Cst Studio Suite Gpu Computing Guide
Tanesha Prately
Students in other departments and programs are not required to purchase computers, however open lab-computing resources are limited, thus it is suggested that every student have access to a personal computer.
It is highly recommended that you base your hardware purchase by the requirements for your major. The majority of the CAD and rendering software required below can be run on a Windows based machine, however Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud can be run in either Windows or OS X. For departments that require OS X and Windows based applications, you can purchase an Apple computer and run Windows via Boot Camp. Please review the requirements if you choose to take this route. NOTE: Apple will not support Bootcamp in the near future due to the change from Intel based chips to their new M-1 based chips.
The University of Oregon Dell site both offer very competitive pricing for computers to accepted students. Other wise any computer store (Best Buy, OfficeMax) or web vendor (Amazon, Newegg) will offer a wide selection with decent pricing.
Students enrolled in the Department of Architecture (Architecture and Interior Architecture) are required to own a personal laptop computer, external monitor, and external mouse to assist with their studies. Due to the nature of the software being used, a PC or Windows laptop from vendors such as Dell/Lenovo/Hewlett Packard is strongly encouraged.
For students who wish to purchase a MacBook Pro model from Apple, you will also need to purchase a Windows license and install it via Bootcamp if your Mac has an Intel CPU. For students who have purchased the latest models with the new M1 CPU, a virtualization program such as Parallels or VMWare Fusion will be required. Please note, the University does currently offers a High Performance Virtual Lab experience as well.
Currently enrolled students are eligible to download and use Office 365 from Microsoft. Office 365 provides the latest version of Office for Windows and the Mac, as well as access to unlimited storage via OneDrive for Business. For more information, please check out the following link:
Students enrolled in the Landscape Architecture are required to own a personal laptop computer, external monitor, and external mouse to assist with their studies. Due to the nature of the software being used, a PC or Windows laptop from vendors such as Dell/Lenovo/Hewlett Packard is strongly encouraged.
The Product Design program recommends a PC Windows based laptop. If an incoming student owns an Apple computer, Windows can be installed via Bootcamp assuming the appropriate specifications are met. To effectively install Bootcamp, a 500 GB or higher hard drive is recommended.
The Art & Technology program recommends students purchase Apple MacBook Pro laptops with the recommended specifications listed above in the General Hardware Specifications section. If Windows is required, it can be installed via Bootcamp. To effectively install Bootcamp, a 500 GB or higher hard drive is recommended.
You may obtain the recommended hardware and software from wherever you wish, but we have made an effort to ensure that you get the best deal available by purchasing your computer from the UO Duck Store or directly from Apple or Dell.
For Apple computers, we recommend a visit to the UO Duck Store or the Apple Store for Education (select the Education section at the bottom of the Apple Store main page). Pricing is equivalent, however there is no tax if purchased from the Duck Store. The Duck Store may also have specials and sales that the on-line Apple Store may not have.
If you would like to shop in person, the Duck Store stocks all of the recommended Apple hardware and all of the required software. You can reach the friendly, knowledgeable staff at the UO Duck Store at 541-346-4331; ask for Computing.
This is the hardest question to answer and also the most common. For the most part, Mac OS computers and Windows computers run the same software, including all Adobe and Microsoft software that students need to complete assignments. Most students will do fine with either one.
If you prefer one over the other, buy the kind you prefer. If you are unsure, verify with your department if there is a preference or review the program requirements above. Note: You can run Windows on a Mac via a separate partition or in a virtual machine via a program like Parallels.
There are multiple ways to get Windows on your Mac. The easiest and lowest-cost method is called Boot Camp. All new Macs come with Boot Camp built in. Boot Camp is what allows the computers in computing labs to run both Windows and the Mac OS. Run the Boot Camp Assistant, follow the instructions, and insert a Windows installation CD when prompted.
Other software that allows you to run Windows on your Mac includes Parallels and VMWare Fusion. These programs allow you to run the Mac OS and Windows at the same time. They cost money and since they require both operating systems sharing resources, may slow down your computer if doing heavy design or rendering work.
Laptop computers are strongly recommended or required depending on the program. They will allow you to participate more effectively in computer-based classes. Laptop computers have the major advantage of being portable and convenient, which makes them more useful and easier to support. The primary drawback is higher cost and theft.
If you would like the convenience of a desktop in your residence or if you have the ability to use one in your studio, Technology Services recommends purchasing an external monitor and keyboard/mouse to attach to your laptop.
Students who are well into their academic careers may also find that having a desktop workstation would be beneficial. Desktop computers should be considered as a second computer to be used with your laptop. Please consult with your department or professors prior to purchasing.
Students who purchase a powerful computer will incur fewer upgrade costs later on in their academic career. A less powerful computer is much more likely to become outdated when you are two or three years into your program.
The UO and College of Design computing labs provide an alternative for students who do not have their computer on site. These university-supported labs are frequently congested at peak times, so access may be limited.
You must purchase the software faculty require for their classes. You will have access to a full suite of software in the computing labs. Computing labs are a centralized resource College of Design students. The labs give access to software, scanners, and printers that would be prohibitively expensive for students to purchase individually and provide students a place to try out software prior to purchase.
We urge students and parents to strongly consider purchasing an extended warranty with their computer for a minimum of 3 years. Warranties like AppleCare normally cover only non-accidental technical break downs, however companies like Dell allow you to also purchase accident insurance. It is best to always read the fine print!
New graduate and undergraduate students should set up their computers in their design studios. Technology Services can help you with general set up and configuration questions or issues, however for major upgrades a visit to the UO IS Help Desk may be required. Please contact us for assistance.
Having a personal printer is not required but can provide convenient and flexible feedback in the design process. Before you buy your own printer, you may want to do some research on the surprisingly high cost of operating an inkjet printer. Low-cost laser printing is available in the computing labs, and color printing is available in the Output Room.
For non-technical questions, contact your department. For questions about computers, contact College of Design, Technology Services at 541-346-6194, or please open a help ticket in the UO Service Portal)
Multiple U-M departments collaborate to provide more than 400 computers, high-speed networking and WiFi, software, and other equipment, to Duderstadt Center (DC) users. Most are enhanced specifically to support the disciplines of the North Campus schools and colleges: architecture, engineering and information technology, and the performing and studio arts.
The majority of publicly-accessible printers located throughout the Duderstadt Center are part of the campus-wide MPrint service supported by U-M ITS (Information Technology Services). Printers vary in features available and paper sizes supported. In-building locations, features, and status of individual printers can be found at: MPrint Maps: Duderstadt Center (U-M login required).
3D engineering and design, graphics, special effects, spatial and data visualization are available on both CAEN-supported Windows/Linux workstations on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and on DMC-supported MacOS workstations in Groundworks and the Multimedia Rooms.
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