The Department of Landscape Architecture requires purchases of computers by all undergraduate and graduate students when they begin their Landscape Architecture studio sequence. Graduate students should have a computer no later than three months into the Fall semester of their first year. Students may use either Macintosh or Windows computers for their coursework.
Note: The use of Apple Boot Camp allows Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista, as well as many Windows applications to run on an Apple Macintosh computer. The cost of Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista and Windows-compatible software will be in addition to Macintosh-compatible software. Other options for running Windows applications on a Macintosh, using virtualization are available as well. We consider the dual-boot method a good option for students wanting to use both Macintosh and Windows software. More of our students are choosing to go this way. Students interested in running Windows on a Macintosh computer are encouraged to speak with the College of Design Information Technology staff.
The NC State Office of Information Technology and the NCSU Bookstores have made arrangements with several computer vendors to offer special pricing to students. Students should compare these prices before making a final purchase, since these prices can offer a substantial savings. For more informaton see: Computer vendors with special pricing for NC State students or contact the NCSU Bookstores before maing your final purchase.
The NCSU Bookstores provides an Online Store for students to use. This Online Store can provide significant discounts beyond the typical educational discounts many vendors provide. Please click here for the NCSU Bookstores Online Store. When using the Online Store, please type "College of Design" in the Order Options box on the checkout page.
Order forms must be completed by July 1, 2009 to allow delivery by Tax Holiday weekend, August 7-9, 2009.
Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart below. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students are encouraged to consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles. Many software applications are available at educational prices at the NCSU Bookstores. Other software companies and internet stores also offer savings through educational prices.
Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Students should contact their departmental office if they have questions about specific hardware or software requirements.
Please read the College's Student Computing Requirements and Information page for general information.
For students purchasing new computers to bring to campus, we recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. Depending on your computing needs, a computer you purchase today may not meet your needs for your entire tenure at the College of Design. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability wil be more likely to continue to run the software you require.
This chart, adapted from the NC State University Office of Information Technology website, provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Clicking on "Tell Me More" will provide detailed information about a component.
WINDOWS
| Component | Windows Desktop | Windows Laptop |
| CPU (Processor) | Intel-compatible (Pentium, AMD): 2 GHz or faster | |
| System RAM Tell me more | 4 GB minimum, more preferred | 4 GB minimum, more preferred if capable |
| CD/DVD Tell me more | CD-RW/DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-R | |
| Hard Disk Size Tell me more | 320 GB minimum, more preferred | 250 GB minimum, more preferred |
| Monitor Tell me more | 18" or larger | 14" or larger (second external monitor optional) |
| Video Adapter Tell me more | 256 MB VRAM minimum (NVIDIA preferred) | |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro or Vista Business | |
| Sound Card | 100% Windows compliant sound card | |
| Ethernet Adapter Tell me more | Built-in RJ-45 | Built-in RJ-45 (802.11g compatible wireless ethernet card optional, but needed for wireless network access) |
| External Hard Drive for Back-ups | An external drive at least as large as your computer's internal drive for backing up your computer | |
| Warranty Service | minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor | |
| Software (Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or NCSU Bookstores) | • Microsoft Office 2007 or later | |
MACINTOSH
| Component | Macintosh Desktop | Macintosh Laptop |
| CPU (Processor) | iMac or MacPro, any current model | MacBook Pro, any current model |
| System RAM Tell me more | 4 GB minimum, more preferred | 4 GB minimum, more preferred if capable |
| CD/DVD Tell me more | SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) | |
| Hard Disk Size Tell me more | 320 GB minimum, more preferred | 250 GB minimum, more preferred |
| Monitor Tell me more | 18" or larger | 15" or 17"(second external monitor optional) |
| Video Adapter Tell me more | 256 MB VRAM or more | |
| Operating System | Mac OS X version 10.5 or later | |
| Sound Card | Standard on Macintosh | |
| Ethernet Adapter Tell me more | Standard on Macintosh | Standard on Macintosh (Wireless Airport Extreme card also standard) |
| External Hard Drive for Back-ups | An external drive at least as large as your computer's internal drive for backing up your computer | |
| Warranty Service | 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan | |
| Software (Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or NCSU Bookstores) | • Microsoft Office 2007 or later • Microsoft Office 2008 or later If you want to run both Mac OS X and Windows on a Mac, you will also need: • AutoCad 2008 or later | |
Questions?
For additional assistance, please contact the Department of Landscape Architecture office at 919.515.8340 or send email to: design_help@ncsu.edu
Go back to the College's Student Computing Requirements and Information page for general information.
For technical assistance or if you would like us to look over your purchase selection before you spend money, feel free to contact the College's Information Technology staff by sending an email to: design_help@ncsu.edu.
