Architecture
	This policy applies to new and transfer students who enter the program beginning in fall 2006. For Computer Policies governing students who entered the Architecture program prior to the fall of 2006, click here. All Architecture majors (BS Arch or MArch students) who have been accepted into the professional program (sophomore through graduate), are required to provide a notebook computer and appropriate software. All BS Arch or MArch students who are required to provide a notebook computer will be provided with a design software application on a yearly basis. The design software application will be designated by the department. All design studios (sophomore, junior, senior and graduate) require that each student have a computer system available, in the studio, during class time. Each student has two (2) options for acquiring the required laptop:
	VMobile Program: Lease a laptop through the University of Idaho’s VMobile program. The student must choose a computer system that is identified as being compliant with the degree program’s specifications. VMobile >>>   VMobile Exemption: Students, who wish pursue the option to opt out of the VMobile program and purchase a computer from another vendor, must fill out, sign and submit an exemption agreement stating that they will purchase a computer that meets or exceeds the minimum computer VMobile Exemption Form >>>
Interior Design
	This policy applies to new and transfer students who enter the program beginning in fall 2006. For Computer Policies governing students who entered the Architecture program prior to the fall of 2006, click here. All Interior Design majors who have a sophomore or higher standing in the professional program are required to provide a notebook computer and appropriate software. All Interior Design students who are required to provide a notebook computer will be provided with a design software application on a yearly basis. The design software application will be designated by the program. All design studios (sophomore, junior and senior) require that each student have a computer system available, in the studio, during class time. Each student has two (2) options for acquiring the required laptop:
	VMobile Program: Lease a laptop through the University of Idaho’s VMobile program. The student must choose a computer system that is identified as being compliant with the degree program’s specifications. VMobile >>>   VMobile Exemption: Students, who wish pursue the option to opt out of the VMobile program and purchase a computer from another vendor, must fill out, sign and submit an exemption agreement stating that they will purchase a computer that meets or exceeds the minimum computer VMobile Exemption Form >>>
Landscape Architecture
	All Landscape Architecture majors who have a sophomore or higher standing in the professional program are required to provide a notebook computer and appropriate software. All Landscape Architecture students who are required to provide a notebook computer will be provided with a design software application on a yearly basis. The design software application will be designated by the program. All design studios (sophomore, junior and senior) require that each student have a computer system available, in the studio, during class time. The required notebook computers must be in compliance with the specifications outlined by the degree program. More information >>>
Virtual Technology & Design
	All Virtual Technology & Design (VTD) majors are required to provide a notebook computer and appropriate software for any VTD course in which they are enrolled. All VTD majors who are in good standing and pay the College's Professional Fee, will be provided with a design software application on a yearly basis. The design software application will be designated by the degree program. The required notebook computers must be in compliance with the specifications outlined by the degree program.  More information >>>
For Computer Policies governing students who entered the Architecture, Interior Design or Virtual Technology & Design programs prior to the fall of 2005, click here.

Specifications for
Computer Hardware & Software

When purchasing hardware and software, students should consider compatibility with I/O support in the college's Computer Studio; information and data transformations; and portability between supported applications. The suggested specifications are posted and updated on a regular basis on this web site. Also suggested on this web site will be network devices that allow the students to gain network access to the college and university resources as well as the World Wide Web (WWW).

The programs estimate that students may be spending up to $2,600 for a "minimum system" including hardware and software. Student Financial Aid, worked out in a case-by-case basis, will need to take this into account when determining estimated student expenses.

Computer Studio

The Computer Studio's role is to provide, develop and maintain a teaching facility to deliver courses that are computer technology centered. Also, the facility will provide, develop and maintain specialized I/O peripherals and software applications. These hardware and software items are intended to work in conjunction with the student owned systems.

Security Plan

There are three (3) potential levels of system security available to the students:
First, the exterior doors in all of the Art & Architecture facilities will be locked after 11:00 P.M. every day. However, the College has provided Vandal ID card readers on each of the buildings that allow 24-7 access to Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Virtual Technology & Design, and Art + Design majors.
Second, each student should consider purchasing basic desktop security devices to lock their computer equipment to their desks. These lock-down devices are available from many office supply and computer vendors with basic prices ranging from $20.00 to $60.00.
Third, students should consider acquiring is computer insurance. Some insurance companies cover computers via their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance while others may have specific insurance to cover computers only. Please check with your insurance company as to the type and availability of coverage.

Support

All students are responsible for trouble shooting & repairing their own hardware and software under the manufactures' or vendor's warrantees. The college's and university's technical staff will assist the student in trouble shooting network problems and advise on system security issues (anti-virus & personal firewalls).