Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
New Westphal College Student Computer Information
As you probably know, all Drexel students are required to have access to a personal computer. Below are our computer specifications for each Westphal College major. Regardless of major, your computer should have modem and Ethernet connection capability. If you purchase a laptop, we recommend purchasing a cable-type computer lock and a wireless networking option. More information about our networks is available at: Drexel Networking Support.
During freshmen year, most students will use their computers primarily for email, web access, research, and writing. Therefore, if you already have a computer, bring that with you and delay purchase of a new system until sophomore year. As you progress, your studio coursework will demand greater computing power, and you will be better able to determine your own computing needs and preferences.
Computer Specifications
Each program within the College has different computing requirements. Please refer to list of programs and their allowed platforms below to guide your purchase.
| Program | Platform |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Windows Laptop |
| Design & Merchandising | Apple or Windows Laptop |
| Digital Media | Apple or Windows Laptop |
| Entertainment Arts Management | Apple or Windows Laptop |
| Interior Design | Windows Laptop |
| Fashion Design | Apple or Windows Laptop |
| Film & Video | Apple desktop or Laptop |
| Graphic Design | Apple Notebook or iMac |
| Music Industry | Apple Laptop |
| Photography | Apple or Windows Laptop |
| Screen Writing & Play Writing | Apple Laptop |
Minimum Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements for the computer that you will be purchasing. Any information not listed here, such as cdrom drives, etc, is completely up to you and your budget.
Apple
- MacBook, MacBook Pro, Intel iMac, Mac Pro
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.0Ghz)
- Memory: 2 GB
- Hard Drive: 160 GB hard drive
- Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
Windows
- Processor: Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon/Turion (2.0Ghz)
- Operating System: Vista 32/64 (Home Premium, Business, Premium or Ultimate) or Windows XP (Home or Pro)**
- Memory: 2 GB
- Hard Drive: 160 GB hard drive
- Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
** You can downgrade your operating system from Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows XP Professional by contacting the manufacturer of your computer. However, please do not feel obligated to do so as Windows Vista is supported by the University.
Additional Requirements
Architecture & Interior Design
- 4GB DDR2 RAM
- 250GB hard drive
- Nvidia GeForce 8400M or better dedicated graphics card
Note: We strongly recommend all programs purchase a portable hard drive for backups. The hard drive should have the following specifications: FireWire and USB 2.0 connection,250GB minimum. For Film & Video, Screenwriting & Playwriting, and Digital Media programs, we recommend at least a 500GB hard drive for yours projects; so students can work on any workstation in the computer labs.
Note: Many students will find having a USB 2.0 keychain-type storage device or a small portable hard drive convenient for transferring files between their personal computer and computers in our design studios.
Note: You do not need to purchase Microsoft Office or Antivirus software with you computer. That software, along with some others, is available free to all drexel students. To see all of the sofware that is available please visit the Drexel Software download site and log in with your Drexel Username and Password
Further data about computer purchases is available via Drexel's web site here. Please contact your Major's Department for further information.
And finally, in Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, your detailed computer questions can be answered by one of the following individuals:
| Name | E-Mail Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Rappaport | jasonrap@drexel.edu | 215-895-1680 |
| Patrick Wills | pjw26@drexel.edu | 215-895-1680 |
| Jordan Santell | jsantell@drexel.edu | 215-895-2906 |
| Peter Bartscherer | bartscherer@drexel.edu | 215-895-1636 |