As a general observation, the college has shared computer resources strategically located around the campus: in the Miller Information Commons (library), computer labs, the student lounge and other areas.

Our IT help desk provides assistance connecting personal computers to the campus network and installing the College's anti-virus software. If the student computer needs hardware repair, the student will be referred to his warranty service provider or a local vendor for service.

Champlain College cannot guarantee full network resources for computers that do not meet the recommended specifications, including older Microsoft Windows computers as well as Macintosh or Linux computers.

SPECIFIC COMPUTER CONFIGURATION RECOMMENDATIONS BY DIVISION & MAJOR

Robert P. Stiller School of Business
Division of Communication and Creative Media
Division of Education and Human Studies
Division of Information Technology and Sciences

The Robert P. Stiller School of Business

The main instructional campus has wireless access in classrooms and common areas which makes a PC or Mac laptop the ideal choice for business students at Champlain. The information below applies to the following majors:

• AccountingBusiness Administration
• International Business
• Management of Creative Media*
• Management and Innovation
• Marketing

Laptop Personal Computer or Mac - Minimum Configuration

The specifications below can be applied to configure either a Windows laptop or a Mac Laptop. Mac users may also need to acquire a licensed copy of a Windows operating system for their Mac computer depending on software requirements for classes.

• A system (laptop or desktop) running Windows 7 or MAC OS 10.6
• A computer that has a 2.4 GHz or faster processor
• 4 GB or more RAM
• 300 GB or more hard drive (7200 RPM)
• 500 MB or better video card running at 1280 x 768
• CD/DVD RW Drive
• Laptops: Wireless capable
• For Windows up to date and working virus protection
• An integrated webcam is helpful for Skype/online chat sessions

This configuration is designed to serve the user for their 4 year college career.

Desktops

For personal preference, budgetary, or other usability reasons some students will find a desktop computer (PC or Mac) preferable. This is acceptable, though a laptop offers more versatility and flexibility in a college environment.

Backup

There are numerous backup devices available including online storage and physical external USB drives. Several services offer "cloud" backups, such as Dropbox or iCloud. Students are responsible for maintaining and updating an adequate backup copy of their work product to allow them to continue working in the case of a computer loss or malfunction. Another common solution is to include an external USB drive with at least the same capacity (160+GB) as the student laptop drive.

A smaller thumb drive is useful for porting files around campus but can be easily lost or damaged and is not recommended as the students' primary backup (either a portable hard-drive kept in their room or cloud backup services are advised).

* Management of Creative Media students should look at the requirements of the creative area they will be focusing in to determine their computer needs.

The Division of Communication and Creative Media

Many of the majors in the CCM Division are computing intensive and require the use of highly specialized software, which is why we continue to maintain and expand our outstanding computer labs and classrooms. Specific hardware and software needs vary tremendously by course and by program, and it can be costly and difficult for students to keep their computers as up-to-date and as fully equipped as our labs. Here is some general information based on program of study:

• Broadcast & Streaming Media. Mac laptop strongly recommended starting junior year - please contact program director for specific hardware and software specifications.
• Communication. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.
• Creative Media. Mac laptop strongly recommended starting junior year - please contact program director for specific hardware and software specifications.
• Digital Filmmaking. Mac laptop strongly recommended starting junior year - please contact program director for specific hardware and software specifications.
• Game Art and Animation. *See below
• Game Design. *See below
• Graphic Design and Digital Media. Because of the high costs of font packages and other specialized software, use of laptops in GDD classes is not recommended for the first two years of study. A Mac laptop is recommended as of the first semester of the junior year. A digital single lens reflex (dSLR) is recommended as of the first semester of the freshman year.
• Public Relations. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.
• Professional Writing. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference. Specific classes may involve the use of a digital still camera, a digital audio recorder or a digital video camera.

*Game Design and Game Art and Animation:

For incoming freshman, we only suggest you bring a basic laptop with wireless (Mac or PC, your choice). You will use this for email, doing more traditional homework like writing papers, and for research. It isn't necessary that you have the hardware for game production this first year. We have multiple labs for you to access the software and hardware you need to get started.

However, if you decide you do want to have your own hardware we suggest the following:

A Desktop PC - Our game development pipeline is primarily PC, and you may find some problems with trying to incorporate a Mac. We highly discourage trying to replace this system with a gaming laptop.

Here is what is in our labs currently:

• Windows 7
• Intel Core i7 2600
• 16 Gig DDR3 @ 1600Mhz
• 2T 7200 RPM disk
• Nvidia 570 HD
• 24" Dell Ultrasharp monitor connected via displayport for color correction.

Minimum specs:

• Windows 7
• Late Gen Intel Dual Core or Newer
• 4 Gig or more memory
• Hard drive: A single 7200RPM drive with at least 250Gig
• Nvidia 200 series or greater, or an ATI 4000 series or greater.

Software

For the first year, you will find all your game development software needs met by using our development labs. However, you might want to have some basic word processing software for doing your traditional class work. If you decide to purchase software for your desktop, to save costs we suggest you buy educational versions. The limitations on educational licenses are that they are not upgradeable. We completely condemn the usage of "cracked" software on our campus.

RECOMMENDED:

• Student/Teacher Edition Microsoft Office Suite
• Reliable anti-virus software

WHAT WE ARE USING:

• Unity 3D 4
• Adobe CS6
• UDK (latest release)
• ZBrush 4 (we will upgrade to 4.0 when it releases)
• Autodesk Maya 2013
• 3DSMax 2013

The Division of Education and Human Studies

• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Policy
• Legal Studies
• Psychology
• Early/Elementary Education
• Middle School Education
• Secondary Education
• Social Work

Although the College has considerable shared computer resources available on campus, a student owned personal computer will allow flexibility and convenience.  As the campus provides broad wireless access, a laptop computer is especially practical but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.

Students in the Teacher Education majors: Early Childhood/Elementary, Middle School, and High School will find a scanner and / or digital camera useful.

The Division of Information Technology and Sciences

Most of the majors in the ITS Division are computing intensive:

• Computer & Digital Forensics
• Computer Information Technology
• Computer Science & Innovation
• Computer Networking & Information Security
• Game Programming

They require the use of highly specialized software, which is why we continue to maintain and expand our outstanding computer labs and classrooms. Specific hardware and software needs vary tremendously by course and by program, and it can be costly and difficult for students to keep their computers as up-to-date and as fully equipped as our labs. Here are some general guidelines:

Most small computers sold through retail venues or the major online distributors (laptop, desktop or mini-tower) are generally adequate for a student's coursework both in and out of the Information Technology & Sciences Division at Champlain College. A lightweight laptop combined with a comfortable docking station (e.g. ergonomic keyboard and mouse combined with relatively high-resolution dual monitor(s)) is much more useful than an overpowered desktop. Especially when purchasing a laptop, but also for desktop purchases, it is important to be sure your computer comes with a warranty.

It is possible to use Intel-based Apple Computers, but some of the software needed for course work will only work with Windows, and you will need an installed and working copy of Windows 7 either via BootCamp, or using virtualization software.

The following are some general guidelines for computers all majors in the ITS Division. These are the minimum guidelines for you to think about if you plan to purchase a new computer or upgrade an existing computer.

• A system (laptop or desktop) running Windows 7
• A computer that has a 2.4 GHz or faster processor
• 4 GB or more RAM
• 300 GB or more hard drive (7200 RPM)
• 500 MB or better video card running at 1280x 768
• CD/DVD RW Drive
• Laptops Wireless capable

The configuration would accommodate most students' needs for the first 2 years. It may be beneficial to upgrade for the junior and senior courses.

Updated spring 2013