Computer Requirements - Artisanry

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: ARTISANRY

The Department of Artisanry in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth uses Apple computers for all of the media options: Ceramics, Jewelry/Metals, Textile Design/Fibers. Students are not required to purchase a laptop computer for freshman year or first-year studio courses. Beginning in the sophomore year, however, all Artisanry students are required to purchase a MacBook Pro laptop computer.

Artisanry majors will have classes in the second floor Star Store Media Lab. The lab contains a number of desktop computers that are used for classroom instruction and homework. The lab is typically open during the week. Yet, the lab may not always be available for students to finish homework assignments. The laptop requirement insures that all students will be able to work on assignments outside of the classroom or lab.

Hardware

Students wishing to configure personal computers should follow these guidelines:

• Screen size:
  It is recommended that students purchase the largest screen size that can be afforded, 15" or larger.
• Connections:
  All machines need to have an Ethernet connection.
• RAM:
  There is never enough. We recommend at least eight gigabytes of RAM.
• Hard Disc Space:
  Minimum 500 GB. You can always add external hard drives or portable storage devices as needed.
• Optical Drive:
  Select a drive that allows you to burn DVDs. This will be helpful in developing portfolios and backing up large animation or video files.
• Camera (standard feature on Macs)
• Adaptor for a VGA connection to a projector.

Note: For University pricing, please visit the U$AVE site at www.usave.umassp.edu

Software

Creative Suite Design Premium, CS 5 and Windows Professional/ Office Suite are required and optimized for the Intel-based machines. This software package will enable you to interact with the software programs used in CVPA to submit assignments, participate in collaborative projects, and share work with instructors and fellow students.

For additional information the Star Store computer technician Paula Erenberg Medeiros, perenberg@umassd.edu can assist you further.