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INTERIOR DESIGN PROGRAM

Computer Requirements

2008 - 2009 CAA+D


Minimum Computer


Requirement


1st Year Architecture Students – Are NOT required to purchase a computer.

2nd Year Architecture Students – MUST purchase a computer following these requirements by 30 October 2008, and have it properly setup on the network by 1 December 2008.

2nd Year Incoming Interior Design Students - MUST purchase a computer following these requirements and have it properly setup on the network by 1 August 2008.

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



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. To increase the effectiveness of our support services, the specification is limited to one operating system (Windows XP Pro/Vista) and one computer manufacturer (Dell). 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.

  • Dell Dell LATITUDE, INSPIRON, or Dell Precision Mobile Workstation.
  • Intel Core 2 Duo – 2.0 GHz Processor, minimum (Celeron not recommended)
  • 2 GB RAM; (4 GB recommended, 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 homeowner's 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, HP, Epson, and Lexmark are all good)
  • A digital camera with a minimum of three megapixel resolution.

Software Requirements

  • All Students -
    • Windows XP Professional Note: The Home, Basic, and Media Center Editions will NOT WORK on our network)
      CAAD ITS still does not recommend the purchase of Windows Vista at this time.
      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.
  • 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


this specification 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.

Why limit the computer we can buy?

The CAA+D and MSU continue to experience reduced funding for computer support. Limiting the type of computer used in coursework creates fewer networking problems and allows students to help each other in managing their computers.

Why Dell?

The CAA+D server system is built around Dell products, and Dell continues to provide exceptional service for their customers. The University has agreements and commitments with Dell for premier support. By working exclusively with Dell, we are able to leverage price reductions and build better technology support for all of the computer users at The CAA+D.
Also, Dell offers three and four-year, next-business-day, on-site warranty service. Many other computer manufacturers require that you send the computer back to them for warranty repairs. Nearly every computer requires some kind of service sooner or later. When the computer is required for your coursework, minimizing the amount of downtime is essential. Dell’s next-business-day, on-site service means that they come to you to service your computer. It helps insure that if something does go wrong, you can be back up and running by the end of the next business day.

What’s the Difference between Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision Mobile Workstation?

Quite simply Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision Mobile Workstation are Good, Better, and Best.

Dell LATITUDE and Precision Mobile Workstation are "legacy" computers. That is, Dell will continue to build upgradeable parts for the Latitude in the future. Dell tests their legacy systems heavily before rolling them out. Legacy systems tend to change less often. The Precision Mobile Workstation is the laptop version of Dell’s high-end Precision Workstation series. The computers offer the fastest processors, the greatest RAM capacity, and the most powerful video configurations.
Dell INSPIRON is not a legacy computer. It will be upgradeable in memory, but other parts for it may or may not be built by Dell in the future. Non-legacy systems tend to offer the latest and greatest technologies as soon as they are available. Non-Legacy systems tend to change models more often, but are usually less expensive initially.

Our standard faculty Laptop is the Latitude 820 or 830.

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.