Computing in the College
The College of Architecture and Planning requires all incoming undergraduate and graduate students to acquire and use their own computers and software applications in their studies. Please note that neither the College nor the University endorses or requires you to buy a computer from a particular vendor or manufacturer.
In general, students widely use products like Microsoft Office for word processing, e-mail, presentations and spreadsheet applications. Consult with instructors or view course syllabi regarding specific software application (program) requirements for imaging, CAD, GIS, modeling or rendering before you buy them.
Computing Resources in Boulder
Information Technology Services (ITS) on the Boulder campus has suggested hardware and software configurations for both desktop and notebook computers on their website. The configurations suggested by ITS establish basic performance requirements that can be found in many different computers. Specialized software requirements for different classes in the ENVD program appear on the syllabi for those classes, and that software is generally available through the bookstore at discounted student rates.
Computing Resources in Denver
Mike Harring, computing lab manager, and lab monitors facilitate the printing room and technical maintenance. Software supported by the laboratory includes: Mac O.S. 10.4, Windows XP Pro, AutoCAD 2008, 3D Studio Max 9, Form-Z 6.5, ArchiCAD 10, Microsoft Office 2003, Adobe Creative Suite 3 (Web & Design Standard), Rhino 3D, and ArcGIS. For more information on the computer lab please visit the College of Architecture and Planning on the Denver site at 14th and Larimer Street on the 4th floor during regular business hours.
Click here for Printing Prices in the Denver computing lab.
General Software Requirements in Denver
MS Office should be installed on all incoming student computers. MAC/PC compatibility is an issue; not all popular PC programs are cross-platform. Windows emulating software may be required on the MAC and compatibility should be verified with each software manufacturer. All computers should be running antivirus software (Norton, McAfee etc.) as well as firewall software (Zonealarm, free for personal use on PC’s).
Software requirements for incoming students in all master's programs are per Department recommendation, and otherwise stipulated by course syllabus.
Hardware Specifications
To assist you with procurement of your personal computer, the College IT Priorities Committee formulated performance based computing specifications.
Minimum for PC Users:
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz/ 667 FSB
- Genuine Windows XP Home or Windows Vista
- 15.4 inch LCD Screen
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
- 256MB NVIDIA Graphics Card
- 100GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
- Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
- 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
- Integrated Audio
- Internal Dual Band Wireless Network Card
- 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
- 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support
Minimum for MAC Users:
Refer to the following website for specs on the two MacBookPro computers: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html
- 2Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo (3MB shared L2 cache)
- 2GB (two SO-DIMMs)
- 200 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
- SuperDrive (DVD+/- R DL, DVD +/- RW, CD-RW)
- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT 256MB
- Built in options:
- One FireWire 400 port and two USB 2.0 ports
- AirPort Extreme (802.11n); Bluetooth 2.1
- 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet
- Built in speakers and microphone