Laptop Computer Specifications

Gainesville City Schools will be implementing a laptop initiative at Gainesville High School in the 2006-2007 school year. This flyer is intended as an update to the brochures that were sent to parents in May.

Gainesville City Schools has a relationship with Gateway computers for our system owned computers. Families can purchase from any vendor they feel comfortable with, however, Gateway Computers has provided specific assistance for anyone who wishes to use it by calling 1-877-283-6769 and mentioning this initiative, or by going to http://select.gateway.com/gcssk12.

Regardless of vendor, certain basic specifications must exist on the laptops to work within our system however. Below is a list of four required items and then several additionally recommended specifications:

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Type of laptop

Gainesville City Schools infrastructure is designed to support Microsoft Windows PCs. Macintosh computers are not supported.

Operating system

Microsoft XP Professional with service pack 2 

Note that many computers are offered with the less expensive XP Home or XP Media Center Edition operating system. Unfortunately, XP Home and XP Media Center are not designed to connect to a domain, which is necessary in the Gainesville City Schools environment.

Networking

802.11g wireless network connectivity

Software

Microsoft Office Suite – (Student Edition is less expensive than Professional and will adequately serve the students needs)

Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

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Processor

Intel. Dual Core or at least Pentium processor recommended. Celeron processors will function but at much lower performance levels.

Memory

A minimum of 512 mb RAM. 1GB recommended.

Optical drive

DVD or at least CD recordable optical drive. Recordable drives give the option of backing up large amounts of data.

Hard drive

At least 40GB

Accidental damage protection

Note that computer warranties, even extended warranties, do not cover the expensive laptop screen. Most manufacturers offer accidental damage protection at an additional charge that will cover the screen. This is highly recommended. Most vendors will offer this coverage for an additional cost if you will ask.

Other

Gainesville City Schools supplies teachers with Tablet PCs, laptops with swiveling screens and the ability to accept pen and handwriting input. There are numerous advantages to these additional features if the user so chooses.

A long life battery, if available.

 

What Gainesville City Schools will provide is complete wireless network coverage on the entire Gainesville High School campus, as well as differentiated instruction in the classroom to garner the greatest benefit from the computer. Note that the school system urges that laptops be for the use and benefit of the entire family. Service, upgrades and repair are matters to be negotiated between the family purchaser and the vendor, not Gainesville City Schools. This initiative is not mandatory in any way, it is an opportunity for students and their families to have use of a valuable technology tool that will enhance the student’s educational experience as well as that of the entire family.