{"id":2138,"date":"2018-02-26T09:23:39","date_gmt":"2018-02-26T17:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/?page_id=2138"},"modified":"2024-08-07T14:42:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T21:42:57","slug":"computer-requirements-for-interior-design","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/computer-requirements-for-interior-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Recommendations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Interior Design Department does not require students to purchase computers, but highly recommends that students consider doing so. Interior Design students begin using sophisticated 3D modeling and visualization software in the first year of the curriculum, increasing reliance on a variety of design-related software programs as essential tools. Professional designers will rely increasingly on 3D modeling and virtual reality, which requires ever more sophisticated software and hardware. Students should plan to spend considerable time inside and outside of classes using computers with high-end graphic capabilities over high-speed internet connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Interior Design Department provides high-performance computer workstations in its classrooms. When possible, students with demonstrated need will be provided with remote access to one of a limited number of campus-based computers so that they can work from home. However, we cannot guarantee that you will have access to a lab computer (while on campus or remotely) when it is most convenient for you. For these reasons, students should consider the recommended laptop\/desktop and hardware specifications below, assess their current computers, and use this guide when planning to invest in a new computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following recommendations describe the computer specifications required to productively use the design software in our curriculum. Specifications for SketchUp and Revit are identified below. Minimum requirements may vary, so opt for the higher spec if possible. Consult with your computer sales vendor of choice to find the right combination of performance and price.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Description<\/strong><\/th>PC\/Mac* Laptop or Desktop Recommended Hardware Specifications<\/strong>
\nThe following recommendations describe the computer specifications required to productively use the design software in our curriculum. Specifications for SketchUp and Revit are identified below. Minimum requirements may vary, so opt for the higher spec if possible. Consult with your computer sales vendor of choice to find the right combination of performance and price.<\/em>
\n
\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Windows-Based Computer Systems<\/td>PC systems are widely available and options for customization and combination of features provides higher levels of performance for less money than a comparably priced Mac. All required software runs on PC systems. Mac versions of all programs are available except Revit and Enscape, which require Windows emulation software, like Bootcamp. Many students use iMac, Mac, or MacBook, but all software instruction is Windows-based.
\nSee *Apple Computer Systems* summary below for more details.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating System*<\/td>64-bit Microsoft\u00ae Windows\u00ae 10 or Windows 11. See the Autodesk Product Support Lifecycle for support information.
\n*Mac OS 11+ (Big Sur), 12+ (Monterey), and Mac OS.15+ (Catalina).
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Browser | Software<\/td>Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox (latest version) and internet connection required to download and run most software programs.
\nSketchUp Pro for Windows requires .NET Framework version 4.5.2. For more information about the .NET framework, click here<\/a>. Revit for Mac requires .NET Framework Version 4.8 or later.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internet Connection<\/td>Software download, license registration, and interactivity require internet connection.
\nOnline Learning Recommendations. A hard-wired connection to your internet router using an ethernet cable is the best way to ensure your online class experiences are stable and capable of transmitting high-quality, large-file presentations and streaming videos. Untethered WiFi connection speeds, typically used via laptop, are slower and less stable.
\nHigh-speed internet at 100Mbps or faster are highly recommended for the best online learning experience, or for remote connection to campus-lab computers. Check your internet speed (free) using the Ookla Speedtest. See this Bellevue College Technology Resources page for help obtaining internet service and technology purchasing assistance.
\n
\nOnline Learning Recommendations.<\/em> A hard-wired connection to your internet router using an ethernet cable is the best way to ensure your online class experiences are stable and capable of transmitting high-quality, large-file presentations and streaming videos. Untethered WiFi connection speeds, typically used via laptop, are slower and less stable.
\nHigh-speed internet at 100Mbps or faster are highly recommended for the best online learning experience, or for remote connection to campus-lab computers. Check your internet speed (free) using the Ookla Speedtest<\/a>. See this Bellevue College Technology Resources<\/a> page for help obtaining internet service and technology purchasing assistance.
