frequently asked questions
Q. Will the School expect all undergraduate students to have personal laptop computers?
A. All students enrolling in ARCH 3343 and INTD 3343 and all graduate students enrolled in the PATH B course sequence will be required to have a properly configured laptop for these and all subsequent courses taken.
Q. What if I don't have a laptop or I choose not to bring it to class?
A. If you are attending a class in which a computer is required and do not have one you will be counseled to drop the course. Lack of a laptop will mean you will not be able to complete the required assignments and therefore will not receive a passing grade.
Q. Will the School recommend a particular computer or computer configuration?
A. The School will not mandate a particular type or brand of computer but will specify annually a minimum configuration of memory, storage, processor performance, graphics standards and software capability.
Q. Will the School require or recommend specific software installed on your computer?
A. Yes, the School will require that you acquire certain programs and recommend others. Programs will be available in a number of ways: individual purchase, licensing through the School or University, or accessible through the University network.
Q. How will I know what the School requires for computer performance and software?
A. The School's Information Technology Committee will annually review hardware and software standards and publish them in the late Spring of each semester for application in the following Fall semester. Students are responsible for meeting the standards that were in effect in the semester in which the laptop policy first applied to them, i.e. enrolling in ARCH 3343 and INTD 3343 or beginning the Graduate Path B program. In general, most laptops capable of playing commercial video games will likely meet the required performance specifications.
Q. Will I be required to upgrade my computer each year?
A. No, you are expected to meet the current standards only in the first year (see the previous question) and assuming that you progress through the curriculum on a regular schedule. However, software does change and upgrades may be required during the course of your studies.
Q. Will the School pay for or assist you in paying for your laptop?
A. No, the School will not provide any funding for your computer or software but since it is required for your education, the calculation of your financial need will include the computing costs and may be covered by your financial aid package, if you are eligible and receive financial aid.
Q. Is my computer insured by the School and what happens if it is damaged or stolen?
A. Insuring and protecting your computer is the responsibility of the student as is all other personal possessions and equipment. Insuring and maintaining your computer is the responsibility of the individual owner.
Q. What will the School do with the money it collects through student fees that have been supporting the computer lab?
A. The School will continue to spend that money on student computing but will shift focus to higher level computing and systems and providing a wider and more diverse array of peripheral equipment. Please also remember that the tech fees included in tuition and fee charges pay for network infrastructure, email access, printers and other peripheral equipment.
Q. Is this a program unique to the University Of Texas Arlington School Of Architecture?
A. No, many architecture programs have instituted mandatory laptop policies, some beginning with freshman year. In five years virtually all will have such programs. Computing has invaded all aspects of life, personal and professional and ready access to computing capabilities is necessary to succeed in contemporary society.
Q. Are there any special considerations or limitations about running Microsoft Windows on Macintosh computers that I should be aware of?
A. At this time, only the Apple MacBook Pro laptop models meet the minimum UT Arlington School of Architecture hardware specification. It is necessary to install the Parallels Desktop for Mac utility and then install a full version of the Microsoft: Windows XP Pro operating system in order to run AutoCAD 2007 Student Edition and other applications written for the Windows operating system on the MacBook Pro laptop. Restated: students desiring to run AutoCAD 2007 Student Edition on their MacBook Pro laptops need to install both the Parallels Desktop for Mac utility and then install the Windows XP Pro Operating System. See: "SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: CAD", page 4, of the University Illinois Chicago School of Architecture and The Arts PDF.
Q. Are there any special considerations or limitations about running AutoCad 2007 Student Edition on my laptop that I should be aware of?
A. AutoCAD Student Edition software versions 2007 & 2008 require specific video memory and video chipsets (graphics cards). If you anticipate using either of these versions of AutoCAD Student Edition on your laptop, you may wish to visit the following AutoDesk website for more information on compatibility issues.
Q. Is it possible to purchase software on campus?
A. Yes. The university operates an on-campus computer store that carries academically priced software titles, located at 113 Ransom Hall.
As a student, you are eligible to purchase one deeply discounted non-transferable Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise (word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, etc) and Windows XP Professional Upgrade (operating system) software at the campus store during your time at UT Arlington. If your enrollment is current, regular software updates will be available to you for purchase provided that you have carefully maintained a continuous "paper trail" dating from your original purchase.
