College of Architecture Computer Policy

More information can be found on the College of Architecture's website

All students in the College of Architecture’s Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture programs must lease, purchase, or have ready access to a laptop computer that meets or exceeds the specifications listed below. Incoming students are highly encouraged to use a Windows PC. (See Apple Laptops page 2) 

Hardware Specifications: 

• Warranty: 3-year recommended 
• Required accessories:   
  • Flash Drive: Printing or file transfers
  • External Mouse: 3-button with scroll wheel 

Graphics Cards 

Nvidia makes two separate lines of GPU’s (Graphics Processing Unit). The GeForce line is marketed for gaming and the Pro line is for industrial applications. Here is a breakdown of each line-up of cards and a recommended minimum model number of each that is needed to effectively run the required applications in UNL College of Architecture programs. 

GeForce Naming convention: The first two digits refer to the series or generation of the GPU. For example the “50XX” is the most current generation. The second two digits refer to the performance tier of that generation. The lowest tier being the “XX50” up to (depending on the generation) the “XX90”. To add to the confusion, some models have an added “Ti” to the end which represents a half step between performance tiers. 

NOTE: What is deemed a “gaming card” is still very capable of running all the applications used by the college. The difference is that the “industrial cards” have been extensively tested and earned an ISV (Independent Software Vendors) certification for compatibility. This is why a similarly performing “Industrial card” will cost more than a “gaming card.” 

UNL Huskertech Computer Shop 

For the last several years the UNL Huskertech Computer Shop has offered laptop packages specifically configured for students in the College of Architecture. Because of the positive response, the Computer Shop will again offer packages for students in the College of Architecture. Since 2013, they have worked with Dell to arrange special educational pricing. 

Information will be posted on the Huskertech sales website as the terms are finalized. You can also check with the UNL 

Huskertech Store directly (402-472-5151) for more information on what options are available. They are located in the Nebraska Union at 1400 R St. Room 122. 

Huskertech Website                  Architecture Bundle Website

The College of Architecture recognizes that some students may already own a computer with comparable specifications, perhaps only falling short on RAM, processor speed, or graphics capability. While such a computer may be suitable in the short term, it will be necessary for you to acquire a computer that meets or exceeds the specifications listed above during, or soon after, your first year of school. 

Please be advised that any custom-ordered computer takes between a few weeks to over a month from the time an order is placed, to the time the computer is received. All students are expected to have their computer purchased and software installed on or before the semester starts.

Apple Laptops: Are no longer supported due to compatibility issues with Apple’s Silicon processors and applications used by the programs. In November 2020, Apple launched its proprietary ARM-based “Silicon” processor that replaced Intel processors in its entire lineup of computers. 

Even though “virtual machine” software such as Parallels or VMware that can run Windows as a program on an Apple computer is available, they can only run the “ARM” processor version of Windows, which is different from the version installed on a typical Windows Intel or AMD processor PC. Some applications will not install, have performance issues, or crash when run on a virtual machine. The College of Architecture has never endorsed trying to run any of the required applications on a virtual machine due to its inability to efficiently run them.