Suggested Computer Configuration for Landscape Architecture Students
Computers are an integral part of higher education and professional practice in landscape architecture. The purchase of a personal computer for use in Landscape Architecture studios and other classes is highly recommended for all students and required for any student entering their first studio course. Students in the Landscape Architecture program use computers for many tasks, from simple email communications to advanced modeling.
The Department has developed the following guidelines to help new and continuing students make informed hardware and software purchase decisions that will meet the requirements for landscape architectural computing for several years into the future. Since hardware and software are changing constantly, the configuration guidelines will be updated frequently. Before buying, check this page for updates.
Recommended Hardware
Notebook or Desktop? The Department strongly recommends purchasing a notebook computer with wired Ethernet as well as wireless networking capability. A notebook computer will allow the student the flexibility to work at home as well as in the Landscape Architecture studios, library, numerous other campus locations and many local coffee shops and other businesses.
Macintosh, Windows, or another OS? Which brand? We make no recommendations regarding a specific computer brand. All our required applications can be run on computers with Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit). Many of our typical applications (Microsoft Office and Adobe products) are available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Some applications such as the AutoDesk products (AutoCAD, 3D Max, etc.) and the ESRI GIS products are not available for the Mac operating system. If a student would prefer to buy a Mac, the newer Intel-based Macs can be run with multiple operating systems (Mac OSX and Windows) if used with an application such as Parallels or Bootcamp. For any other operating system, students should look carefully through the list of required and suggested software and check compatibility with their device and operating system.
| Hardware Features | Size/Configuration Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor speed | Intel Core i5 or Core i7 | Buy the fastest processor you can afford. |
| Processor type | Varies | A dual or quad processor would be a good choice because most graphics applications will run faster. A 64-bit, quad processor is recommended, if your budget allows. |
| System Memory (RAM) | 4 GB (with open slots for expansion) minimum | If feasible, configure it in such a way that you can upgrade to 8 GB in the future. |
| Hard drive | 250 GB | Consider a larger size. Occasionally you can increase your hard drive size for very little additional money. The hard drive speed should be 7200 rpm. We do not recommend SSD hard drives at this time due to price. |
| Graphics card | 256 MB (must be able to handle high resolution graphics on the monitor size you choose) | 512 MB graphics card would be preferable, especially if you are displaying to a large monitor. If you choose to use only an on-board or integrated graphics card (without its own memory), graphics processes will be sharing system memory (RAM) with the operating system - resulting in less RAM available to applications and operating system. Consider purchasing a CAD series graphics card, if possible. This is generally available in laptops referred to as mobile workstations. The two main graphics card vendors Nvidia and ATI market these cards under the names Nvidia Quadro and ATI Fire. |
| Monitor | Minimum 15” laptop or 17” desktop/external monitor. Larger would be better. | Choose a monitor with good resolution, clarity, and fast refresh speed. (The graphics card will affect maximum possible resolution and performance.) The monitor should display fine CAD lines clearly with a minimum amount of eyestrain. A flat panel will reduce eyestrain and require less space. Consider an anti-glare rather than glossy screen surface to reduce reflection and glare in our brightly lit studios. With the price of monitors coming down, consider buying a large external monitor to keep in the studio and/or one to keep in your residence. |
| Ethernet | Ethernet port and Ethernet cable | Make sure your computer has an Ethernet network port and consider purchasing a 15ft or longer cable for use in your studio. Mumford Hall requires a Category 6 Ethernet cable and Buell requires a Category 5. |
| Wireless | 802.11bg/n | Nearly all campus wireless locations currently support the 802.11b/g wireless networking standard. Some campus locations and internet cafes may also support 802.11n, the fastest standard. You will have the most flexibility with a card that supports 802.11bg/n. |
| Optical drive (CD and DVD) | DVD reader/writer | Your computer should have a DVD burner. A dual-layered DVD burner can burn twice as much data as a standard DVD burner. |
| Portable USB flash drive | 8 GB or larger | Very useful for backing up school work or transferring files between computers (such as from your laptop to a lab computer). |
| Portable USB Hard Drive | 250 GB or larger | Sometimes a USB flash drive is not large enough. You can buy a small portable hard drive that is powered through its USB cable so that no power adapter is required. These are also great for backing up school work, portfolios, etc. from your laptop in case it breaks or is stolen or lost. |
| Mouse with scroll wheel | You will need a mouse with a scroll wheel for required CAD programs. Wireless or with a cord is fine. A standard USB mouse with a cord has the advantage of not requiring batteries. |
Required and Recommended Software
Different courses (at different points in the curriculum) will require different applications. CONSIDER PHASING IN YOUR SOFTWARE PURCHASES AS NEEDED FOR YOUR COURSES. Many of the software titles are available at a discount from campus sources once you are a student. The following list of applications is subject to change based on updated application versions, changes in the academic environment, and changes in the profession.Discounted software is available to current students from the campus "Webstore" at http://webstore.illinois.edu/. The campus bookstores also carry some software at student discount prices.
