Laptop Technology Requirements/Resources
The purpose of this website is to provide architecture and landscape architecture studio laptop users with an online reference and guide in order to facilitate the successful integration of digital resources and student computers.
Follow the links below to find information on connecting your laptop to the Internet, the CDes network, and CDes printers or visit the hardware and software pages to find helpful links and documentation on your equipment or programs you may be using.
There is also a link to the Laptop FAQ that will help to answer questions you may have regarding the CDes laptop requirement and a policy page that explains what the roles and responsibilities are for CDes and yourself, with regard to the laptop technology requirement.
CDES Laptop Technology Requirement for Architecture and Landscape Architecture Students
The table below represents a basic hardware configuration recommended by the College of Design for Architecture and Landscape Architecture students. Recommendations for students in Graphic Design can be found here. Interior Design recommendations are here.
Landscape Architecture, Architecture 8251 and Architecture 4281 students should refer to their specific software requirements for more specific information on software to purchase.
Students who need to purchase a laptop should go to the Where to Purchase Section for a recommended laptop.
MINIMUM HARDWARE CONFIGURATION:
| Date | June 11th, 2007 |
| Processor | Intel or AMD Dual core - 2.1 GHz |
| Memory | 1 GB (2 GB optimal) |
| OS | Windows Vista Home Premium |
| Hard Drive | 60 GB |
| Video Card | 128 MB (256 MB is Best) Nvidia is Preferred |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/b/g |
| Network Card | 10/100 Ethernet |
| DVD-R/RW | DVD-Recorder for backup |
| Mouse | Wireless Mouse |
| Warranty | Next Day On-Site Service |
| Support | Phone In Support |
| Security | Cable or Lock Down |
| Insurance | Renters/Home Insurance |
Optional Recommended Peripheral Hardware
Where to Purchase a Laptop
Most hardware and software can be ordered through the U of MN TechMart
Computers should be purchased through a major vendor and Nvidia video cards have greater compatibility with CAD software. Students should pay close attention to support and warranty issues related to computer ownership and repair. It is highly recommended that a student have next day on-site service for a minimum two years. Placing an order through the TechMart site gives students better after market support at a lower cost than ordering directly through a vendor. The PDF download below is a recommended laptop configuration and can be order through the U of MN TechMart web site.
The Configuration above is considered a desktop replacement laptop and is essentially a portable CAD and graphics workstation. This category of laptop is more powerful but less portable than a regular laptop. Students should always consider what computer best suits their needs.
Connecting to the Classes Folder & Netfiles
The college provides access to special network file storage for some instructors. This storage area is generically referred to as the "Classes Folder." To access the classes folder follow these instructions.
We have written a short quickstart guide which you can find here:
There are two ways to access NetFiles: either by a WebBrowser, or a Client. We have installed the client on all of the computers in the lab for your convienience, the client is only available to students in the Rapson Hall Computer Labs. Please refer to the quickstart guide for information on how to use both of these methods. When uploading and accessing files from home you can only use the web browser.
Laptop Printing
Network printing to the printers in the Rapson Hall is available only within Rapson Hall. First, make sure that your laptop can connect to the Internet and that you have configured it appropriately. Then, bring your laptop to the CDes Attendants Desk in 127 Rapson Hall. Ask to check out a CD with the printer drivers for Windows XP/2000 and PPDs for Mac OS X.
You must be plugged into a ethernet jack to print.
Click the appropriate link below for instructions on how to setup the printer.
A CD with the printer drivers for Windows XP/2000 and PPDs for Mac OS X is available.