(Updated April 2013)
Design Studies students will use computers in some digital courses, but will mainly need computers to write papers, etc. The College’s IT Labs and Clusters are available for Design Studies students to use. Students wishing to purchase a new computer and software should follow the recommendations below. An older computer may be sufficient for some time if it meets these minimum specifications for older computers.
Apple Macintosh computers allow both Macintosh and Windows software to run on the same computer using a dual-boot system. Other options for running Windows applications on a Macintosh using virtualization software are available. We consider the dual-boot method the better option for our students because dual-boot provides better performance than virtualization. Some of our students are choosing to use dual-boot on their own computers. Students interested in running Windows on a Macintosh computer are encouraged to speak with the College of Design Information Technology staff. Please note the cost of Windows operating system and Windows software will be in addition to Macintosh software.
Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.
We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.
This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Clicking on “Tell Me More” will provide detailed information about a component. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.
Windows Computers
| Components | Windows Desktop | Windows Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) or Model | Any model using Intel Core i5 or i7 or equivalent processors. | |
| System RAM | 8 GB minimum, more preferred | 8 GB minimum, more preferred if capable |
| CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive (optional) | CD-RW/DVD-R/Blu-ray optional | |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 256 SSD or 500 GB/7200 RPM minimum, more preferred | 256 SSD or 500 GB/7200 RPM minimum, more preferred |
| Monitor | 18″ or larger | 14″ or larger (second external monitor optional) |
| Video Adapter (Graphics Card) | 512 MB VRAM or more | |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional (Not “Home” version) | |
| Sound Card | 100% Windows compliant sound card | |
| Ethernet Adapter | Built-in RJ-45 | Built-in RJ-45
(802.11g or 802.11n compatible wireless ethernet card optional, but needed for wireless network access. This is standard on most laptops.) |
| 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. Additional software may be required for certain courses. |
• Microsoft Office 2010 or later (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 (Creative Suite comes in several different bundles. “Creative Suite Design Standard” is a good option for Design Studies students. It includes InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Other bundles are available.)
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Macintosh Computers
| Components | Macintosh Desktop | Macintosh Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) or Model | iMac, Mac Mini, or MacPro, any current model | MacBook Pro, any current 15″ model |
| System RAM | 8 GB minimum, more preferred | 8 GB minimum, more preferred if capable |
| CD/DVD Drive (optional) | Optional external SuperDrive (CD/DVD) available | |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 256 SSD or 500 GB/7200 RPM minimum, more preferred | 256 SSD or 500 GB/7200 RPM minimum, more preferred |
| Monitor | 18″ or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) iMacs include a built-in monitor. | 15″ (second external monitor optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers. |
| Video Adapter (Graphics Card) | 256 MB VRAM or more | |
| Operating System | Mac OS X version 10.8 or later | |
| Sound Card | Standard on Macintosh | |
| Ethernet Adapter Tell me more | Standard on Macintosh desktop models
(Wireless card is standard.) |
Ethernet port standard on some MacBook Pros, additional adapter needed for Retina Display models.
(Wireless card is 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. Additional software may be required for certain courses. |
• Microsoft Office 2011 or later (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 (Creative Suite comes in several different bundles. “Creative Suite Design Standard” is a good option for Design Studies students. It includes InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Other bundles are available.) If you want to run both Mac OS X and Windows on a Mac, you will also need: • Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (in addition to Mac OS X) and Windows-compatible software of your choosing. (You do not need to have the same software applications for both operating systems.) |
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Questions?
The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. Contact them by sending an email to: design_help@ncsu.edu.