Computer Specifications

During the BEDS program, each student will need:

1. laptop computer with a screen size of 13鈥� or more, a webcam, microphone, either built-in speakers or external speakers with a Bluetooth or USB connection, and a wireless mouse with a scroll wheel
2. cable lock or lock bracket for your laptop (and optional desktop monitor)
3. external hard drive (preferably solid state) for backups, with a capacity (e.g., 1鈥�2 TB) that is twice as large as your laptop鈥檚 internal storage (You should also back up your files to Dal's OneDrive, which provides 1 TB of free offsite storage.)
4. desktop monitor (optional) with a 22鈥濃��32鈥� screen that can reside in your studio space and connect to your laptop

Software

Here are the main applications you'll use between B1 and B5. Except as noted, each is available for Windows and Mac.听

Hardware

Your computer needs to run the applications for your term. For incoming students, your current laptop (Windows or Mac) may be sufficient during the first term or more. The specifications below describe what you'll need and when. For lower educational prices, wait until September, when you will be a full-time student.

If you need a new computer to serve you throughout the BEDS program (and MArch program), double-check the current hardware requirements on the websites for the software you'll be using, then check Apple, Best Buy, Staples, etc. Laptops from Apple, LG, Samsung, and MSI are highly rated by Consumer Reports. Windows laptops may be more useful than Macs, as they can also run Windows-only applications such as CCWorldWeatherGenerator (required in B5), Rhino/Grasshopper plugins, ArcGIS Pro, and Revit. For those who prefer Mac, you can find those Windows-only applications on the School's lab computers.

Minimum Hardware Specifications

听

听

听

听