Computing

• Architecture Computing: soa-ithelp@andrew.cmu.edu
• Bob Armitage: Office - CFA 213; Email - rja2@andrew.cmu.edu 
• Mark Jovanovich: Office - CFA 320; Email - mjovanov@andrew.cmu.edu | mjx@cmu.edu

CMU offers central IT support through Computing Services. They are your primary contact for issues with your Andrew account/email, VPN and/or any hardware not affiliated with Architecture. Computing Services can be contacted via their Help Desk:
E-mail: it-help@cmu.edu
Phone: 412-268-HELP(4357)
Help Desk: Cyert Hall 119

Carnegie Mellon Architecture students are required to have their own laptop computers that are powerful enough for, and compatible with, the software required for their coursework. The university has shared computer labs on campus with software, however access is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is imperative that students have access to their own laptop.

Please refer to the following specifications prior to purchasing a laptop. Computers must meet or exceed the following specifications or else students will be unable to complete computing-related tasks in their coursework. Contact architecture tech support with any questions about these recommendations or purchasing a laptop.

• CPU: Intel latest 14th generation i7 or i9, AMD Ryzen 7 or 9
• Memory: 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended
• SSD: 1TB+ recommended
• Monitor: 15 inch minimum recommended
• GPU: RTX 4060 minimum, 4070+ recommended
• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 
  • Note: PC with Windows is required. Running Windows on a Mac is not supported by Architecture or the University.
• Warranty: Recommended 3 year warranty with accidental damage coverage

Please note: Students with a system that does not meet the above guidelines may be unable to complete coursework. Mac systems require a Virtual Machine and may use an ARM version of Windows. These solutions do not support all Architecture software, and while workarounds may exist, they are not recommended or supported.

Laptop Lending

If your personal laptop has an issue and needs to be repaired, Architecture Computing has a small number of laptops available to lend. 

• You must sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating that you are taking university property and could be liable for any resulting damage, theft, etc.
• Laptops can be borrowed for a maximum of 14 days.
• If you borrow a laptop, we ask that you take the necessary steps to have your own laptop repaired/returned to service as soon as possible.

Personal Hardware

Architecture Computing can provide limited first-level support for personal computing hardware whenever possible. Computing cannot fully support personal hardware. You will need to contact the manufacturer for major hardware concerns.

Architecture Computing has licenses available for specific software packages. Standard license information is available below. Some software titles will be class dependent, so information must be received from the instructor when the class begins.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Install Adobe Creative Cloud from the Computing Services website. If you have a problem with your Adobe license, contact Carnegie Mellon’s Eberly Center.
• Autodesk: The Autodesk suite of software is available for students on the Autodesk website. If you are having trouble installing Autodesk, visit Autodesk Education Support.
• CMU VPN: Some software requires the use of a CMU server, including Rhino and V-Ray. To use these software packages while away from the CMU network, you must use the CMU VPN (Virtual Private Network). Visit the CMU VPN Installation page for more information. Contact the Computing Services Help Center if you need help installing and using the VPN.
• Google Suite: All members of the Carnegie Mellon University community receive 25GB of storage via Google apps/Google Drive. You should always back up important files throughout the year in case of a catastrophic failure. 
• Keyshot: Keyshot is course specific and Architecture only carries a limited number of licenses. You will be given instructions only if you are taking a course which requires its usage.
• Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office software is available free of charge through Carnegie Mellon University. Visit the Microsoft 365 page for more information. If you have issues, contact Computing Services.
• Miro: Miro is available at no cost to students. To install, navigate to the Miro login page and click “Continue with Google." Select your Andrew ID account and then click the button "Continue to SSO.” You can now login with your Andrew ID. 
• Rhino and V-Ray: Rhino and V-ray require you to access a specific Architecture server. That information will be provided in an email from architecture tech support or from an instructor.

Download Links

Some software will require you to be on campus and connected to a CMU network. If you are off campus or not on a CMU network, you will need to connect to the VPN. Contact Computing Services if you have trouble connecting to the VPN. 

You will receive printing instructions via email from Architecture Computing before the start of the semester. 

Mobile TV carts are provided throughout Architecture spaces as alternatives to a projector and screen. Carts are to be used for presentations and teaching. Faculty may request students use carts for a course or presentation, but students should not relocate carts or use them as personal devices.

Computer Hardware

If you are new to the department and discover legacy hardware in your area, please gather as much information as possible about the hardware and report it to Architecture Computing. Computing may not be aware of the device or what data is stored on it. 

Hardware Return/Exchange/Retirement

If you need to return, exchange or retire computer hardware, please reach out to Architecture Computing before doing so. Be sure to back up all relevant project data before disposing of any equipment.