Computer and Software

Construction Management Majors

Construction Management students use Autodesk, Revit, and Navisworks applications to complete course assignments for the major in addition to Microsoft Office applications for other class assignments. For this major, choosing a Microsoft Windows/PC Laptop with an intermediate to advanced configuration with additional memory will be the best choice. Purchasing a computer with an advanced configuration will accommodate the processing demands required of the software and the creative projects you will create as you advance through the program.

We have had some students who have had problems using split configurations on Macs and Chromebooks, they do not seem compatible with any programs we use, so we recommend staying away from both.

Interior Design Majors

Interior Design students use Autodesk, Revit, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications to complete course assignments for the major in addition to Microsoft Office applications for other class assignments. For this major, choosing a Microsoft Windows/PC Laptop with an intermediate to advanced configuration with additional memory will be the best choice. Purchasing a computer with an advanced configuration will accommodate the processing demands required of the software and the creative projects you will create as you advance through the program. 

Computer Requirements

Before making a computer purchase, review the system requirements for Auto desk Revit. For the best computing results, review the specifications for either Value: Balanced price and performance, OR Performance: Large, complex models. Do not select the first choice in the list for a Minimum: Entry-Level Configuration, as these specs will ultimately not have enough processing power to produce your course projects long-term.

Technicians within Hardware Repair are certified to provide students with convenient on-campus support for Lenovo Think-branded computers, Dell computers, and Apple computers. 

Minimum Specifications:

  • 16GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD

Preferred Specifications:

  • 32GB RAM
  • 1TB SSD

Make sure you purchase a Windows laptop- not a Mac or Chromebook

Option 1

  1. Laptop at freshman level- use high school laptop. Use university computer labs or the AT262 workstations.
  2. Buy a high-end laptop at beginning of the sophomore year. It is possible you will need a new high-end laptop in your senior year to run Lumion or other rendering programs.
  3. See Revit/Lumion Specifications for high-end requirements: https://lumion.com/requirements.html

Option 2

Purchase 2 laptops during your four years in the program:

  1. Revit Recommended Specs in freshman year: (Click here for details). Select the Balanced Price and Performance option.
  2. High-end requirements for the junior year laptop (https://lumion.com/requirements.html). Select the High-end Requirements option.

Option 3

Purchase a high-end laptop (https://lumion.com/requirements.html). Select the High-end Requirements option.) in freshman year and use it for 4 years. You will need to take very good care of the laptop and cross your fingers it will make it until the end. It is likely you will need a new one so this might not be the best option.

Software Requirements

You will use AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit and Adobe Creative Cloud applications to complete course assignments.

Once you have a computer, create a personal Autodesk account. This action connects you to the Autodesk community. Next, go to the Autodesk Education Community, and then follow the directions for downloading the software as an enrolled student. 

As an enrolled student, you can use Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus for no charge.

Again, make sure you purchase a Windows laptop- NOT a Mac or Chromebook. Wait to download software until it is needed.

You will use Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, Lumion, Enscape, etc. to complete course assignments.

As an enrolled student, you can get the following software for free with subscription:

·      Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus

·      Adobe Creative Cloud

·       Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD