Computer Specifications
The Landscape Architecture program at the University of Connecticut requires students to provide their own Windows compatible laptop computer.
Our classes in landscape architecture are computer-intensive and having your own computer is necessary for the completion of course work. This document is intended to help you choose which computer is right for you and will meet the needs of your course work. Digital drawing, modeling, mapping, and media work require more robust systems than those used for simple web browsing and word processing.
We are committed to supporting all students and not contributing to financial hardship. If you have questions regarding computer purchases, please email the LA faculty. There are laptops available for borrowing and we can help you.
Specifications
The LA department requires all students to have a PC laptop rather than a Mac computer as some software programs used regularly in our classes are only compatible on a Windows operating system. To ensure the performance of your computer, running Windows is the best option.
Hardware
Our computer course work involves the use of various mapping and graphics programs. These require a high level of processing speed and file sizes tend to be large. When buying a laptop, we advise investing in the fastest processor, the most RAM and largest Hard Drive you can afford. Note that netbooks and tablet computers do not have enough capacity for the programs we are using.
We recommend the following standards:
- External Hard Drive 500 GB (minimum)
- Processor: 11th Generation (or higher) Intel ten-core processor
- Memory: 32GB of RAM memory and a (SSD) solid state drive
- Storage: 500GB HDD (Minimum) 1TB HDD (Recommended)
- Graphics Cards: Graphics card with dedicated RAM capable of displaying resolutions higher than 1920×1080. Examples include: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 3060, 3070
Additional equipment:
- Wireless Mouse with scroll button
Software
An overview of required software is listed below. LA faculty will communicate the needs for each class in the course syllabus and how to obtain the software, which may include software
not included on this list.
- ArcGISPro
- AutoCAD
- Adobe Suite CC
- Rhinoceros
- V-Ray
| LA Courses | ArcGISPro | AutoCAD | Adobe Suite CC | Rhinoceros | V-Ray |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND 2110 Graphics 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
| LAND 2110 Graphics 2 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| LAND 2110 Graphics 3 | |||||
| LAND 3430 Design 1 | |||||
| LAND 3430 Design 2 | |||||
| LAND 3430 Design 3 | |||||
| LAND 3430 Design 4 | |||||
| LAND 3430 Design 5 | |||||
| LAND 3311 Construction 1 | |||||
| LAND 3311 Construction 2 | |||||
| LAND 3311 Construction 3 |
Resources
Purchasing
Many times you will be able to find student discounts on hardware and software, however be aware that “student pricing” does not always equate to the best deal for the specs you require. A good resource is other students in the program for suggestions. Students for whom purchasing a high-performance laptop is not possible, the department will provide computers that can be borrowed and used.
Computer Labs + Resources
Desktop computer stations are be provided in the studio space for students who from time to time need additional computing power. Additional computer resources can be accessed in the NRE GIS lab in the Young building. This will be reserved for LA students on an as needed basis. Our printing and plotting faculties are located in the program printer room, and in the PSLA department mail room 119 YNG. They include a black & white printer, color printer, and plotter.
Technical Support
- General computer assistance is available through the Technology Support Center at the Homer Babbidge Library. https://techsupport.uconn.edu/ and through LA Student TAs.
- CAHNR IT computer resources for UConn-owned computers (the desktops in the studio, for example) can contact the CAHNR computer support technician.