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What to expect coming into the Master of Science in Architecture Program:
Tablet PC - Minimum Hardware Requirements
Orientation Workshop
Software Requirements
CAD+CAM/Printing Lab Requirements
Teaching Assistant Workshops
Tablet PC - Minimum Hardware Requirements | view pdf
The program requires that all incoming students have a Tablet PC when they enter the program. International students may procure the computer after they arrive in the US. These are the MINIMUM requirements for the Hardware. You can exceed these requirements but we will not support anything lower than these specifications.
Processor:
Intel® Pentium® M Processor (1.60GHz) or Mobile AMD Athlon™ (1.60 GHz) or higher (Make sure that the processor is ‘mobile'. There is no problem in getting a ‘non-mobile' processor except that this will cause your laptop to heat up unnecessarily and eat into the battery power)
Display:
12.1'' XGA (1024 x 768) or higher (The larger screens especially widescreen versions are good if you are an avid gamer or movie buff)
Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet Edition 2005 (You will not be allowed onto the network if you have anything other than XP Pro with SP 2 or 2005 Tablet Edition)
Memory:
1024MB 333MHz 2 DIMMS or more (2 DIMMS mean that the computer has two 256 MB RAM modules to make the 512 MB. 1 DIMM means that the computer uses one 512 MB module. Obviously the 1 DIIMM option ensures better performance)
HDD:
40GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive or higher (Need space for those MP3's? Get more GB on that HDD)
FDD:
Not Required (The Floppy Disk Drive is seldom used nowadays. However if you feel safer with Floppy Disk's, make sure you have a FDD)
Optical Drive:
24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive (A CD writer is required to back up your work onto CDs)
Graphics:
64 MB Graphics Card or Shared Memory for Video (A higher Graphic Memory means more dedicated memory for display and graphics, allowing high-end applications to use more System RAM. In other words, makes your system render faster!)
Mouse:
Optical Scroll Mouse (External)
Warranty:
3 Year Limited Warranty* (*A 3year warranty is highly recommended)
Anti Virus:
Norton Internet Security™ (The college will provide you with Symantec Anti-Virus support free of charge. So get the basic free software on your laptop)
Communication:
Built in 56K Modem+10/100 LAN
Wireless:
Built in wireless 802.11b/g, preferably 54Mbps (If you have built in wireless or an external wireless card, you can hook onto the college's wireless network giving you the freedom of not using cables for Internet)
Primary Battery :
Lithium Ion Battery Pack
Carrying Case:
Nylon Carrying Case (Make sure you get a carrying case for your laptop. You are going to be hauling this machine around quite a bit)
Orientation Workshop
The first day of the Fall semester in the Masters of Science program at Mississippi State University comprises of an Orientation Workshop. During this workshop, you will be presented with an introduction of the basic software required for the program; as well as details of the structure and rules of accessibility to the technology that runs the program. Introduction of software and technology will be done through a series of small team exersices, which will enable you to learn about your student colleagues, administrative staff, and the graduate faculty in depth. Your faculty advisor will be decided during the workshop, and you will get a opportunity to discuss with your advisor about your goals and aspirations from the program.
Software Requirements
The College of Architecture will provide basic software required for the program. However incoming students may be required to purchase several high end software like Rhinoceros , 3ds MAX , Maya , AutoCAD etc. (as per your Program of Study). These software are usually avaliable in the Campus Bookstore at special discounted prices or through ITS. We suggest you talk to your advisor on the first day of class about the softwares you need to purchase. Please do not purchase any software (except those which come with your computer) prior to the Orientation Workshop .
You are required to be equipped with appropriate software from the first week of class.
CAD + CAM/Printing Lab Requirements
Coursework at the college requires CAD+CAM applications and use (described by the specific course). You may be required to pay for the use of CAD+CAM/Printing equipment and material in the lab. These costs are usually on a usage basis and collected by the Lab administrator. Please contact Sarah Pittman at the DRIL for further information on CAD+CAM costs.
Teaching Assistant Workshops
The College of Architecture may offer financial aid to selected students. These awards are available on a competitive basis for incoming students contingent on grants and funds availability. However based on academic and research abilities, students have the opportunity to apply for these awards in later semesters. If you plan to apply for these awards in later semesters, you have to undergo the Teaching Assistant Workshop at the beginning of the Fall semester .