COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
(PC OR LAPTOP)
Below is a list of basic requirements for students enrolled in the Architectural Drafting and Estimating online program at NDSCS. For additional information, contact Paul Lekang at 1-800-342-4325, ext 3-2592 or email.
Students interested in purchasing a laptop through NDSCS may find laptop specifications and cost information on the Architectural Drafting Department web site. For information about laptops, contact Chris Kelsen at 1-800-342-4325, ext 3-2843 (701-671-2843) or email.
| Item | PREFERRED COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS for PC or Laptop |
| Processor | P4 1.7+ Mhz or greater |
| RAM (memory) | 1 GB 533 MHz 1DIMM minimum, 2.0 GB recommended |
| Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | 60 GB 5400 rpm |
| Display | 15"-17" SXGA+ Screen or greater |
| Optical Devices | DVD/CD-RW Drive (3.5" Floppy Disk Drive is optional) The 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive is often convenient but will be too small for the largest drawings in the later classes. |
| Video | 64 M (NVIDIA or ATI or equal) |
| Comm (wired) | Cable Modem or DSL (Although a phone modem will work, we highly suggest that you invest in a faster option. This is especially important if you are taking several classes and will be spending a significant amount of time online every day.) |
| Sound | Sound Card Required |
| Ports/Connectors | Although these are not required for the program, it is always a good idea to remember that "expandability" and "upgradeability" are very good qualities to have in a computer. (Extra USB ports can be added in the future without much problem.) |
| PC Card | PCMCIA |
| Battery | Optional |
| Operating System | Microsoft XP Pro (make sure it is the "Pro" version) |
| Mouse/Pad | 3 button mouse with "wheel" -or- 5 button MS Explorer mouse (should be optical USB mouse) |
| Other Equipment Needed | Scanner - 8.5" x 11" minimum bed size (250 dpi or greater) |
| Software Required: | Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Photo Editor (or equal) AutoCAD software will be provided in CAD 120 (included with text) and an update will be obtained during the ARCT 101 class. The latest version of AutoCAD Architectural Desktop will be required for ARCT 201 and ARCT 202. NOTE: Do not purchase until time of enrollment Virus Scanning Software - MacAfee, Norton or equal Zip file software - WinZip or equal (available online for free) Acrobat Reader (free download available online) Acrobat Writer is optional (NOT free) |
*Students who want to complete the entire Drafting program should get AutoCAD
Architectural Desktop 2006 instead of AutoCAD 2006 or AutoCAD LT 2006.
**Students taking just a few CAD classes or the Residential Certificate of Completion
can use AutoCAD 2006 or AutoCAD LT 2006.
