The College of Architecture and Planning requires all incoming 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
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
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 i5
• Genuine Windows 7 Home/Professional
• 4GB RAM
• 512MB Graphics Card
• 500GB SATA Hard Drive
• 802.11n wireless networking
• 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
• Integrated Audio
• 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Minimum for MAC Users:
Refer to the following Apple website for specs on the two MacBook Pro computers:
• Intel Core i5 Processor
• 4GB RAM
• 500 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
• SuperDrive (DVD+/- R DL, DVD +/- RW, CD-RW)
• NVIDIA or Intel Graphics with 512MB
• Built in options:
o USB 3.0 port
o 802.11n wireless networking
o Gigabit Ethernet
o Built in speakers and microphone