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School of Design + Construction Student Resources

Laptop Requirement

Laptop Computer Requirement

All students coming into the SDC are required to have a laptop computer that meet certain specifications. SDC’s computing infrastructure is Windows-based and all software/class instruction is given on Microsoft Windows-based computers.

  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise, or Pro
  • CPU Type: Single or Multi-Core Intel, Xeon, or i-Series processor or AMD equivalent with SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended.
  • Hard Disk: 500 GB minimum, 1 TB recommended
  • Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080, HiDPI display support
  • Memory: 16-32 GB RAM
  • Graphics: 64 bit dedicated (discrete) video card supporting Microsoft DirectX12 and Open GL 2.0 capable
  • Software purchases will be required depending on the class or made available via Citrix

BUY OR RENT?

You must provide the funding for your own laptop. This gives you your choice of vendor and equipment. Depending on your circumstances, financial aid may be available.

WSU Coretech has purchase options and offers an educational discount to students. If purchasing a laptop is not an option, the WSU Libraries have short term rental options (4-hour, no cost), while WSU CougTech/Crimson Desk has long term rental options (semester, plus, for cost).

Only students admitted to the major of Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, or Landscape Architecture are required to purchase a laptop.

Questions?

For information about system requirements, software, and setup, contact the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture IT Systems and Services.

 

Computing Fee

Students that are a certified major or graduate student in one of the design programs at the SDC are charged a student computing fee of $80/semester ($160/year). Certified construction management students are charged $60/semester ($120/year). Fees are applied to student accounts at the beginning of each semester and support the cloud-based software and computing environment at the SDC. The fee reduces personal computing software and hardware requirement costs incurred by students.

Shop Fee

Students that are a certified major or graduate student in one of the design programs at the SDC are charged a shop fee of $125/semester ($250/year). Fees are applied to student accounts at the beginning of each semester and provide access to high-quality equipment and supplies for both digital and traditional model-making, prototyping, and large-scale fabrications.

IT Student Update February 18, 2022

Carpenter Wireless Upgrade:  Yesterday (Thursday) a new WSU Wireless system was brought online in Carpenter.  It has to have a unique name to not confuse the old wireless system through WSU land.  You will want to pair your devices with “WSU Wireless Aruba”  (Don’t delete WSU Wireless, because it’s still what is mostly everywhere else.)  The new Aruba system is MUCH faster and should also provide much better coverage.

Adobe Creative Cloud applications are now available remotely  – We have stood up a few systems so that you can reach remotely to use the Adobe Creative Cloud applications.  If you don’t have the software on your own laptop, you can use the programs on our systems.  (Note: This is only open to SDC students, so your buddies outside of SDC won’t be able to get in.)  This is a temporary solution until our newer cloud platform comes online later this semester.  Stay tuned for that…

Trimble Lab is Open! –  Earlier this week, your Cougar Cards were added to allow you access to the lab, Monday – Friday 8a – 5pm.  We are working to make the computers available after hours virtually.  Once we get that working, you will use the same link as above.  Before you all race in there, there are a few rules that must be observed AT ALL TIMES.

  • NO Food or Drink is allowed in the lab.
  • Do not prop the door open or allow others in.  Every student must use their badge to enter the room at all times.  If for some reason you don’t have badge access, please send email to Professor Vahid Vahdat, or visit the IT room in Carpenter 425.
  • Do not misuse the computers or equipment.  Any damages or theft will cause the room to be closed for all students.  The room has security measures in place and will be monitored accordingly.  Any infractions or student conduct issues will be addressed promptly.
  • Absolutely do not move any tables or chairs.  Some of this will cause damage to the infrastructure to the room.

The computers in the room aren’t the newest around, so there are some applications that are not supported unfortunately, but they do have the following software available for you to use.

  • Adobe ( acrobat, illustrator, indesign, lightroom, photoshop)
  • Autodesk (3ds, InfraWorks, AutoCAD, Maya, Navis, ReCap, Revit, Fusion)
  • Bluebeam
  • Epic Games Launcher
  • MS Office
  • Primavera
  • Trimble (SketchUp, CM Estimator)
  • Rhino (coming soon)

Various Hardware:

For the full list of hardware donated, and ways you can access them, please visit our Trimble Lab page. https://labs.wsu.edu/trimble-technology-lab/resources/