Platforms (Laptop recommended) - updated May 2012
Microsoft® Windows® 7 x 64
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
Direct X® 9.0c (required), OpenGL® (optional)
Hardware Requirements
Recommended: Intel® Core i5 or higher processor
4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
Direct3D or OpenGL-capable graphics card (256 MB or higher video card memory, 512MB recommended)
Microsoft Windows-compliant pointing device (optimized Intellimouse®)
DVD ROM drive
A more expensive option would be the MacBook Pro with the addition of the operating system Windows 7 Pro. Many people use a MAC. You will need to purchase additional software so you can run Windows and be able to interact with GIS.
Software
Microsoft office – student edition is fine
You will eventually need Adobe Suite CS5 for InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. It is not necessary to purchase it until sophomore year.
Do not purchase AutoCAD or GIS. Licenses are a part of lab fees for selected LAEP classes.
AutoCAD 2012 (student version download at http://students.autodesk.com/, need to register first)
GIS (download at https://software.cart.usu.edu/Details.cfm?ProdID=2191&category=85, need to register first https://software.cart.usu.edu/)
SketchUp (download at http://sketchup.google.com/ )