\n
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU Type | PC<\/td>Multi-Core Intel\u00ae i-Series, Xeon\u00ae, AMD\u00ae Ryzen, Ryzen Threadripper PRO.
\n2.5GHz or Higher. 3+ GHz recommended.
\nPurchase the highest CPU GHz speed you can afford, or that is available with computer.
\nSketchUp will run on multiple-processor machines, but will only use one processor core. Rendering programs will typically use multiple cores. Autodesk\u00ae Revit\u00ae software products will use multiple cores, using up to 16 cores for near-photorealistic rendering operations.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU Type | Mac*<\/td>SketchUp: 2.1+ GHz Intel processor<\/strong> or current generation Apple M1 processor.
\nRevit: 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel i7 or newer<\/strong>. Get highest affordable GHZ.
\nOnly Intel Macs can operate Enscape.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Memory<\/td>8 GB minimum. 16-32 GB highly recommended; DDR4, 2666-3200MHz
\n\u2022 8 GB is sufficient for editing a single Revit model up to approximately 300 MB on disk. For typical 3D modeling and rendering in SketchUp or Rhino, 16 GB RAM is recommended.
\n\u2022 16 GB is sufficient for editing a single Revit model up to approximately 700 MB on disk.
\n\u2022 32 GB RAM is highly recommended for complex 3D interior models, real-time rendering and Virtual Reality \u2013 to prepare for increasing use of these features.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Video Display (Monitor)<\/td>1,280 x 1,024 with true color Maximum; recommend 1,680 x 1,050 with true color
\nDPI Display Setting: 150% or less. Laptops with smaller display size may have lower resolution, but any laptop should be enhanced with an external monitor for greater productivity.
\nDual Monitor Recommendations. Monitor size and configuration options:
\n\u2022 (2) 20\u201d minimum each (identical model not required). Attach to desktop or laptop.
\n\u2022 (1) 24\u201d monitor attached to laptop or smart TV.
\n\u2022 (1) ultra-wide monitor with 21:9 aspect ratio or similar. Attach to desktop or laptop.
\nYour phone is not an acceptable second screen for online classes or productivity.
\nCheck your desktop or laptop computer for video display ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, Thunderbolt, USB-C, VGA), verify monitor connection is compatible, and get the necessary connecting cables.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GPU \/ Graphics Card : PC<\/td>Intel GPUs that come with most consumer-class computers are not compatible with software required for INDES program.<\/em>
\n3D class, DirectX\u00ae 11 compliant graphics card, OpenGL 3.1 Compliant, with onboard GPU memory (4GB VRAM minimum, 6GB recommended) and 29 GB\/s Bandwidth. Shader Model 5 recommended by Autodesk.
\nNVIDIA GeForce or better cards highly recommended, or AMD with similar specifications.
\nTo test your existing graphics card compatibility with SketchUp, please download and run the SketchUp Checkup application<\/a>.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hard Disk<\/td>Internal Drive(s). Dual drives (desktop PC) can add storage capacity and increase boot speed.
\nSolid State Drives (SSD) are faster and more stable than optical Hard Disk Drives (HDD SATA), but higher cost per GB.
\n\u2022 SSD: 256GB-1TB SSD for laptops, or 500GB-1TB for desktops.
\n\u2022 HDD: 500-1TB HDD SATA for laptop, or 1TB-2TB with 10,000 RPM speed for desktops.
\nExternal Drive: Recommend additional external HDD with at least 1TB storage.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pointing Device<\/td>2-button mouse with scroll-wheel (notched, incremental click wheels are more precise for navigating CAD\/models). Mac Magic Mouse will not work with SketchUp or Revit., not will laptop touchpads or navigation nubs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peripherals <\/td>Keyboard. <\/em>Full-size including a numeric pad. If using a laptop, please use an external, accessory keyboard (wired or wireless).
\nHeadphones.<\/em> Wired or wireless with padded speakers and integrated microphone for remote learning or use in the labs (where there are no internal speakers installed).
