2024 – 2025 Laptop Requirement for ID program

General Note for 1st year Students

Interior design students entering the first year of study will need access to a computer, either laptop or desktop, that meets the specifications listed below. Because the computer requirements are updated each year, we STRONGLY encourage first-year students to delay the purchase of a high-level laptop until their second year in order to have the most current technology when it is needed to use specialized software.

Students are responsible for maintaining the digital tools needed for class assignments and will need personal computers able to run Zoom, Mural, MS Office, and other basic software. See this link for software application licenses available to K-State students: https://www.k-state.edu/it/resources/access-software/applications/

General Note for 2nd year Students

Interior design students entering the second year of study are required to have a personal laptop computer that meets or exceeds the required minimum specifications. Because the requirements are updated each year, we STRONGLY encourage students to delay the purchase of laptops until the summer before their second year in order to have the most current technology when it is needed to use specialized software.

Beginning in the 2nd year of study, ID students begin instruction in computer-based software programs that demand higher amounts of memory and processor capacity. Computer technology changes rapidly and it may be necessary to install upgrades to meet expectations in future years of study.

Computers purchased with the minimum requirements will require careful attention to regular systems maintenance, virus protection, and general file management. Failure to adhere to regular computer maintenance will likely result in system errors and delayed processing time (and, therefore, frustration). It is extremely important that students read and understand their responsibilities for the maintenance of their equipment and digital files.

Q/A

Can I purchase or use a Mac?

ID students will learn a variety of software programs. Some of the required software is only available for the Microsoft Windows operating system. While some of the programs are available in dual-platform versions (Microsoft Windows and Apple OS), the software may not be organized or set up in the same way for both operating systems. ID courses will teach the software programs from the Microsoft Windows platform.

Should a student decide to purchase an Apple laptop, Apple's Bootcamp for dual-booting the computer must be installed. The hard drive should be partitioned with at least 50% dedicated for the PC. Windows 10 Home (64-bit) should be installed as an operating system. VMware Fusion or Parallels are not recommended substitutes to Bootcamp and partitioning the hard drive.

The Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies does not address software/hardware compatibility issues on any platform. If a student has issues with an Apple laptop, he or she will be responsible for locating outside technological support.

Do I need a second screen/monitor?

Although not required, students are encouraged to purchase a second screen, either freestanding, portable or attachable, to have a more streamline faster and easier online experience. A second screen can help students participate in a studio/class on Zoom and continue to do things like look up a resource at the same time. A second screen will also help when needing to model and render simultaneously.

Can I have an external hard drive?

Can I use an IPAD, Tablet, or Chrome Book?

Can I use a cellular WiFi hotspot to connect my computer?

Should I have a webcam and a microphone?

If I have technical issues, who should I contact?

Minimum Computer Requirements

	1st Year	2nd Year
Processor	Intel Core i7 or AMD equivalent	Intel Core i9 with at least 8 cores (16 threads) or better
Memory	16 GB or higher	32 GB or more
Internal storage	256 GB SSD or higher	1TB SSD primary drive minimum
Operating system	Windows 10 Home (64bit)	Microsoft® Windows® 11 or higher is required
Video / graphics		NVIDIA RTX Series with 6GB minimum or better. (Quadro CAD cards, not GeForce gaming cards)
Video Memory		6 GB or higher
Wireless	Wifi or Ethernet connectivity	The latest version and fastest speed of a Wired and Wireless LAN (802.11) is required
Monitor	13” or larger	15-inch or larger built-in display, Ultra-High Definition Monitor at least 1680 x 1050
Webcam	Built-in or portable	Built-in webcam
Microphone	Built-in or headphones	Built-in or headphones
Portable Dual Monitor	Not required	Optional, but 1080p minimum resolution See Note 1.
Warranty		4 year pro service and support warranty

Note 1: The Example of a Portable Dual monitor in the market for your understanding

Amazon example

Required Applications

	1st Year	2nd Year	Remark(s)
Microsoft Office 365	Free To K-State Students	Free To K-State Students
Adobe Creative Cloud	Not required	$19.99/mo the first year and $29.99/mo after that.	This software should be purchased when directed by course instructors to avoid paying for extra months of service.
Sketch-up	1 months trial available online or free online version	Free downloads	should not download the software until directed to do so by instructor(s)
Autodesk: Revit	Not required	Free downloads	should not download the software until directed to do so by instructor(s)
Autodesk: Autocad	Not required	Free downloads	should not download the software until directed to do so by instructor(s)
Enscape ™	Not required	$12.42/mo or $149 yearly	should not download the software until directed to do so by instructor(s)

Note: Software and applications are constantly updated to achieve best performance. It is recommended you check latest system requirements for any program you desire to install to make sure you can run it smoothly.