Vendors (both academic and full retail) are seemingly everywhere, and although the School of Architecture does not recommend any one source over any other, issues like ease of maintenance, security and price are all important considerations.
On-Campus:
Computer Store University of Texas at Arlington
113, Ransom Hall
602 South West Street
Arlington, Texas 76019
(817) 272-5505
www.uta.edu/oit/computerstore
Q. What optional hardware might I consider purchasing to improve my productivity when I use my laptop?
A. 1. A full size keyboard and an ergonomic mouse. 2. An extra battery 3. Flash memory
Your productivity may be enhanced by reducing fatigue related to using the laptop's keyboard and/ or mouse. Some students purchase a separate full-size keyboard for use away from school and an ergonomic mouse to help manage fatigue related to computer use.
Battery life in a laptop is typically about two hours. A second battery could be useful in classes like architectural design studio which are typically scheduled for three to four hours.
Flash memory, Jump, or USB type drives ranging in capacities from one to four gigabytes provide convenient and rapid temporary file storage. Students find these peripheral storage devices useful in backing up and transporting data.
Q. If I am unwilling or unable to purchase a laptop, is there a computer I can use?
A. No. A laptop is required for either Architecture 3343 or LARC 5350 and LARC 5351. Without a laptop, you will not be able to complete the assignments in these courses. While desktop computers are available in the School of Architecture Computer Graphics Lab and other university labs (some sites even provide for short term laptop checkout), they are not always configured with the software you need and they are only available to you at odd times when not scheduled for instructional use.
Q. I have a computer at home. Do I still need to buy a laptop?
A. Yes, you will be required to use your laptop in class during scheduled design studio and class meetings.
Q. Can I configure my laptop to print directly to a printer or plotter managed by the university Pharos Print Management System?
A. No. However, once you have connected your portable storage device of choice, (CD, flash drive, etc.), to the lab computer you can then open your file (provided that the file was created on software supported by the OIT School of Architecture Lab. See: note below)
When you open your file with the appropriate application, you can then send your print job to the local Pharos managed printing device.
Note: It is important to check the version of your software (even if identical in name) against that installed in the labs. Most software will support opening and printing files from earlier versions of the same software. Your file may not be able to be opened if the software that you create your file with is a newer version than that installed in the labs.
See a complete list of all software with version numbers installed in UTA OIT campus lab.
Q.Can I configure my laptop via a wireless connection to a printer or plotter managed by the university Pharos Print Management System?
A. Not at this time.
Q. How can I secure my laptop from spyware, malware and/or a virus attack?
A. Software to protect your laptop from malware, spyware and virus attacks is cheap and a smart way to protect your laptop from the untimely appearance of the "blue screen of death" and other forms of data corruption and file contamination. However, you must keep your licenses current by renewing them when you are prompted to do so. See: Symantec: Norton AntiVirus 2007.
Q. How can I secure my laptop from theft?
A. You can protect your laptop from theft by purchasing insurance. Riders to Home Owner's and Renter's insurance policies are not uncommon. Some students augment this protection with a theft recovery service. A 3 year subscription to a theft recovery service like Computrace's LoJack for laptops is available for less than one hundred dollars $100.00 through online vendors such as: www.academicsuperstore.com
Q. How can I protect my laptop from shock and/or breakage?
A. Carrying cases provide a measure of protection for your laptop. These cases come in a variety of colors, sizes, styles and capacities. Since the screen is the most vulnerable part of your laptop, consideration should be given to protecting it well. Reviews of laptop bags/ cases may be found at sites like Yahoo Tech and/or The Gadgeteer.
Q. Who owns the software on my computer?
A. With very few exceptions computer software belongs to the original manufacturer. Typically, it is copyrighted and sold to you under license for your use. Usually, software may not be copied for any reason but to make a backup. Please review the licensing agreement that comes as part of your software installation carefully.
The reproduction of software to sell or give to someone else is piracy and is a violation of the copyright law as is the use of software for any use other than its intended use. It is also illegal to use software purchased at educational discounts for commercial purposes.
The University of Texas System Computer and Information Technology Use Policy and Guidelines offers useful direction on the issues of software ownership, transfer and much more.
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