{"id":306,"date":"2024-05-20T11:48:30","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T11:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/?p=306"},"modified":"2024-05-24T15:52:51","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T15:52:51","slug":"general-computer-purchase-information-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/306\/general-computer-purchase-information-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"General Computer Purchase Information for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

NOTE: There continue to be world-wide delays in the delivery of many products, including computers.<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Students can expect to wait several weeks for delivery after ordering a computer. Older computers that students already own may be acceptable for the first semester. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here for information on recommended specifications for older computers. <\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

NOTE: All students should have a full computer, at least an older computer<\/a>, available for coursework at the beginning of their first year. Using a smart phone only will not work for courses.<\/em><\/p>

ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND your department\u2019s information before spending money on computer hardware and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This chart provides links to each department\u2019s requirements and tells you when you need to have your computer. Please review this carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed PC information can be found below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/cod_pc_recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class for the semester indicated.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department\/Program<\/strong><\/td>Semester Required<\/strong><\/td>Macintosh or Windows<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Spring Semester<\/em>, First Year
(Students should have some device, such as an older computer<\/a>, available for courses in the Fall Semester, First Year.)<\/em><\/td>		Windows computers are required.<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Animation\/New Media Students:
Windows Strongly Preferred.
All other A+D Students: Macintosh or Windows<\/td>		<\/td><\/tr>
Design Studies<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Macintosh or Windows<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Graphic Experience & Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Macintosh computers are required<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Industrial Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Windows computers are required<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table of Undergraduate computer requirements and deadlines, by program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All Graduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class of their first semester.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department\/Program<\/strong><\/td>Semester Required<\/strong><\/td>Macintosh or Windows<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Windows computers are required.<\/td><\/tr>
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Animation\/New Media Students:
Windows Strongly Preferred.
All other A+D Students: Macintosh or Windows<\/td><\/tr>
Graphic Experience & Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Macintosh computers are required.<\/td><\/tr>
Industrial Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Windows computers are required.<\/td><\/tr>
Landscape Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Windows preferred.<\/td><\/tr>
PhD in Design, Doctor of Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Macintosh or Windows<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table of Graduate computer requirements and deadlines, by program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Students in the College of Design make extensive use of computers in their coursework and everyday lives. There is a lot to consider when purchasing computer hardware and software. This information should help students and parents make purchase decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardware and Software Purchases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The NC State Office of Information Technology<\/a> and the Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a> have made arrangements with several computer vendors to offer special pricing to students. Students should compare these prices before making a final purchase, since these prices can offer a substantial savings. For more information, contact Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a> or by phone at (919) 515-3400 before making your final purchase. The Wolfpack Outfitters\u2019 technology department is a great resource for students purchasing computers, software, and peripherals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many software companies bundle products together for even more savings, such Adobe Creative Cloud. Software companies also offer free licenses for qualified students. Some of these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n