\nWeb Cam.<\/em> Class participation via video is required in all classes. You may join online meetings from any device that has a web cam (including your phone). Choose a virtual background if you’d like to obscure your environment. Don’t overlook Alexa video and other camera-ready devices already in your home.
\nPower Strip \/ USB Hub.<\/em> With surge protection. Consider an external USB hub device if your computer is few available USB ports.
\nDisplay Cables<\/em>. For external monitor: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, Thunderbolt, USB-C, VGA, etc. Verify compatible monitor connection and get the necessary connecting cables.
\nEthernet Cable.<\/em> For fast, stable connection to internet, especially during classes.
\nCloud Storage | External Hard Drive.<\/em> Backing up your work to the cloud and a secondary storage location is especially important. Even when system errors crash your computer, frequent backups of your work will make it easier to recover your most recent work. You are responsible for any lost files because you can control backup frequency and location.<\/em>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
*Apple Computer Systems*<\/td>Consult an Apple sales representative for equivalent iMac, Mac Pro, or Macbook specifications.
\nA summary of general recommendations:
\n\uf0a7\t2.1 or higher GHz Intel<\/strong> processor or current generation Apple M1 processor
\n\uf0a7\t8GB RAM
\n\uf0a7\tGraphic cards: 3D class video card with 1 GB of memory or higher and support for hardware acceleration. Video card driver supports OpenGL version 3.1 or higher.
\n\uf0a7\t64-bit Intel CPU (quad-core Intel i7 or newer)
\nApple bundles the following Mac systems minimally compatible features.
\n\uf0a7\tApple Mac Pro\u00ae 4.1 or later
\n\uf0a7\tMacBook Pro\u00ae 5.1 or later
\n\uf0a7\tiMac\u00ae 8.1 or later
\n\uf0a7\tMac mini\u00ae 3.1 or later
\n\uf0a7\tMacBook Air\u00ae 2.1 or later
\n\uf0a7\tMacBook\u00ae 5.1 or later
\nNOTE: Please be aware that several software programs you will learn in the program are not available for Mac operating systems. Neither Enscape, a rendering program used in INDES 169 SketchUp, nor Revit, used in INDES 262, will run on MacOS. For students who want the option to complete work at home as much as possible, you may find a PC computer preferable.
\nHowever, if you currently have or wish to purchase a Mac, there are several options available that allow access to these programs. 1) You can utilize remote access to the Interior Design computer lab through a VPN, if resource capacity allows. 2) As COVID protocols allow, you may be able to use computer labs on campus. 3) You can install a Windows emulation program on your Intel-chip Mac: Bootcamp or Virtual Machine (Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac, or newer).
\nLearn more<\/a> about using Autodesk Revit or Autodesk Revit LT software with Boot Camp, part of macOS that enables you to install and run Microsoft Windows (and Windows-based applications) on a Mac\u00ae computer or with Parallels Desktop, a system utility available from Parallels, Inc. that allows you to run applications in each operating system without restarting your computer.
\nSketchUp Operating System Compatibility<\/em>
\nSketchUp 2022 for Mac supports MacOS 12.0 (Monterey) but does not support MacOS 10.14 (Mojave) or older, VMWare, or Parallels Desktop.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Design Software Programs \u2013 the following programs are installed in the department labs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


\u2022 Revit Architecture \u2013 latest version (Free from Autodesk Education Community<\/a> website)
\u2022 AutoCAD \u2013 optional (Free from Autodesk Education Community<\/a> website)
\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud \u2013 check with your instructor (may require monthly subscription at student rate)
\u2022 SketchUp Studio \u2013 latest version at student discount<\/a>
\u2022 Rhinoceros 3D (optional) \u2013 latest version<\/a> (Select Students or Faculty tab).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Interior Design Department does not require students to purchase computers, but highly recommends that students consider doing so. Interior Design students begin using sophisticated 3D modeling and visualization software in the first year of the curriculum, increasing reliance on a variety of design-related software programs as essential tools. Professional designers will rely increasingly on ...more about Computer Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1576,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-2138","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2138","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1576"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2138"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2138\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4251,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2138\/revisions\/4251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/interiordesign\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}