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 (2009-2010)

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
100 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 512 MB Memory
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 Vista or XP
Required Software: Microsoft Office 2007 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.

* Other software packages may be required for certain classes in the program. Students should be prepared to purchase any needed software.

* Students may also want to purchase an external hard drive to back up files.