::: Student Computer Requirement & Computer Standards :::

Student Computer Requirement

The computer and the Internet are indispensable elements in today's educational environment, and they become particularly critical for engineering majors to a level equivalent to a hand-held calculator. This trend is already here to stay, and it will continue and accelerate in the future.

the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering requires each student entering the major to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program.

Competency in the basic use of a computer is a requirement for graduation. Students are required to use of a computer for class assignments, submit assignments, communicate with other students and faculty electronically, and access electronic forms of information. Academic advising and registration can be done by computer, and official university correspondence is often sent via e-mail.

Either a notebook/mobile or a desktop computer is acceptable for Civil or Environmental Engineering curriculum in order to be able to function in the current learning environment. However a notebook/mobile computer with wireless connectivity is recommended.

If you have a question in regard to this student computer requirement policy, please contact

Dr. Gary C. Schafran.
Professor and Chairman
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Kaufman Hall Room 135
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3753
Fax: (757) 683-5354

Computer Standards and Recommended Configurations

Computer technology continues to change rapidly, and prices for computers continue to drop. Depending on the student's individual situation and curricular choices, it may make sense to lease, or acquire a used computer initially followed by a new computer when entering the upper division or graduate programs. It is reasonable to expect that any computer will need upgrading over the course of four or more years. Make sure that the computer’s memory is expandable.

Windows-based computers are the dominant choice in most of engineering academic programs as well as in professional engineering activities. Students considering purchasing other platforms, such as a Macintosh, should carefully examine pros and cons corresponding to the requirements of one's curriculum.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Notebook/mobile computers with faster processor speeds and greater storage capacity are readily available and students may wish to purchase a machine with capabilities beyond the minimum specifications listed below.

However, a notebook/mobile computer that meets following minimum specifications will be adequate for a multi-year period of use. The CEE department does not make any recommendations on particular models or vendors. Discounts to students are often available from computer vendors.

The Monarch Techstore, located in Webb Center North Mall on ODU campus, is another source for hardware and software. The Techstore carries both desktops and laptops for students and faculty/staff to purchase. You can also save on software, peripherals and other computer supplies. Techstore's current partners include Dell, Gateway, and IBM.

Following minimum specifications may not be necessarily available in new computer configurations currently on the market (i.e., new computers are way better than minimum specifications). Such minimum specifications are provided as a reference for a minimally configured [desktop | notebook/mobile] computer.

Component	Recommended Configuration
Operating System	Windows XP Professional (Windows XP Home is not adequate) If you want to try Vista or simply do not want to change OS that comes with new computer, it is still O.K. and no need to down-grade to XP Professional. If you go for Vista, then you may consider Vista Ultimate or Vista Home Premium instead of typical Vista Home Basic or Vista Business. Side-by-side comparison on various Vista editions is listed at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo (T5500, T7200 and T7400) dual-core processor
Memory	512 MB minimum, 2GB of DDR2 (double-data-rate 2) RAM recommended
Hard Disk	40 GB hard disk drive minimum, 80 to 120 GB recommended
Video Card	1280x800 native resolution
Video Screen	Any active-matrix LCD Any laptop screen larger than 15.4" is acceptable. Students may want to purchase a larger monitor for a docking station. Any desktop screen larger than 17" is acceptable.
CD ROM	Any speed CD-RW/DVD+/-RW combo drive
Mouse / Keyboard	Any
Modem	56k v.90 (not essential though)
Network Hardware	10/100/1000 Ethernet and Wireless (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g) -- Much of ODU campus is covered by a campus wireless network
Sound Card	Any type with audio input/output
Printer	Any A printer is required but there is no current requirement on type (laser / inkjet), model or brand.
Notebook Battery	2 hr Minimum Current notebooks run between 1.5 and 5 hours on the included battery. It is suggested that an optional battery (or extended battery) be purchased.
Other	USB 2.0 ports (2 minimum, the more the merrier) FireWire (IEEE 1394) port (FireWire 400 minimum, FireWire 800 recommended) Type I/II PCMCIA slot Secure Digital (SD) card reader

Minimum Software Requirements

Students must obtain an office software suite such as Microsoft Office. Microsoft Works IS *NOT* acceptable.

Additional software may be required throughout your academic curriculum but should not be obtained until you enroll in those specific courses.

Software can be obtained at an academic discount at the Monarch Techstore, located in Webb Center North Mall on ODU campus.

Software	Description
Office Suite	Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings and database information must be in a format readable using Microsoft Office. Documents may be transmitted in native, HTML, PDF or ASCII formats at the discretion of the faculty. This means both information provided by the faculty for students to use and information provided by students for the faculty will conform to these formats. Any software that can read and write to these formats is acceptable.
Mail Client	Any POP3 or IMAP compatible mail client will be sufficient (Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, Pegasus, Netscape, Thunderbird, etc). All official communication with a student is sent to ODU student email address.
Web Browser	The most recent versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator are required. Other browsers, such as FireFox, Opera or Lynx, may work but are not officially supported.
Acrobat Reader	Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open PDF files.
Anti-Virus Software	McAfee Virus Scanner, Norton Anti-Virus, TrendMicro Antivirus, etc.

If you have additional question(s) in regard to above computer standards and recommended configurations, please contact Dr. Jae Yoon.

Also, here is a list of helpful links for selecting a laptop computer.