Buying a Computer and Software
If you are in the market for buying a new computer, there are a few things to consider before purchasing.
How long will you keep this machine?
The longer you wish to keep this machine viable, the higher (and more expensive) you will likely wish to configure it. Processor, RAM, and hard drive capacities double about every 18 months (Moore's Law). After 2-3 years, your machine will be noticeably slower than the newer ones. The higher-end you make it to start, the longer it will stay competitive. This of course means more money up front. A good general rule is to buy the most powerful machine that you can reasonably afford if speed and longevity are factors for you.
What will you primarily do on it?
Some people will use their computer for email, web research and word processing. Others will be generating complex maps and images, 3D CAD models, and computer animation or digital video. For more graphics intense work, faster machines, larger hard drives, more RAM, and faster/larger graphics cards will be desired. Currently, the first year of the undergraduate design program sees less intense use with more graphics work introduced in the second year requiring much higher levels of computer performance.
Windows or Macintosh?
The school and university support both operating systems, and many software packages run on both, but some important packages for CAD, GIS, and building analysis run only on the Windows platform. Students must be able to run Windows-based software to complete work in many required courses. Students preferring software on an Apple platform will need a newer Apple computer model that also runs Windows.
Do I need to buy software?
Yes. The School of Architecture requires all incoming students to purchase two software titles:
· Microsoft Office
Adobe Creative Suite can be purchased through Cavalier Computers
at the University Bookstore by way of a special pricing contract available for the university.
Microsoft Office will often come bundled with a new computer, or it can be purchased through many retail outlets, including Cavalier Computers at educationally discounted prices.
Through special contracts with vendors, the School is also able to distribute a range of specilty software products, including CAD software, to students for free or at significantly reduced prices. These products are not required of all students, but may be required or recommeded for purchase while taking individual courses. See Software Distribution for details about available software and how to get them.
Required Computer Configuration
New Computer Purchase
The following is a general configuration for buying a new laptop computer. This is a mid- to high-level configuration suitable to effectively work with the most common graphics software packages used in the school.
· 2+ GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (Windows or Macintosh)
· Windows XP / Vista * (Professional or Home) or Mac OS X (10.4 +)
· 1 GB RAM (2 GB Strongly Recommended, esp. for Windows Vista)
· 100 GB hard drive or greater
· 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network
· Wireless Network (b/g)
· CD-RW/DVD reader minimum (DVD writer strongly recommended)
· 15"+ laptop screen size
· 3-year warranty strongly recommended
* Note: it is anticipated that the Windows Vista operating system will be compatible with the fall 2007 release of many software products in use in the school. However, this is not the case as of spring 2007 at which time only Windows XP is certified for most of these products. Please see Windows Vista Support for further details.
Existing Computer
If you already have a laptop computer that you wish to bring, this is a minimum standard that you should target to make this machine usable for software you will be running at the school.
· 2 GHz + (single) processor speed (Pentium 4, Apple G4/G5, or equiv.)
· Windows XP (Professional or Home) or MacOS X 10.3
· 1 GB RAM
· 60 GB hard drive or greater
· 10/100 mbps Ethernet
· Optional Wireless Network Card
· CD-RW/DVD reader
· 15"+ laptop screen size
