Suggested Computer minimums

Landscape Architecture Suggested Computer Minimums

Landscape Architecture
Suggested Computer Minimums

Below are suggested minimums for Macintosh and Windows computers.
These examples are not meant to be endorsements of one brand over another.
The Landscape Architecture Department uses both Apple and Dell systems.

The following specifications are suggested computer minimums:

Operating System: OS X 10.2.x – OS X 10.4 (be sure to install Classic)
Processor (CPU): G4 – G5
Processor (CPU) speed: greater than or equal to 1.2 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
Hard drive: 40 GB – 80 GB
Optical drive: SuperDrive
Firewire 400 (comes standard)
Wireless networking: AirPort Extreme
Ethernet: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet (comes standard)
Modem: Internal 56K (comes standard)
Technical Support: AppleCare Protection Plan (3 years)
Software: Microsoft Office 2004

Additional hardware recommendations:

		It is strongly advised that students have 1 or 2 of the portable (also called mobile), 40 GB – 80 GB (or more), USB/Firewire drives for file backup and transport. These drives are only approximately 5 in. long x 3 in. wide x .65 in. thick; they get their power from the USB or Firewire port they are plugged into, so don't need an electrical outlet to work; and they are very light and compact.

		Students might also find it useful to have a jump drive. These are tiny drives, usually not much longer than 2.5 in., and are very convenient for quickie file transfers. They come in sizes from 128 MB to 4 GB. A suitable minimum size for study purposes would be between 512 MB and 1 GB. These drives should not be used for archival or backup purposes.

		Digital photographs are more frequently being used by students to enhance their concepts and designs, as well as to record scenes and details in the field. There are many types of cameras to consider, but minimum features would be: 4 to 5 megapixels, zoom, lithium-ion batteries, battery charger, one or two 128 MB – 256 MB memory card(s).

Additional software options:

The department's student computer lab runs all the most current software students will need to complete their coursework. If students would like to purchase their own software, however, visit the LA Computer Lab page to get
an idea of what applications to consider.

		Most academically priced computer hardware and software are available through The Cornell Store's Technology Connection.

		VectorWorks CAD can be purchased online from Nemetschek.

The following specifications are suggested computer minimums:

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (SP2 w/ media)
Processor (CPU): Intel Pentium M 735 – 760
Processor (CPU) speed: greater than or equal to 1.2 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
Hard drive: 40 GB – 80 GB
Optical drive: 8X max DVD+/-RW Combination Drive
Firewire 400 interface (also called IEEE 1394) (some resellers may not have heard
      of this type of interface, but it is a very good option to have) (for more info, visit
      the 1394 Trade Association page)
Wireless networking: Intel® PRO Wireless 2200 or 2915
Ethernet: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Modem: Internal 56K
File system: NTFS
Technical support: Promo 3 Yr Limited Warranty plus 3 Yr NBD On-site
      Service and CompleteCare
Technical support: Gold Technical Support, Latitude, 3 Years
Software: Microsoft Office 2003

Additional hardware recommendations:

		It is strongly advised that students have 1 or 2 of the portable (also called mobile), 40 GB – 80 GB (or more), USB/Firewire drives for file backup and transport. These drives are only approximately 5 in. long x 3 in. wide x .65 in. thick; they get their power from the USB or Firewire port they are plugged into, so don't need an electrical outlet to work; and they are very light and compact.

		Students might also find it useful to have a jump drive. These are tiny drives, usually not much longer than 2.5 in., and are very convenient for quickie file transfers. They come in sizes from 128 MB to 4 GB. A suitable minimum size for study purposes would be between 512 MB and 1 GB. These drives should not be used for archival or backup purposes.

		Digital photographs are more frequently being used by students to enhance their concepts and designs, as well as to record scenes and details in the field. There are many types of cameras to consider, but minimum features would be: 4 to 5 megapixels, zoom, lithium-ion batteries, battery charger, one or two 128 MB – 256 MB memory card(s).

Additional software options:

		Most academically priced computer hardware and software are available through The Cornell Store's Technology Connection.

		VectorWorks CAD can be purchased online from Nemetschek.

		AutoCAD can be purchased online from Autodesk Academic Resellers.