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 (after successfully passing portfolio review): PC
• Pre Graphic Design (effective Fall 2012): Mac desktop or laptop

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 choosing 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.

Special Note - The college recommends Microsoft Windows 7 for PC's.

Recommended options (if you want something other than one of the university's certified computers):

• 14-inch display (or larger)
• Intel i5 (2.0 Ghz or faster) processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 150 GB hard drive (or larger)
• NVIDIA video card, 128 MB (or more) video 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 (Rhino/Flamingo, 3DS Max) do not run natively on the Mac. Instead you must purchase Microsoft Windows and set your Mac up to switch between MacOS and Windows using Bootcamp which is included with new Mac laptops. Another option is to use virtual machine software (e.g. Parallels) instead of Bootcamp. Neither is a default configuration and costs extra to have set up if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
• There are file compatibility issues between Mac and PC operating systems that can cause problems for students in college computer labs.
• If you are shopping based on price, PCs are less expensive, but some students prefer the Mac.

Recommended options:

• MacBook Pro with 15-inch (or larger) display
• Intel i5 (2.0 Ghz or faster) processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 150 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 Design Premium: includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and more (available from the University bookstore).

• AutoCAD Architectural. A free version for both Mac and PC can be downloaded from the Autodesk Student Community website.
• Google SketchUp Pro. 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)

• Rhino 4.0 and Flamingo 2.0
• Autodesk 3DS Max (available as a free download from Autodesk)
• Adobe Premiere (or Premiere Elements)

Peripherals

• Eight GB or larger USB drive (memory stick)
• External hard drive (USB) at least as large as your internal hard drive (150 GB or larger)
• Digital camera
• Color inkjet printer (11 x 17 sized paper preferred)
• Wireless mouse (for laptops)
• Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet with pen

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program requires its students to purchase a Mac desktop or laptop computer (effective Fall 2012). Graphic Design students are encouraged to use the Macintosh computers in the computer classrooms in McNeal Hall. If you plan to buy a computer please use the college's recommended Macintosh configuration.

Software

• Adobe 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. A free version can be downloaded from the Autodesk Student Community website.

Peripherals

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