Hardware Requirements
The CAEN Operating Environment (COE) for Windows or Linux is available for most newer computer systems meeting the CAEN minimum hardware requirements. Most vendor hardware is supported by the OS out of the box, and will be automatically detected during the installation process.
CAEN Recommended System Configurations
CAEN recommended systems are computer configurations currently systems in CAEN computer labs. They go above and beyond the minimum hardware requirements. Purchasing a CAEN recommended system is an easy way to ensure compatibility with COE software, and ensures your new computer will be eligible for a COE in the coming years.
Recommended Desktop: Dell OptiPlex 755
- Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 250 GB IDE hard disk drive
- 256 MB ATI Radeon graphics card
- 16x DVD+/-RW drive
- 20+" Dell VGA/DVI flat panel
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Intel® Celeron® processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 80 GB hard drive (for COE + Software Subscription)
- Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator
- DVD-ROM drive
- Analog monitor
These minimum hardware requirements are a starting point for systems receiving a CAEN Operating Environment (COE) along with any of the add-on Service Subscriptions. Any machines not meeting the above minimum requirements will not be eligible for a COE.
General Hardware Considerations
If you choose to purchase new computer hardware other than CAEN's recommended system configuration, here are some general guidelines to follow:
System Processor
Engineering/Graphics/CAD/CAM/Mathematical applications perform complex calculations and are processor intensive, requiring more processing power. General purpose applications such as Microsoft Word, do not. Determine your processor needs based on the intended use of the system. The Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processor is today's benchmark standard and should adequately serve both your present and future needs and is capable of running the software of today and tomorrow.
System memory (RAM)
The minimum amount of RAM required to receive a COE installation is 1 GB. Purchase 2 or more GB if your work involves engineering and/or design work. RAM prices are low, so get as much as you can afford at the purchase time. The more you get now, the less likely it is you'll need an upgrade in the future.
Hard Disk Drive
An 80 GB hard disk drive is the minimum requirement to receive a COE installation. New computer systems typically ship with a minimum of 80 GB drives. Be sure to purchase a drive with room enough for both CAEN software and your personal research data. Older systems meeting the minimum hardware requirements will have less room for personal and research data to be stored.
Display Adapter (Graphics Card)
An integrated graphics card is the minimum required to receive a COE installation. Graphics cards based on the ATI Radeon series have great price-to-performance ratios, and should be there to serve your needs of tomorrow. Mainstream computer manufacturers, such as Dell, offer graphics cards based on this technology with most systems they ship. If you'll be doing professional level graphics or CAD work, you may want to consider an ATI graphic solution. If a card is not natively supported by CAEN, a simple driver installation is usually all that is needed.
CD/DVD Drive
A CD-based technology of some sort is the minimum requirement to receive a COE installation. Feel free to purchase any combination of CD/DVD drives you choose. You may need to install the appropriate drivers for your particular drive after the COE installation is complete to playback movies or burn discs.
Monitor
The minimum requirement is an analog monitor. You will want to exceed this whenever possible. Flat panel (e.g. LCD) VGA/DVI displays have become quite economical, and should be the minimum for newly purchased computers. In addition, most flat panel displays are also supported by the COE installation, and can be supported with a simple driver installation.
Summary
There are many factors that should be considered when evaluating a computer for a COE installation and any of the add-on Service Subscriptions. If purchasing new equipment, the decisions you make now are around for the entire life-cycle of the equipment, typically three to four years. Be sure your new computer meets the minimum hardware requirements discussed here if it is to receive a COE installation; and if it is to continue receiving a COE installation in years to come, go above and beyond the requirements of today to meet the needs of tomorrow.
