SSIS is recommending 8GB of RAM and Windows 7 64 bit for new workstation purchases, which is consistent with current DHS purchasing policy. The additional RAM will improve performance across the board and will extend the useful life of the workstation as new applications continue to consume more RAM. The cost of the additional 4GB of RAM is estimated to be less than $40. SSIS will run acceptably using 4GB of RAM, and the SSIS Development Team is focused on managing the application's memory requirements and improving performance wherever possible, but more RAM will make all applications run better in a 64-bit environment.
For new computer purchases, SSIS and MnCHOICES strongly recommend Windows 7 -64 bit. Memory usage is much better when using the 64 bit operating system and the SSIS application will run better in this environment. If you are running a 32 bit operating system, do not purchase more than 4 MB of RAM --the O/S cannot use it.
SSIS will provide technical support for the MnCHOICES application when it is implemented. SSIS has received several inquiries as to whether lead agencies will be able to use a tablet to access MnCHOICES. Tablet use will not be supported by MnCHOICES. Lead agencies must use a laptop (in the field) to access MnCHOICES that meets or exceeds the specifications shown below.
New workspace
New SSIS MnCHOICES workstation specifications
MnCHOICES without SSIS
MnCHOICES and SSIS
Hardware
i5-2400 Processor, 3.1 to 3.4 GHz
4 GB of RAM minimum
250 GB hard drive
Hardware
i5-2400 Processor, 3.1 to 3.4 GHz
4 GB of RAM, 8 GB of RAM recommended
250 GB hard drive
Network card compatible with county's local area network topology
Note:
32 bit operating systems can only use 4 GB of RAM If you are running Windows XP or Windows 7 in 32 bit mode (referred to as X86), do not install more than 4 GB of RAM. More details at Microsoft.
Monitor
Not applicable
Monitor
17 or 19 LCD or flat panel monitor
Note: Fiscal users should have 19 monitors because of the large displays for fiscal functions.
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 -32 bit or 64 bit
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 -64 bit
Software
Internet Explorer 7 or higher
Silverlight version 5.1.1 or higher (Installation instructions PDF)
Java Runtime version 6 or higher
Software
Internet Explorer 7 or 8
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile (Installation instructions PDF)
Java Runtime version 6 or higher
Other
High-speed Internet connection for initial setup
Other
Not applicable
Existing workspace
Existing SSIS and MnCHOICES workstation specifications
MnCHOICES without SSIS
MnCHOICES and SSIS
Hardware
2 GHz Processor
2 GB of RAM or 3 GB for 64-bit operating systems
16 GB available disk space
Hardware
2 GHz Processor
4 GB of RAM, 8 GB of RAM recommended
250 GB hard drive
Network card compatible with county's local area network topology
Note:
Note: 32 bit operating systems can only use 4 GB of RAM If you are running Windows XP or Windows 7 in 32 bit mode (referred to as X86), do not install more than 4 GB of RAM. More details at Microsoft.
Monitor
Not applicable
Monitor
17 or 19 LCD or flat panel monitor
Note: Fiscal users should have 19 monitors because of the large displays for fiscal functions.
Operating System
Windows XP SP 3 for 32 bit systems
Windows XP SP 2 for 64 bit systems
Windows Vista SP 2
Microsoft Windows 7 -32 bit or 64 bit
Microsoft Windows 8
Operating System
Windows XP SP 3 for 32 bit systems
Windows XP SP 2 for 64 bit systems
Microsoft Windows 7 -32 bit or 64 bit
Software
Internet Explorer 7 or higher
Silverlight version 5.1.1 or higher (Installation instructions PDF)
Java Runtime version 6 or higher
Software
Internet Explorer 7 or 8
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile (Installation instructions PDF)
Java Runtime version 6 or higher
Other
High-speed Internet connection for initial setup