| Software | Requirements and Recommendations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Current operating system for your computer (Windows 7 Pro or Mac OSX) with the most recent service packs and updates/patches installed. Your computer should be configured to install critical manufacturer updates and patches automatically. | For 64-bit Windows 7, avoid the most basic "home" versions and opt for the "Professional" or "Ultimate" versions. The Home versions make it harder to connect to network servers and print services. |
| Virus protection | McAfee VirusScan, Microsoft Security Essentials, Symantec AntiVirus, or Sophos, for example, with the most recent virus definitions installed. Your computer should be configured to automatically update virus definitions daily. | All current students may download the campus virus protection software (currently McAfee Virusscan) for free from the campus Webstore. Virus protection is mandatory if you plan to use the campus network. There is a small fee ($5) for virus protection software (Sophos) for the Mac. It is also available through Webstore. Microsoft Security Essentials is free for personal use and available at it's website for windows users. |
| Office and presentation tools | Microsoft Office 2010 (including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) for Windows or Office 2011 for Mac | Office 2010 and 2011 are available from the campus Webstore at a reduced student price. |
| Web browser | Internet Explorer or other web browser (Firefox recommended for Mac) | Operating systems usually include a browser application. Other browsers are often available as free downloads. Currently most web sites are designed for best viewing by Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.. |
| PDF reader | Adobe Acrobat Reader | Acrobat Reader allows the user to read but not write .pdf files. It is available free from Adobe (http://www.adobe.com). Adobe Acrobat Pro allows the user to write and edit .pdf files. Pro is available from Webstore as a single license and also as one of several applications within the Adobe design bundles. |
| Graphic and desktop publishing software | Adobe CS5 Design Standard (includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator). Adobe CS5 Web Design (includes Flash, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver) optional. | Each of these applications is used frequently in the LA program. Webstore offers Adobe application bundles at student discounted prices. Adobe Design Standard CS5, including InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, and Photoshop, is the minimum necessary for students. The Adobe Design Premium, including the Design Standard applications plus Dreamweaver, Flash Pro, and Fireworks is recommended. The single software titles are also available at a discount from Webstore. |
| CAD, 3D, and rendering | Google SketchUp Pro and AutoDesk AutoCAD and 3ds Max Design | SketchUpPro is available to students for a discounted rate for a timed 1-year license from the manufacturer's website. An AutoDesk academic bundle is available free through the campus Webstore. With the exception of AutoCAD, all AutoDesk products require the Windows operating system. The use of other modeling programs such as Rhinoceros 3D or Revit is encouraged as well and are available through various distributors. |
| Web authoring software | Optional | The Landscape Architecture Department uses Adobe Dreamweaver. This is available within the Adobe Design Premium bundle described above or individually from the campus Webstore at a significant discount. |
| GIS | ESRI ArcGIS | Available (free or for a very minimal price) as a timed one-year license from the campus Webstore. ESRI products require the Windows operating system. |
| DVD writing software | Should come with your DVD writer. | |
| Image organizer or database | Optional | An application to help organize and manage large numbers of images. Most digital cameras come with an application like this. |
| Reference database tool | Optional | An application used to catalog, manage, and format large numbers of references. Primarily useful to graduate students. "Endnote," "RefWorks," and "Reference Manager" are three such products available through Webstore. |
| Windows emulator or dual boot system for Macs | Optional | Products like "Parallels" and "Bootcamp" allow Intel-processor Macs to run both the Mac OS and either Windows XP, Vista, or 7. Parallels is available through Webstore. Bootcamp comes with the Mac operating system. The Windows OS would need to be purchased separately. Not all combinations of Snow Leopard, Windows 7, Bootcamp, and Parallels have been fully tested with all the software used in our department, but the manufacturers are working on solutions to problems as they arise. |
After arriving on campus, see the Department's IT Manager about setting up your personal computer for wired Ethernet access in the LA studios. Wireless access (available in Buell Hall, in the Mumford Hall studio, and in many other locations on campus) is available through the campus computer organization, CITES (Campus Information Technologies and Educational Services). Their web page (http://www.cites.illinois.edu) and their help desk at 1211 Digital Computing Laboratory are important resources for computing-related information on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
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