Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Tech Recommendation
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Important Note: Microsoft 365 is required for all majors in College of Fine Arts. OHIO provides Microsoft 365 at no charge to our students.
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS |
NOTES |
School of Dance and School of Theater |
These majors do not a have a specific laptop recommendation. Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, etc. are all acceptable. A webcam enabled device or webcam accessory is recommended for all Fine Arts majors. |
School of Music |
The School of Music does not a have a specific laptop recommendation. Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, etc. are all acceptable, however, Chromebooks are highly discouraged. Why are Chromebooks discouraged: Some students will be needing to use a more professional suite of digital tools. Most will not need a professional DAW or video editing software as a first year student. After a student progresses out of their first year, it becomes more evident on what software they will need (Ableton, Logic, etc.) Chromebooks are very limiting since not much can software can be installed on them which would then require a student to use the computer labs. A webcam enabled device or webcam accessory is recommended for all Fine Arts majors. |
School of Film: Students should have a personal computer equipped with Adobe Premiere Pro. Adobe Premiere Pro is purchased directly from Adobe (student discounts are available). Recommended specs for computer in order to handle Adobe Premiere Pro: Windows systems
Mac systems
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School of Art + Design: Technology needs in the School of Art + Design vary by concentration, area of study, and personal interests. However, we recognize that flexibility and accessibility are essential, especially in a field where digital tools play a key role in artistic and design practices. Students are not required to purchase a new computer when starting their program. In fact, many students can begin their studies using a digital device they already own and/or make use of computer labs on campus. During the first year, some courses may require the use of a personal computer, and if they do, the software applications needed for these courses should run on any device. Students can consult with their instructor/instructors at the start of each semester if they have any questions about their current personal digital devices. Remote Desktop Access to a High-Powered Computer:
This remote desktop access ensures that the students, regardless of their personal hardware, can work with advanced art and design applications and complex processes such as Adobe Creative Cloud apps, video editing, 3D modeling, and motion graphics from any location. However, it is recommended to have some personal devices with larger screens and the ability to connect a keyboard and mouse with a scroll wheel to allow the student to maximize their ability to navigate, interact, and access the remote desktop and the full range of applications needed. This access is also added in addition to the limited physical computer labs in many of the schools, libraries, or other computer labs around campus. Technology Recommendations for the Following Areas of Study: Laptop Recommendation: MacBook Pro: System A thru System D Upgraded Laptop Recommendation: MacBook Pro: System E thru J Students who are considering film and video, motion and animation graphics, augmented reality environments, realistic 3D CAD renderings, and or other complex digital art processes and applications will require a laptop computer with increased memory storage, processing capabilities, and graphics cards. If a student feels they are planning to utilize any of these specific modalities of art + design production, we recommend they consider purchasing an upgraded model to increase their productivity and functionality. |
Software Recommendation Important Note: It is not necessary to purchase software prior to the start of your classes. We recommend consulting with your instructors/area of focus to determine what is needed for your courses. Digital Camera: We highly recommended that students utilize digital cameras within their art + design practices. Students will be using these devices to document their artwork, studio practice, designs, and collect visual images for research. We encourage the use of any device including; cell phones, digital cameras, and DSLRs. Students are not required to own or purchase a camera. Digital cameras are available through the College of Fine Art's CREATE_space + Central Checkout facility. Digital File Storage: We highly recommended that students utilize external hard-drives and cloud-based services to store and archive their digital files: research, portfolios, assignments, papers, and any other digital reference material that will be critical to each student and their professional ambitions. In addition to external hard-drives and cloud-based services, SD cards and flash drives can help to facilitate increased flexibility and production for those working on research, designs, and artwork in different labs or on multiple devices. Webcam: A webcam enabled device or webcam accessory is recommended for all Fine Arts majors. |
Laptop + Technology Recommendations for Studio Art: Digital Art + Technology (DAT): Windows-only computers (No MacBook), Minimum recommended (2025): Consider having a drawing tablet or iPad Pro with a pen + Keyboard, and a Mouse. Students in the DAT area will have access to limited physical computers in the DAT studios, a dedicated remote DAT desktop, COFA remote Desktop, and Remote Ohio Supercomputer access to explore the different technologies and applications. Students who are considering video, motion, animation graphics, virtual or augmented reality environments, 3D and CAD renderings, and/or other complex digital art processes and applications may want a laptop and/or desktop computer with increased memory storage, processing capabilities, and graphics cards. If a student feels they are planning to utilize any of these specific modalities of art + design production, we recommend they consider purchasing an upgraded model to increase their productivity and functionality. Design professionals increasingly utilize technology to explore and create as part of the design process and as practicing professionals. The industry standard for interior design and architecture has traditionally been the PC (Windows). |
Software Requirements: |
Interior Architecture Majors: Digital design technologies are integral in design learning and practice. The following hardware, accessories and software are required for successful participation and completion of studio coursework in Ohio University’s Interior Architecture Program. Design professionals increasingly utilize technology to explore and create as part of the design process and as practicing professionals. The industry standard for interior design and architecture has traditionally been the PC (Windows). When acquiring your PC laptop, please note that the industry standard drafting and rendering software is Windows-based (no MACs!). With that, here are the minimum specifications to be able to capably run software for drafting (Revit) and rendering (TwinMotion)software. Minimum Operating Specs: |
Software Requirements: Peripherals: |
Other technology recommendations for all School of Art + Design student: |
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