3-year Next Business Day On-Site Service warranty.

Please do not install or remove any hardware on your computer within the warranty period as this would break the warranty!

4.4 Repairs

For repairs, notify your group's PC administrator and inform him or her whether your system is still under warranty.

4.5 When You're Ready to Purchase ...

Please contact your group's PC administrator to find out how the purchase should be transacted; the procedure varies from group to group and department to department.

4.6 Configuring your New PC

Contact your group's PC administrator or your local NT server administrator. Depending on your group's support level, you may be able to have a support person completely configure your PC for you. See 2. The NT Environment at Fermilab to learn about the Windows NT environment provided at Fermilab, and 3. NT User Support at Fermilab to find out who to contact.

Go to Computing Division Home Page - PC and Mac Support - PC Support Page

Within manual, go to Main Page - Previous Page - Next Page