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 classes as well as the suitability of the college's computer labs for their work.
Computer Hardware
The university’s UMart web site has special pricing available for a Dell PC laptop configured according to the college's recommendations. After connecting, use your UMN internet ID and password to login and then choose the "College of Design bundles" link to select this specially configured laptop. Note that some programs (Interior Design, Graphic Design) require a PC or a Mac.
PC
Recommended options:
- 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 RAM
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 RAM
Application Software and Peripherals
The college recommends software for all students and for specific academic programs:
All Students
Architecture
Software
- Adobe CS3 Design Premium: includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and more (available from the University bookstore).
- AutoCAD Architectural 2009. 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 2009
- Adobe Premiere CS3
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 CS3 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 2009. A free version can be downloaded from the Autodesk Student Community website.
Peripherals
- Color inkjet printer (11 x 17 sized paper preferred)
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