ADVANCED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Below is more detailed guidance on hardware, software, peripherals, etc that may be useful to you as you get closer to coming to campus.
CAD FLOOR MAPS
Use these handy guides to navigate the primary CAD buildings - Booth and Gannett.
CAD FAQ
We’ve assembled a handy list of commonly asked questions about CAD resources for once you’ve arrived on campus. You can review that HERE.
SCHEDULE.CAD.RIT.EDU
We’ve created a custom schedule view of all the rooms in CAD (includes Booth, Gannett, and MAGIC). This is handy when trying to find an open lab to work in or an open room to schedule a meeting. You can check schedules HERE.
SOFTWARE (Expanded)
<NOTE ABOUT ADOBE AGAIN>
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office 365 is free to RIT students. www.rit.edu/its/services/personal-computers/software/office-365
NOTE: Google Docs does not provide all the necessary functions offered in Office365 – we do not recommend using it completely in place of Office365
* Prices may vary by Fall. Please check for deals offered through RIT’s Digital Den. Great discounts are frequently available closer to the start of Fall Semester, and you may want to check once you arrive at RIT.
Google G-Suite
RIT students have free access to G Suite for Education from Google, which includes an RIT Gmail account and the various Google apps (like Docs, Sheets, etc. that could be viable alternatives to purchasing Microsoft software depending on your budget). This also includes up to 1TB of storage with Google Drive, which offers a great cloud storage option for all of your school work as part of your data back up plan.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
Special Offers and Purchase Programs - These offers are open to all registered CAD students and are updated as new offers come out. This page requires an RIT log in to view.
PERIPHERALS
Wacom Pens
Wacom tablets are available in multiple CAD labs, and pens are available for 24-hour checkout through our equipment cages. However, we are also recommending that students purchase their own pen if they prefer not to use the cage or want to minimize exposure through shared equipment.
Wacom Pro Pen 2 - KP504E
Wacom Pro Pen 3D - KP505
Keyboards and Mice
While keyboards and mice are available at every workstation in the college, we are currently recommending you consider purchasing your own USB keyboard and/or mouse for use in the labs as a safety precaution for Fall semester.
FYI, Bluetooth is NOT universally available on all computers, so be mindful of how your peripherals connect to the computer. USB is a common interface on all workstations.
DIGITAL MEDIA STORAGE
Remotely accessible server storage is available for temporarily moving files through the RIT network. USB “Thumb” drives can be used for smaller portable needs. However, we also strongly recommend you consider a 1-2 TB portable USB hard drive for larger project work and for data backup, and more efficient portability between labs and other work environments. We also recommend that you keep backups of your files (projects, etc.) in AT LEAST 2-3 places and save often! Currently, USB 3.0 drives designed for stationary use can store over 1Tb but, for maximum portability, we recommend the following portable or semi-portable models:
USB Flash (Thumb) Drives: (These will go by such names as “Jump”, “Flash,” or “USB” drives)
Prices range from $10 – $155 depending on size; on average they can store between 1GB to 32GB or more. It is HIGHLY recommended to have at least two flash drives and use them to save duplicates of your files.
Media:
o 32GB in size or larger (fast cards to match your camera: SDHC, CF, XQD, CFexpress B, SDXC, etc.)
o Card reader (multiple format capable) – USBC interface
o USB flash drives: 32GB or larger – USB3 speed
o Any required adapters (dongles) to make sure these devices can properly connect to your computer – get spares as these can easily be lost
NOTE: Purchase a brand name product to assure reliability, this is not a place to save money. Some brands to consider: Kingston, Lexar, and Sony.
External Storage Media:
o Two external drives, at least 1 or 2TB each – USB3 speed (7200rpm HD or SSD). You will need to format these as ex-FAT drives before you begin using them so they can work with both Mac and Windows computers. Stand-alone (bus powered) drives are most convenient. You will use one as a “working” drive and one as an “archive” drive.
o Any required adapters (dongles) to make sure these devices can properly connect to your computer – get spares as these can be easily lost
NOTE: Purchase a brand name product to assure reliability, this is not a place to save money. Some brands to consider: G-Tech, LaCie, LG, OWC, Samsung, , Seagate, Toshiba, Western Digital (WD).
Tablets
Many of our students also work with Touch Screen Tablets like the iPad and the Galaxy which can be used for a variety of applications in and out of the classroom. If you are looking to purchase one for yourself, we recommend getting one with the greatest capacity you can afford at the time. (You never know what your future demands will be and these devices don’t have a provision for upgrades.)
SECURITY
We recommend investing in a laptop lock ($40.00) for your portables. These are available at the Campus store or at most computer stores. NEVER leave your laptop unsecured.
Questions?
If you would like suggestions about additional equipment such as scanners, printers, and digital cameras, please contact us at cadtech@rit.edu and we will answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate department resource.