Kansas State University

Requirements for Laptops
(Updated June 2009)

Interior Design students entering the second year of study are required to have their own laptop computer that meets or exceeds required minimum specifications. Because the requirements are updated each year, students might want to delay purchase of their laptop until their second year in order to have the most current technology when it is required. Students may request the Office of Student Financial Assistance to include the cost of a computer into his/her overall cost to attend K-State. Generally, including the cost of a computer will increase the student's eligibility for different types of federal or non-federal aid (i.e. Parent PLUS Loan or alternative loans). Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to discuss specific eligibility criteria.

Dell has an agreement with Kansas State University and we've made arrangements with Dell to setup bundles especially made for ID students. Go to Dell's K-State Portal and click the recommended bundles.

For Apple computers, we recommend you take a look at the Union Computer Store. They have some good bundles on Apple hardware and good prices on academic licensed software for Mac and PC.

Minimum requirements:

K-State's recommendations for buying a new laptop apply with the following exceptions:

  • A PC or MacBook Pro with Windows XP or newer operating system is required to run applications
  • K-State Antivirus Software installed (not necessary to buy antivirus software)
  • Windows installed for dual booting on Apple's are supported, but only if it is booted into a legal purchased version of Windows without virtualization (No Fusion or Parallels).

Recommended Laptop:

  • Duo Core Processor, 2.4GHz or faster
  • 4 GB Memory or more
  • 320 GB, 7200 rpm Hard Drive or better
  • 256MB Graphic Card or Higher
  • 15" or larger built in display
  • DVD/RW capable optical drive
  • Wireless and Wired network support
  • External Mouse with 2-buttons (Optical mouse encouraged)
  • 3-Year Manufacturer warranty recommended

Required Applications:

  • Microsoft Office Suite - Office 2007 Professional for Window or Office 2008 for Mac $79.95
  • Adobe CS 4 - Design Standard CS4 (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat 9 Pro) $249.00
  • Autodesk CAD - Autocad 2010 Education SV (61 months term) $159.95

Free Downloads available online:

KSU Network Prerequisites and Antivirus Software:

To use the campus wireless or wired network, there are security procedures and programs that need to be installed and adhered to. Please follow the instructions found on the College's Personal and Student Computer Connection Policy.

You will need to protect your laptop by installing antivirus software. As a student, you must download and install this for free at antivirus.ksu.edu