Hardware
Requirements
Please note that the minimum hardware requirements as recommended
by PeopleSoft are just that - absolute minimums. Our testing experience
indicates that the mimimum requirements listed will be inadequate
for most users; and we suggest two ways departments can consider
meeting their computer needs. The first is the suggested minimum
configuration for a department that already has computers, some
of which may have been purchased recently. The second gives some
rule-of-thumb suggestions for new purchases.
Existing Computers
Many departments have recently purchased new computers and wonder
whether these computers will run the PeopleSoft software adequately.
We suggest that you upgrade any existing systems to meet the following
minimum suggested configuration:
CPU - Pentium 133 MHz
RAM - 48 Mb
VGA controller and display - 640 x 480 256 color
Network interface card - Client specific
Communications - TCP/IP
Mouse Pointing Device - Client specific
Operating System - Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0
Additional Disk Space - 500 Mbytes
Purchasing New Computers
If your hardware configuration does not meet these specifications,
you may want to consider purchasing new systems. Historically, microcomputer
hardware has tended to maintain a relatively steady price while
providing minor to major technological improvements. Therefore,
rather than provide specifications for the specific hardware to
purchase, we suggest that you consider computers in the $2,100-$2,500
range. In looking at the various available configurations, consider
what your needs will be over the next three years. It is unwise
to purchase equipment that barely meet your current computing needs.
It is better to buy more than you need now so as to extend the effective
life of the computer. For some users, it may be more appropriate
to consider computer systems with even more compute power and features.
However, the "average" user is likely to find that systems in this
price range will satisfy their computing needs.
As an example, as of June, 1998 you can purchase the following
system through the U of MN BookCenter:
Micron ClientPro 766Xi
CPU - Pentium 300MMX
RAM - 64MB
24X CD-ROM
6.4GB Hard drive
3COM 3C905 Ethernet card
17" color monitor
Price: $2,473
Macintosh Users
At present, PeopleSoft certifies the performance of its software only
on Intel-based microcomputers. At the University of Minnesota, OIT
has determined that the various configurations of PowerMac G3 systems
perform well. A very basic G3 with 64MB of RAM and the Virtual PC
version 2.x emulation software sometimes outperforms a comparable
Intel-based computer running the same software. In our testing to
date, we have been pleased with the performance of these systems.
The requirements for running PeopleSoft on a PowerMac G3 include:
1. PowerMac G3 system
2. 64MB RAM
3. Virtual PC version 2.x configured to use 48MB RAM
4. Enough hard disk space to create the disk partition used by Virtual
PC (~300MB)
5. Macintosh Operation System 8.1 or later.
As with Intel-based systems, if you use PeopleSoft software extensively
on your job, you will need to have a Macintosh G3 system with a
very fast CPU, but if you are a more casual user, the low-end G3
systems should perform adequately.
If you wish to see a very rudimentary demonstration of the PeopleSoft
programs in on various computer configurations, visit one of the
Academic and Distributed Computing Services (ADCS) Helpline showrooms
in 152 Shepherd Labs or 50 Coffey Hall. These facilities are open
from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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