University of Arkansas Computer Store and Service Center

Class Specific Technology Requirements

We have obtained technology requirements and recommendations from the faculty of the following departmental programs and classes. This page will be updated each semester with updated information from the faculty. If you have any questions regarding the following recommendations please contact us. This page is not intended to be a complete set of requirements for any particular class, only the recommended technology items.







Interior Design

This class requires each student to obtain a 1GB or greater USB Flash drive. You are also required to have a computer system capable of running AutoCAD software. The department also recommends other software packages(listed in below PDF).

AutoCAD Architecture Desktop software comes in two types: 1Yr licenses have a lower cost but will be disabled on your computer after one year of usage. You will have to purchase the new version each year you use the product. Perpetual licenses have a higher cost but will work throughout your undergraduate career. Perpetual licenses do not come with any version upgrades so you will use the same version throughout the use of the product. The 1Yr license has a lower up front cost, a higher long term cost, and gives you the benefit of the latest version each year. We carry the 1Yr license in stock. We make the Perpetual license available to order (3-5 business days) for anybody who chooses it.

AutoCAD runs poorly on a system with less than 1GB of system memory. If your current laptop does not meet the minimum memory requirements (1GB minimum, 2GB or more recommended by the department) we have an online memory upgrade tool which will help you find a price on memory upgrades for your current computer system. You can even bring your laptop into the store and have the memory installed by a technician. Please call and talk with one of our technicians before ordering memory for us to install.

Recommended computer, software, and accessory specifications:

Products available through the U of A Computer Store:







MBA and MIS Program: Walton College of Business

Incoming MBA and MIS students are required to obtain a laptop before entering the program. You will also need to obtain a copy of MS Office Professional. The student license can be purchased through us for $99.95. Laptop and software recommended specs are listed below:

The U of A Computer store is an authorized repair center for Dell, Gateway, and Apple laptops. The recommended systems come with a 3 year warranty and can be repaired in our store for your convenience. This will ensure that your laptop will last you through your stay at the university. When selecting a laptop, you will notice there are many different sizes of laptops. 12" widescreen laptops are the most portable and weigh the least. 15.4" widescreen laptops are the largest. 14" widescreens balance weight and screen size. Almost all laptops have an external monitor connector which allows you to hook up a desktop screen while working at a desk. Try to keep in mind how and where you will use your laptop when selecting screen size.

MBA and MIS Products available through the U of A Computer Store:







Architecture: 2nd Year Undergraduate Students

Architecture students will need to purchase a computer capable of running computer aided drafting (CAD) programs, such as AutoCad Architectural Desktop and AutoDesk Viz as well as design program suites such as Adobe Design Standard. The Architecture department has recommendations for both laptop and desktop configurations, but this is a quick run down of what students should look for in a laptop:

*Microsoft has recently begun phasing out Windows XP in favor of the new Vista OS on new consumer PCs. There are several versions of Vista available, but the University strongly suggests that students use Vista Business or Vista Ultimate. Home versions of Vista and XP will not allow proper network connectivity in the UA’s computing environment. The School of Architecture requires Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or XP Professional.

Note: If your computer has XP or Vista Home editions, upgrade licenses can be purchased on campus for educational pricing.

Recommended computer, software, and accessory specifications:

Products available through the U of A Computer Store: