Computer Requirements


2009 - 2010 CAA+D

Minimum Computer

Requirement

1st Year Architecture Students – MUST purchase a computer following these requirements, and have it properly setup on the network by 1 December 2009.

2nd Year Architecture Students – MUST purchase a computer following these requirements, and have it properly setup on the network by 1 December 2009.

2nd Year Incoming Interior Design Students - MUST purchase a computer following these requirements, and have it properly setup on the network by 1 August 2009.

3rd, 4th, and 5th Year Students – We recommend upgrading the Operating System and RAM to these specifications. If an upper year student wishes to purchase a new laptop, they should follow these requirements.

Windows Home, Basic, and Media Center Editions

WILL NOT WORK

With the CAA+D Network

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Below is the MINIMUM computer requirement that will be able to print, plot, and work on the network systems and software supported by CAA+D and MSU.

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We have obtained Premier Dell discount pricing for CAA+D students to purchase their equipment. Follow the link on the technology support page of the CAA+D website.  See http://premier.dell.com/premier/acc_lgn.asp?661AC4A8DD7544F617EFF0F06339AB611A49B1AA98AA77EF2D7DA35E62B9FCA4F4452E1CDD4BFD20.

  • Any Laptop or Tablet that can run Windows XP or Vista effectively.
  • Intel Core 2 Duo – 2.0 GHz Processor, minimum (Celeron not recommended)
  • 2 GB RAM; (4 GB recommended especially for Vista, consider upgrade ability, the more RAM, the better)
  • 256Mb AGP Video Controller, minimum, 512, 768, or 1GB recommended (again, the bigger, the better)
  • 120Gb or larger internal hard disk.
  • CDRW/DVD combo drive. DVD+-RW optional.
  • 10/100 Ethernet connection, and 56k modem (these are now built-in to most laptops)
  • Purchase a 3-year or 4-year parts and labor warranty with 24-hour service and next business day on-site service.
  • Check with your homeowners insurance policy and verify coverage. Purchase a separate policy for your computer if necessary. CAA+D is not responsible for students’ personal computers! Machines do get stolen and/or damaged.

Other Requirements

  • Color Inkjet printer (Dell, Epson, HP, and Lexmark are all good)
  • A digital camera with a minimum of three megapixel resolution.

Software Requirements

  • All Students -
    • Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business or Ultimate Note: The Home, Basic, and Media Center Editions will NOT WORK on our network)
      We will support Vista Business or Vista Ultimate, but still recommend Windows XP Pro.  On some systems, Dell will sell you Windows Vista, and then give you a free Downgrade to XP Pro. Then you can install Vista later as it gets more stable and more widely used.
    • Microsoft Office Standard (includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) This software can be purchased at student discounts at
      https://ssl.msstate.edu/virtual/its/software/microsoft/index.php
    • Adobe CS4 Design Standard (Includes Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign, and Acrobat). This software can be purchased at student discounts through the MSU Bookstore by following the Technology link at http://msstate.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BNCBHomePage?storeId=10058&catalogId=10001&langId=-1    and then select Software -> Software brands.
    • If you choose an Apple Laptop, be sure to purchase a license for Windows XP or Vista, and have Windows installed using Apple’s Bootcamp or VMWare’s Parallels.  Some of the required software is NOT available for Mac OSX.  Also, Printing to CAA+D Lab printers/plotters is not supported from Mac OSX.
    • Do not pay for virus protection software.  Obtain Free Symantec AntiVirus software from MSU ITS at http://www.its.msstate.edu/Services/Software/introsymantec.php.
  • Interior Design – (IN ADDITION TO ABOVE REQUIREMENTS)

Each student is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of his/her own computer. The CAA+D does not offer hardware or maintenance support for your personal property.

COMPUTERS THAT DO NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE SUPPORTED BY CAAD-ITS.

Other Options to Consider…

  • A carrying case or laptop backpack..
  • An external mouse and/or keyboard (many students like the wireless combo)
  • An InkJet printer that will print up to 11x17 (many assignments are due on 11x17 format)
  • A USB Flash drive
  • An extra battery
  • An external hard drive (for data backups and extra storage space).
  • A cable lock kit (for desktop use)
Consider Mick's Data Security Rules of Thumb
  • Any data that is important to you (like your Studio project), should be stored in at least two, and preferably three distinct locations. Your local hard drive is the first place where data is normally stored. Then, back it up to a USB thumb drive regularly, and then to an external hard drive each night. That way if one system fails, you will never lose more than a days worth of work.
  • Remember to Save EARLY, and Save OFTEN.

Mick’s Picks

  • Our standard faculty Laptop is the Dell Latitude series; D430, D630, or D830. 
  • The Dell Latitude XT2 is a 12” Tablet that would be especially useful for Studio work.  Consider adding a docking station, external monitor, external keyboard, and mouse.
  • The New Dell Studio 15 and Studio 17 Laptops appear to be affordable, quality, laptops with many favorable features.
  • The Apple MacBook Pro has been shown to run Windows Vista faster than any other laptop model.
  • If budget is not a problem, then the Dell Precision Mobile Workstation is about the best that money can buy.

After owning their computer for three years or more, most CAA+D students have found that upgrading is necessary, or they decide to purchase a new computer. Choose a model based upon your current and anticipated financial situation.

Related Links:

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Contact:

School of Architecture

Barr Avenue, 240 Giles Hall Post Office Box AQ

Mississippi State, MS39762

Phone: 662-325-2202

Fax: 662-325-8872

Campus Location (MAP)