Purchasing a PC

Computer specifications for incoming students
2012 - 2013

System requirements:

Hardware

- Quad core processor, 2.4GHz or better.
- 12GB or more system memory.
- Workstation-class graphics card supporting 1600 x 1200 32-bit color with 1GB or more dedicated video memory , OpenGL 2.1 and DirectX 10 capable with Shader Model 4 hardware acceleration.
nVidia based graphic cards highly recommended.
- Flat panel 21” or larger monitor with 1600 x 1200 or better resolution.
- 500GB or larger hard drive.
Dual hard drives encouraged.
- DVD recordable optical drive.
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface.
- Ethernet cable.
It is recommended not to purchase this cable until after you have been assigned a desk in studio, the length needed will be determined by your location.
- USB ports.
- Headphones.
- Two-button mouse with scroll minimum.
Optical mouse encouraged.
- Keyboard.
- 1GB or larger USB flash drive.
- Two external USB hard drives for system and data recovery.
Allocate one drive for system image and one drive for data backup.
- Surge protector / uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
- Extended warranty for duration of student’s academic use.
24/7 phone support and on-site warranty service is highly recommended to reduce any downtime due to system malfunction or failure.
- Insurance.
Protect your investment from accidental damage or theft. Check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and verify coverage, recommend purchase of a separate policy for your equipment if necessary.

Software

- Windows 7 Professional 64bit or Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit.
- Microsoft Office.
- Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard.
Design & Web Premium is an optional recommendation for additional web design features.
Master Collection is an optional recommendation for additional video production features.
Creative Cloud is an optional recommendation for a wide range of applications offered as a subscription from Adobe.
- Autodesk applications offered via the Autodesk Education Community.
Available FREE at: http://students.autodesk.com.
It is recommended to wait until you have received the syllabus from your instructor before downloading and installing Autodesk applications.
- Google SketchUp.
Available FREE at: http://sketchup.google.com/
- Google Earth.
Available FREE at: http://earth.google.com/
- K-State Antivirus Software.
Available FREE at: http://antivirus.k-state.edu/
Additional software may be specified in your instructor’s course syllabus.
Software can be purchased from the K-State Union Computer Store at academic discounts.
Note: When you come to college, bring copies of your operating system, office suite and other software installation media (including product keys and licenses) in case a reformat or reinstall becomes necessary.
If a virus or other malware compromises your computer, the system will be blocked from accessing the network until it has been repaired. Once infected, often the only repair procedure accepted is to reformat the computer’s hard drive.
See www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/3430.html

Recommended options

- Color printer.
11” x 17” capability encouraged.
- Digital camera, 8MP or higher.
- Wireless network interface.
Laptops are acceptable if they meet the system requirements.

Dell Systems for APDesign Students

NOTE: The EdutechU storefront has not been updated for the 2012 - 2013 workstations yet. We hope to have this available very soon, please check back!

We have partnered with EdutechU Campus Computing to provide academic pricing for the workstation class Dell Precision series. Systems can be purchased online at our EdutechU Campus Computing / Dell storefront.

CLICK HERE.

The Dell Precision T3500 desktop and the Dell Precision M6600 laptop can be purchased in configurations that meet system requirements.

Apple Systems for APDesign Students

Systems may be purchased at the K-State Union Computer Store or through the Apple Store for Education.

The Mac Pro and the 27-inch iMac can be purchased in configurations that meet system requirements.

Boot Camp running Windows 7 Professional 64bit or Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit is required.

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