Computer Recommendations

The School of Architecture’s computer recommendations are as follows:

• 1st Year Students — May purchase a computer following these specifications at any time, but are NOT required to have a computer upon entering the School of Architecture program.
• 2nd Year Students — MUST purchase a computer following these requirements.
• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Year Students, Graduate Students — We recommend upgrading the Operating System (use a professional system such as Windows Vista Enterprise) and the RAM to these specifications. If an upper year student wishes to purchase a new laptop, they should follow these requirements.

Please Note: Windows “Home” Editions will not work on the school network and are not recommended!

Below is the *MINIMUM* computer requirement that should allow one to print, plot, and work on the School network and the software supported by The School’s Computer Lab and the University.

To increase the effectiveness of our support services, the specification is limited to TWO operating systems (Windows Vista Business/Enterprise and Windows XP Pro) and one computer manufacturer (Dell). However, anyone may bring any brand of computer that has close specifications to the ones listed here.

The University of Miami has obtained Premier Dell discount pricing for students to purchase their equipment. CLICK HERE to be directed to the Dell web site, which contains pre-configured machines recommended for our School of Architecture students. These pre-configured lists may be modified to accommodate your specific needs and our recommendations, above.

Hardware Requirements

Desktop or Laptop Workstation with:

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5 GHz Processor, minimum (Celeron processors not recommended)
• 4 Gb MB RAM minimum; (for rendering and 3D applications, more RAM is preferred)
• 512 Mb AGP Video Controller
• 160 Gb or larger internal hard disk.
• DVD and DVD-RW dual drives, DVD/DVD-RW combo drive on a laptop is a good choice.
• 100/Gigabit Ethernet connection, and Wi-Fi Network card (these are now built-in on most laptops)
• Color Inkjet printer (HP and Epson make good ones, 11×17 printing capability may be a good choice)
• A digital camera with a minimum of five megapixel resolution.
• A USB “Flash drive” or portable external hard drive, for backing up your files.
• Purchase a 3-year or 4-year parts and labor warranty with 24-hour service with next business day on-site service with accident coverage.
• Purchase separate insurance policy for your computer if necessary, the University or SOA do NOT cover personal property! Sometimes your renter’s or home owner’s insurance also may not cover computers.

Software Requirements

• All Students — Windows Vista: Business, Ultimate or Enterprise OR Windows XP Professional (Vista Home, and XP Home will NOT work properly on our network) and Anti-Virus Software!
• All Students — Microsoft Office Professional, Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Acrobat Professional
• 2nd Year Students — All software as above, plus Adobe CS3 Suite (Including Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat) and AutoCAD (Architectural Desktop 2007), minimum.
• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Year Students, Graduate Students, * Same as above.

Please note: The University of Miami offers licensed Microsoft and Symantec (Anti-virus) software to students upon enrollment. You may wait until you are on campus or fully registered at the university to download these programs and avoid paying for software that is provided to you at no charge. CAD Software may be downloaded from the Autodesk Company web site or ordered at the University software store, the Technology Product Center: www.miami.edu/tpc

Please note: Computers that do not meet these minimum specifications will NOT be supported by SOA IT. Each student is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of his/her own computer. The SOA IT Division does not offer hardware or maintenance support for your personal property.

Questions

Why do we suggest these specifications?
Limiting the type and brand of computer used by our students creates fewer networking and application problems and allows students to help each other in managing their computers. This also helps us serve you faster and efficiently in case a problem arises.

Why Dell?
The School of Architecture Computer Lab, which is the center for computing research at the School runs Dell Workstations and Servers. Dell Computer Corporation continues to provide exceptional service for their customers. The University has agreements and commitments with Dell for premier support. By working exclusively with Dell, we are able to leverage price reductions and build better technology support for all of the computer users at the School.

What’s the Difference between Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision Mobile/Desktop Workstations? Why only choose the Workstations?
Simply Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision Mobile/Desktop Workstation may be summarized as Good, Better, and Best.

Dell Latitude and Precision Mobile/Desktop Workstations are “legacy” business systems. Dell will continue to build upgradeable parts for these computers and will provide longer support and software updates for these systems when new operating systems arrive. Dell tests these business systems heavily before rolling them out and they tend to change less often. The Precision Mobile Workstation is the laptop version of Dell’s high-end Precision Workstation series. These computers offer the fastest processors, the greatest RAM capacity, and the most powerful video configurations.

Dell Inspiron is not a legacy computer. It may be upgradeable in memory, but other parts may not be built to last for more than one year or be used in a professional or business environment, as our School network, or if you have an internship in a professional firm. Non-legacy or “home” systems tend to offer the latest and greatest technologies as soon as they are available, but are not thoroughly tested for critical business use. Non-Legacy systems tend to change models more often, and are usually a less expensive investment initially.

After owning their computer for three years or more, most Architecture students have found that upgrading is necessary, or they decide to purchase a new computer. Choose a model based upon your current and anticipated financial situation.