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 minimum computer recommendations 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 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 | Macintosh or Windows Laptop |
| Digital Media | Macintosh or Windows Laptop |
| Interior Design | Windows Laptop |
| Fashion Design | Macintosh or Windows Laptop |
| Film & Video | Macintosh desktop or Laptop |
| Graphic Design | Macintosh Laptop |
| Music Industry | Macintosh Laptop |
| Photography | Macintosh or Windows Laptop |
| Screen Writing & Play Writing | Macintosh Laptop |
Minimum Requirments
Below are the minimum requirments 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.
Macintosh
- MacBook, MacBook Pro or Intel iMac
- Processor: Intel Core 2
- Memory: 1 GB
- Hard Drive: 60 GB hard drive
Windows
- Processor: Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon/Turion
- Operating System: Windows XP - Professional Operating System**
- Memory: 1 GB (minimum)
- Hard Drive: 80 GB hard drive
- Wireless: 802.11 b/g
**: Windows Vista is not yet fully supported by the University. However, if you have no other option than Vista you should not run into many problems.
Note: We strongly recommend all Film & Video, Screenwriting & Playwriting, and Digital Media students purchase a portable hard drive. The hard drive should have the following specifications: FireWire and USB 2.0 connection, 60 GB minimum.
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. Also, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design has arranged to purchase Macintosh equipment through The Computer Connection. Download the flyer here.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Shampine | mjs349@drexel.edu | 215-895-2906 |
| Dede Maitre | deirdre.s.maitre@drexel.edu | 215-895-1680 |
| Pete Tilden | pjt29@drexel.edu | 215-895-1680 |
| Peter Bartscherer | bartscherer@drexel.edu | 215-895-1636 |