Computer & Software Recommendations
The Department of Visual Arts uses computers and digital technology integrally in a variety of disciplines: Photography
and Graphic Design being the most heavily dependent.
Our department is solely based on Apple Macintosh technology as it is the generally the industry standard in most art professions. Students may use whichever platform they wish but our recommendations are for Macs only
Laptop Macintosh (Recommend Computer 1)
- Intel Core Duo, 1.83GHz Processor MacBook (art) OR Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz Processor MacBook Pro (photography
and graphic design) with Apple Care - Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.X or current Mac operating system
- 1GB RAM; 2GB RAM (photography)
- 120 GB Hard Drive
- SuperDrive
- 10/100Base-T Ethernet built in and 25' CAT-5 network cable (off campus you might need to get the built in modem)
- Airport Extreme
- 250 GB External Hard Drive USB or Firewire (photography)
- Microsoft Office for Mac (current version) academic pricing
- USB Card Reader for digital camera flash cards
- USB Flash Memory Drive 1G minimum
- USB Inkjet printer (Canon, Epson, HP) and USB cable
- Surge Supressor
- Carrying Case
- Laptop Lock (for dorms)
- Writable DVD or CD disks for archiving and storage
- Digital SLR with lens (photography)*
- Digital Camera (graphic design and art)
Desktop Macintosh (Recommended Computer 2)
- Intel Core Duo, 1.83GHz processor (iMac or better)
- Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.X or current
- 1G MB RAM
- 250 GB Hard Drive
- 20" Flat Screen Studio Display or 20" iMac
- 8X Double-layer SuperDrive
- Apple USB Keyboard
- Apple Mighty Mouse
- 10/100Base-T Ethernet and 25' CAT-5 network cable (off campus you may need a v.90 56K modem)
- 250 GB External Hard Drive USB or Firewire (photo)
- Microsoft Office for Mac (current version)
- USB Card Reader for digital camera flash cards
- USB Flash Memory Drive 1G minimum
- USB Inkjet printer (Canon, Epson, HP) and USB cable
- Surge Supressor
- Writable DVD or CD disks for archiving and storage
- Digital SLR with lens (photography)*
- Digital Camera (graphic design and art)
Software Requirements
All students must also purchase Adobe CS4 Design Premium Edition. This software can be purchased from the NKU Bookstore at discounted academic pricing.
The Bottom Line
We recommend that students purchase the MacBook Pro 15" however, If you are on a budget the minimum recommendation is an Apple MacBook. On either model, please get the largest hard drive and memory that the student can afford. Always get Apple Care.
For those with laptops, you can plug in an extra monitor to use dual screens for more visual real estate and have an
external keyboard and mouse when working in a set location like in your dorm room or home.
Educational pricing is available from the Apple Store in Kenwood but only for hardware equipment made by
Apple. Show your NKU ID.
Apple's online store education store for NKU can inform you on specials, place orders, and give information. You will receive the discounted educational pricing from this link.