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- Questions on specifications of laptop that will be used for study and (later) research
Father was thinking about buying a laptop that I can utilise for my studies. Our PC (windows 7 pro, 32 bit) is proving incapable for much of the software that I would like to have. Being 32-bit, I cannot install latest java and Matlab on it. In addition, if you have a look at this thread (mainly the later posts), you will understand what problems I am facing while installing MikTex.
Keeping these in mind, I would like to ask about the specifications for the laptop. As I said, this laptop would be configured for study purposes, especially research (no gaming).
First, what softwares are essential for any research scientist (irrespective of field)? Some trivial ones are below:
1. Java (very trivial, but worth mentioning)
2. Matlab (or some similar math software)
3. LaTeX editor and compiling systems
Can you suggest anything else (paid/free) that could be necessary?
Based on the above, what should be the minimum requirements of the laptop? By this, I mean:
1. RAM
2. OS
3. Hard disk size
4. Battery
Anything else? Should I consider an inbuilt disc drive, or should I later buy an external RW drive?
For OS, I am choosing Windows (actually I have to, as I am not familiar with Linux or Mac). Perhaps windows 10, 64-bit. Which version, professional or ultimate?
Also, I don't want to buy any third party antivirus. My experience with QuickHeal is already bitter. Dad was saying that Windows has its own antivirus, and it doesn't create problems like the third party software is creating. Is that good and can be trusted? Does it come free with windows?
Thank you for reading, and would appreciate your suggestions/opinions.
Keeping these in mind, I would like to ask about the specifications for the laptop. As I said, this laptop would be configured for study purposes, especially research (no gaming).
First, what softwares are essential for any research scientist (irrespective of field)? Some trivial ones are below:
1. Java (very trivial, but worth mentioning)
2. Matlab (or some similar math software)
3. LaTeX editor and compiling systems
Can you suggest anything else (paid/free) that could be necessary?
Based on the above, what should be the minimum requirements of the laptop? By this, I mean:
1. RAM
2. OS
3. Hard disk size
4. Battery
Anything else? Should I consider an inbuilt disc drive, or should I later buy an external RW drive?
For OS, I am choosing Windows (actually I have to, as I am not familiar with Linux or Mac). Perhaps windows 10, 64-bit. Which version, professional or ultimate?
Also, I don't want to buy any third party antivirus. My experience with QuickHeal is already bitter. Dad was saying that Windows has its own antivirus, and it doesn't create problems like the third party software is creating. Is that good and can be trusted? Does it come free with windows?
Thank you for reading, and would appreciate your suggestions/opinions.