Do not purchase Windows 98. Intel Pentium III or Apple G3. Processor speed is not a sufficient measure of computer performance and is not comparable between processor types. More cache will make the processor perform bet-ter. Some systems allow for the possibility of upgrading your processor at a later time.
RAM can be as or more important than processor speed for system perform-ance.
This is one area where upgrade ability is very important. You do not need to start with more than 128 MB of RAM, but you will likely want to expand this in the future as your projects get more complex. Get 128 now and expand later. Given the networking infrastructure at MSU and the recommended external storage devices below, you should not need to purchase a floppy drive if your computer doesn't come with one. Should you want one, external floppy drives are available for systems that do not come equipped with one.