Engineering is not merely knowing and being knowledgeable, like a walking encyclopedia; engineering is not merely analysis; engineering is not merely the possession of the capacity to get elegant solutions to non-existent engineering problems; engineering is practicing the art of the organized forcing of technological change ... Engineers operate at the interface between science and society ...
– Gordon S. Brown (1907 - 1996)

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ECC Required Student Laptop Purchase

Overview

Beginning Fall 2011, students who declare a major or minor in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management (ECC) are required to purchase a laptop for use in major coursework. Students who declare prior to Fall 2011 are exempt from this requirement, but are encouraged to participate as well.

General Requirements

  1. Ability to send/receive email including attachments, browse the network and download files
  2. Ability to communicate to external devices over a USB 2.0 or better port
  3. Ability to read and write documents in Microsoft Office format. University students are eligible to purchase Microsoft Office at a significant discount at the university bookstore. Certain Microsoft Products are available via the campus Microsoft Development Network (MSDN) Academic Alliance at no charge – see msdn.microsoft.com for details and login to accounts.ecst.csuchico.edu to request access to specific software. Various open-source alternatives are also available – see osalt.com for details
  4. Wireless, high-speed Internet connection capability
  5. Anti-Virus Software

Details (updated April 2013)

  1. PC Users
    Component All ECC Majors APCG Majors
    Recommended Minimum Recommended Minimum
    CPU (no Celeron) Intel Core i7 Intel Core i5 Intel 7 Quad Core Intel Quad Core
    Memory 8GB 4GB  16GB  12GB
    Display 15.6"+ UXGA/WUXGA 14" SXGA/WSXGA  17" UXGA/WUXGA  15.6" UXGA/WUXGA
    Video Adapter 1GB 512MB  Workstation video card*  1GB*
    Wireless IEEE 802.11 g/n IEEE 802.11 b/g/n  IEEE 802.11 g/n  IEEE 802.11 g/n
    Operating System 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional recommended) or 8 (Pro recommended) 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7
    * Visit http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?siteID=123112&id=18844534 to find a video card that is recommended for Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite.

    To verify compatibility with a MS Windows laptop you currently own, open System by clicking the Start button Windows Start Button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System. Under System, you can view the processor type and speed, as well as a variety of other information about your laptop.

  2. Mac Users
    All ECC Majors APCG Majors
    Recommended Minimum Recommended Minimum
    15" MacBook Pro 13" MacBook Air 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display 15" MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM
    Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Mac OS X 10.7 Lion Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

    To verify compatibility with an Apple Mac laptop you currently own, open About This Mac by right-clicking the Apple button Windows Start Button, and then clicking About This Mac. You can view additional information about your laptop by clicking the More Info ... button. 

    Note:
    1. Not all College of ECC software is compatible with OS X; hence, additional software may need to be purchased and installed in order to run MS Windows software within OS X, or your laptop can be dual booted.
    2. Apple products are available at a discount through the A.S. Bookstore.

Support

Laptops purchased through the A.S. Bookstore on campus can purchase an extended warranty on the computer. Additionally, the A.S. Bookstore provides some technical support. In any case, it is always a good idea to have all your data backed up regularly.

Financial Aid

If you are required to purchase a laptop and you are unable to afford the purchase out-of-pocket or with your current financial aid award, please contact your College of ECC department/program office. Your department will supply the Financial Aid Office with a list of all majors needing a computer loan. If possible, the Financial Aid Office will increase your Cost of Attendance to include the additional computer expenses and process a new loan for you. You MUST use these loan proceeds to purchase the required computer system. See the Financial Aid Office website for additional information.

Downloads

PDF versions of the following documents are available for your reference:
  1. specifications
  2. financial aid

Additional Information

Please contact your department office and/or your program coordinator for any additional specific information regarding the College of ECC required laptop and how this relates to your major.