Computer Landscape Design

February 15, 2017
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Computer landscape design

Either Macintosh or Windows is acceptable for Landscape Architecture students.

Apple Macintosh computers allow both Macintosh and Windows software to run on the same computer using a dual-boot system. Other options for running Windows applications on a Macintosh using virtualization software are available. We consider the dual-boot method the better option for our students because dual-boot provides better performance. Some of our students are choosing to use dual-boot on their own computers. Students interested in running Windows on a Macintosh computer are encouraged to speak with the College of Design Information Technology staff. Please note the cost of Windows operating system and Windows software will be in addition to Macintosh software.

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Windows Computers

Windows Laptop
Components
CPU (Processor) or Model Any model using Intel Core i7 or newer processors.
System RAM 16 GB minimum, more preferred
Hard Drive (Storage) 512 GB SSD or 750 GB/7200 RPM minimum, more preferred
Monitor/Display 18″ or larger 14″ or larger (second external monitor optional, but recommended)
Video Adapter (Graphics Card) 512 MB VRAM or more
Operating System Windows 10 Pro Edition (Not “Home” version)
Audio 100% Windows compliant sound card
Network Adapters Wired ethernet adapter normally included. A CAT 5 or 6 ethernet cable required for faster connections in studio. Wi-Fi normally included. Wired ethernet adapter and CAT 5 or 6 ethernet cable recommended for faster connections in studio.
External Hard Drive for Back-ups An external drive at least as large as your computer’s internal drive for backing up your computer
Warranty Service minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss/damage coverage
Software

Additional software may be required for certain courses.

 • Microsoft Office 365 (free for NCSU students)

• Autodesk AutoCAD 2016 or later

• Adobe Creative Cloud

Macintosh Computers

Macintosh Laptop
iMac or Mac Pro, any current model MacBook Pro, any current 15″ model
18″ or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) iMacs include a built-in monitor. 15″ (second external monitor optional, but recommended) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.
Mac OS X version 10.11 or later
Standard on Macintosh
Wi-Fi and Wired ethernet adapter included. CAT 5 or 6 ethernet cable recommended for faster connections in studio. Wi-Fi is included. Wired ethernet adapter and ethernet cable recommended for faster connections in studio.
3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss/damage coverage
Software • Microsoft Office 365 (free for NCSU students)

If you want to run both Mac OS X and Windows on a Mac, you will also need:

• Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Edition (in addition to Mac OS X) and Windows compatible software of your choosing. (You do not need to have the same software applications for both operating systems.)

Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac is available, but may not have all the features of AutoCAD for Windows.
Source: design.ncsu.edu



Landscaping Tips

Though your home is your castle, there is no necessity to surround it with a moat. Here are 5 tips that will help you to make your landscaping feel more warm, welcoming and cozy.

1. Put some flowers nearby your entrance. Flowers make any area look more welcoming and attractive, so greeting your guests with Petunia, Snapdragon, Lily-of-the-Nile or some other garden flowers is always a great thing to do. What is more, to add some space between your house and the entrance, you can consider adding a little white fence. It will create an illusion that your front yard is bigger than it actually is. What is more, adding fence will create a great space for planting flowers to add some color and coziness.

2. Add rambling vines to make your yard look absolutely lovely. You can not deny that rambling vines always create romantic and even magical atmosphere. So why not to use this tip while decorating your yard?

3. To hide the unattractive driveway, consider adding some color, texture, and height. You can easily do it by adding various sorts of flowers. To start, create an island of green lawn right in the hub of a drive. Then add a couple of low boxwood hedges with flowers toward the back of your island.

4. If you want your yard to blossom and flourish bust still do not have enough time to maintain it, consider planting low-fuss lilies. Such flowers look absolutely gorgeous and come in the variety of rainbow hues, so you can pick the one you love most. What is more, low-fuss lilies do not care about the sort of soil, they love the sun and welcome hot, they do not afraid of drought. In other words, Crinums is an ideal flower for all those who are looking for low-maintenance solutions.

5. The last tip also touches the low-maintenance aspect. To make your life easier, group plantings into beds and islands. This will help you to avoid mowing and trimming around each individual plant, save a lot of time and even money.

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