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Computer Requirements

The Department of Landscape Architecture utilizes computer technology extensively. All of our studios and classrooms are fully networked to provide wide access to network resources. Students in Landscape Architecture (LA) and Landscape Contracting and Management (LCM) are required to have a personal laptop computer that approximates the specifications described below, which are consistent with other departments within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as the College of Engineering. These specifications are provided as a guide for students who already own a computer as well as those who will be making a new purchase. A computer meeting the minimum specifications should be able to serve the needs of a student during his or her time at Mississippi State. When shopping for a computer you should be skeptical of unusually cheap computers. For best results stick with the major brands.

Computer Recommendations (2007-2008)

• Platform: Laptop or Notebook.
• 2 GHz (or faster) Pentium 4 Processor (1) [Any speed Centrino processor is acceptable]
• 2 GB RAM recommended, 1 GB required
• 80 GB Hard drive
• CD-RW drive (24X speed recommended--used for data backup and file transfer). DVD-R is recomemded.
• USB flash drive, 512 Mb (for file transfers), (1GB recommended)
• Mouse
• 14 inch screen or larger. XGA or SXGA+
• Video Card with at least 256 MB Memory (512 MB recommended)
• 10/100 BaseT Ethernet card
• 56K Modem required only if living off-campus and using dial-up service or if you plan to travel/work in an area that only has dial-up capability.
• Recommended Operating System: Windows XP Professional (XP Home Version is NOT suitable). Vista is not currently supported by the University and some required software.
• Required Software: Microsoft Office XP Professional to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Microsoft Works is NOT an acceptable substitute.
• Norton Antivirus is available to students free of charge on the University intranet once they arrive on campus and should be installed as soon as possible.
• Support: 3 year parts + on-site labor (next day business). This should provide LA/LCM students with hardware support for the majority of their academic careers at Mississippi State. The University does not provide computer support to students.
• A wireless network interface card compatible with the IEEE 802.11b/g standard. Cards manufactured by 3-Com and Orinoco have been used successfully. Other cards may also work. Wireless connectivity is available in many parts of campus and in all of the landscape architecture studios. More information on the ever growing campus wireless network can be found on the Mississippi State ITS webpage.

*Our primary CAD package is Autodesk AutoCAD. Beginning in the fall of 2003 the university no longer provided students with free access to AutoCAD software. Students will be responsible for purchasing their own copy. This product will be available through the University bookstore.