Student Computer Recommendations

This page provides recommendations to Design students on what computers and software to purchase to help you be successful in your coursework.

Hardware

The UC Davis “Recommended computer configurations for students” are a good starting point: http://kb.ucdavis.edu/?id=0765

In addition to those minimum specifications, Design recommends the following:

• At least 16GB RAM
• At least a 15-inch, high-resolution screen

Both Windows and Mac computers can run the most common software used in Design classes.

Software

The software most commonly used in Design coursework includes:

• Microsoft Office: Available at no cost to students at http://officedownload.ucdavis.edu/
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Available by monthly or annual subscription. Adobe offers discount subscriptions for students at https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students.html

As you start to take more upper division courses within the design major you may have projects that require specialized software, but the list above will be plenty to get you started.

Alternatives

Note that there are many open-access computer labs on campus that you may use for your coursework, though having your own computer may be more convenient:

https://computerrooms.ucdavis.edu/openaccesslabs.html

Students may also access specialized software on lab computers remotely using the IET Virtual Lab:

https://virtuallab.ucdavis.edu/

Additionally, Department of Design provides a classroom (207 Cruess Hall) that is available when not in use for classes, an open-access computer lab (205 Cruess Hall), and laptops for checkout from the Tool Room (101 Cruess Hall) that are available for Design majors and students to use:

https://arts.ucdavis.edu/design-computer-studios

https://arts.ucdavis.edu/design-tool-room