Purchasing a PC

Recommended computer specifications
2009-2010

System recommendations:

Supported Operating Systems.
All operating system Service Packs, Security Patches and Software Updates must be installed prior to campus use.
- Windows Vista Business w/Service Pack 2
- Windows Vista Ultimate w/Service Pack 2
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard w/Update 10.5.8
Dual Core processor, 2.5GHz or faster. Quad Core Intel Xeon encouraged.
4GB RAM or more.
Graphics card supporting 1280x1024 32-bit color with 256MB RAM and OpenGL and Direct3D hardware acceleration minimum. nVidia based graphic cards recommended.
19” or larger monitor with 1280x1024 or greater resolution. Flat panel encouraged.
200GB, 7200rpm hard drive or better. Dual 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 and IE 1394 (Firewire) ports.
Headphones.
Two-button mouse with scroll minimum. Optical mouse encouraged.
Keyboard.
Color printer. 11” x 17” capability encouraged.
1GB USB flash drive.
External USB or Firewire hard drive for data backup.
Microsoft Office.
Adobe Creative Suite.
Autodesk applications offered via the Autodesk Education Community.
Available at: http://students.autodesk.com.
Google SketchUp.
Available at : http://sketchup.google.com/
Google Earth.
Available at: http://earth.google.com/

K-State Antivirus Software.
Available at: http://antivirus.k-state.edu/

NOTE: When you come to college, bring copies of your operating system, office suite and other software application installation media—including product keys and licenses—in case a reformat or reinstall becomes necessary. If your computer is compromised by a virus or other malware, it 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

Additional recommended options include:

Scanner.
Digital camera.
Wacom Intuos or similar pressure sensitive tablet.
Wireless network interface.
Surge protector / uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Laptops are fine if they meet the above recommendations.
Extended warranty for duration of student’s academic use.
Insurance. Check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and verify coverage, recommend purchase of a separate policy for your equipment if necessary.

Contact

These specifications may vary somewhat depending if the intended use is for Architecture, Interior Architecture or Landscape Architecture Regional Community Planning. Please contact your advisor for more information.

Matt Knox
Architecture
Lorraine Cutler
Interior Architecture and Product Design
Eric Bernard
Landscape Architecture and Regional Community Planning

Dell Systems for CAPD Students

Click here to access the Dell storefront.

We have worked with Dell to provide two workstation class systems. The Dell Precision M6400 laptop and the Dell Precision T3500 desktop have been configured and priced for our students.

Apple Systems for CAPD Students

Systems may be purchased at the K-State Union Computer Store or through the Apple Store for Education.
We recommend the Mac Pro and the MacBook Pro systems with Boot Camp and Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate.

Local Vendors