CDes Computer Standards for Students

Computers and specialized application software are important tools for students in the College of Design. The decision to purchase these items depends on the requirements of a student's particular academic program as well as the suitability of the college's computer labs for their work.

The following programs require students to purchase a computer:

• Architecture (BDA, BA, BS) PC or Mac laptop
• Interior Design (2nd year students) PC-only

The Graphic Design program does not require its students to purchase a computer. Students are encouraged to use the Macintosh computers in the computer labs in McNeal or Rapson Hall. The Graphic Design program does require the use of Mac's so if you plan to buy a computer please use the college's recommended Macintosh configuration.

Computer Hardware

Read a comparison of the differences between Mac and PC laptops.

PC

The university’s UMart web site has special pricing available for Dell and Lenovo PC laptops configured according to the university's recommendations and which are compatible with CDes application software needs. After choosing a laptop, the college recommends increasing the RAM memory to 4 GB and the "Accidental Damage Protection" option. You will also need to purchase discipline-specific software as described below. Most of these titles can be obtained at special prices from the university bookstore.

Recommended options (if you want something other than the UMart recommended bundles):

• 14-inch display (or larger)
• Intel Core2 Duo (2.4 Ghz or faster) processor
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 150 GB hard drive (or larger)
• NVIDIA video card, 128 MB (or more) RAM

CDes IT recommends that PC owners install Windows XP or Windows Vista 32-bit (not 64-bit) operating system.

Mac

For students interested in purchasing a Mac laptop, the University of Minnesota Coffman Memorial Union Bookstore offers bundles (hardware and software) that meet the college's standards at competitive prices. Students considering purchasing a Mac should be aware of and carefully consider the following issues, which might affect their decision. Certain programs (AutoCAD, Rhino/Flamingo, 3DS Max) do not run natively on the Mac. Instead you must purchase Microsoft Windows XP and set your Mac up to switch between MacOS and Windows using Bootcamp which is included with new Mac laptops. This is not a default configuration and costs extra to have set up if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. In addition, there are file compatibility issues between Mac and PC operating systems that can cause problems for students. If you are shopping on price, PCs are less expensive, but some students prefer the Mac.

Recommended options:

• MacBook Pro with 15-inch (or larger) display
• 2.4 GHz  (or faster) Intel processor
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 200 GB hard drive (or larger)
• NVIDIA video card, 128 MB (or more) RAM

Application Software and Peripherals

The college recommends software for all students and for specific academic programs:

• All students
• Architecture
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design

All Students

• Microsoft Office suite (University licensing)
• Laptop security cable

Architecture

Software

• Adobe CS4 Design Premium: includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and more (available from the University bookstore).

• AutoCAD Architectural 2010. A free version can be downloaded from the Autodesk Student Community website.
• Google SketchUp Professional. Available free online when course instructor applies for a registration number.
• Kerkythea (rendering software that works with SketchUp) (Freeware)

The following are for advanced students only (available from the Bookstore)

• Autodesk Maya
• Rhino and Flamingo
• Autodesk 3DS Max Design 2010
• Adobe Premiere CS4

Peripherals

• One GB or larger USB drive (memory stick)
• External hard drive (USB) at least as large as your internal hard drive
• Digital camera
• Color inkjet printer (11 x 17 sized paper preferred)
• Wireless mouse
• Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet with pen

Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a Macintosh-based program. Please use the information above to determine the appropriate computer configuration.

Software

• Adobe CS4 Design Premium: includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and more (available from the University bookstore).

Peripherals

• Color inkjet printer (11 x 17 sized paper preferred)

Interior Design

Interior Design is a PC-based program. Please use the information above to determine the appropriate computer configuration.

Software

• AutoCAD Architectural 2010. A free version can be downloaded from the Autodesk Student Community website.

Peripherals

• Color inkjet printer (11 x 17 sized paper preferred)