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Student Guidelines For Purchasing A Computer

Mac Guidlines

The following are guidelines for using Macs in the Penn Design environment. These few simple points will provide you with key facts before commiting to using a Mac in our computing environment. It is the recommendation of the PennDesign ITS department that if one is not a solid Mac expert [and specifically in a PC environment], we would strongly caution anyone from choosing to use a Mac, instead opting for a PC.
With the advent of the dual-boot system, Macs have increasingly become more common in our computing environment. Here is a short list of important things to keep in mind if you choose to bring in a Mac to our environment:
  • The network and computing environment at Penn Design is a PC environment. Simply put, the backbone that computing runs off of is run by and designed for, PC’s. This does not mean that Macs cannot work in this environment, but that the user will need to be much more self-sufficient when it comes to support.
  • The majority of software used in the Design school is written for Windows only. You need to run either BootCamp or VMware. Parallels is neither recommended or supported!
  • Macs in our environment can and do have the ability to print, access the network, obtain wireless Internet, etc. The method of how one goes about gaining access to these is documented, though it should be stated that bugs have been known to arise as the University does make changes to the network environment from time to time, that could affect a Mac user’s ability to access those resources.
  • Penn Design ITS has provided a wealth of information on their website to assist Mac users in obtaining a variety of computing resources.

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PC Guidelines

First and foremost, the advantage of using a 64-bit OS will only benefit those users whose machine has 4GB or more of RAM.

Advantages:

  • Handles math computations better
  • Applications that are written for a 64-bit OS will take advantage of this. Users will not see a difference with 32-bit applications
  • Allows use of more than 4GB of memory. A 32-bit OS only sees a max of ~3 GB

Disadvantages:

  • Some applications and drivers are not yet written for a 64-bit OS although the industry is moving in this direction. Users should first check if any hardware (printers, scanners, input devices, etc…) they currently own are compatible with a 64-bit OS.

*SOFTWARE:

Applications that are certified and written for Vista 64 bit

  • Adobe (Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, After Effects, Premiere)
  • Autodesk (AutoCAD, Architecture, Revit)
  • Dassault Systemes (Catia, Solidworks)
  • Citilabs (Cube, Voyager)

Applications that work on 64 bit OS as 32 bit only (essentially they take advantage of less than 3GB of memory)

  • Adobe (Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Flash Video Encoder, Contribute)
  • AutoDesk (LandDesktop Companion)
  • Bentley (Microstation)
  • Rhino

Applications that work on 64 bit OS as 32 bit only with some limitations/workarounds

  • Microsoft (Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)
  • Flash Player (can only use within 32 bit browser)

Applications that are NOT ready for 64 bit OS

  • Real Player
  • Flash Player

*Note: The software listed includes the key titles used at the School of Design. Users should always check with the manufacturer of any software restrictions with 64 bit.

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