Personal computers are not required by RIT for course work as all assignments and projects can be completed using the computer labs provided by the university. However, most students find having a computer while attending RIT beneficial for academics and personal use. RIT's Information & Technology Serevices provides the following buying guidlines:
http://www.rit.edu/its/services/buying_guidelines/index

Recommended Manufacturers (not an exhaustive list):

• Apple
• Dell
• HP

Hardware Recommendations:

• Processor:
  • At least Intel Core 2 Duo –OR–
  • At least AMD Phenom 2
• RAM: At least 2 GB, 4 GB recommended.
• Hard Drive: At least 80 GB, 200 GB or larger recommended.
• Graphics Card: At Least 256 MB Memory, 512 MB or higher recommended. If possible, use the SolidWorks System/Graphics Card Requirements matrix to find recommended graphics when configuring a new PC.
  http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/videocardtesting.html
• Laptop screen size: At least 15 inches, 17 inches recommended.

Additional information:

• Almost all manufacturers have educational discounts ranging from 5% - 10% off. The manufacturer website will have an education section in the online store.
• All Apple computers shipped since 2006 are manufactured with Intel hardware and can run Windows 100% natively. They are like every other PC on the market and can be used for the classes in MMET/PS.

Software Recommendations:

• Windows XP, Service Pack 3 –OR– Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Microsoft Office 2007: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Windows XP Pro SP3
• Windows Vista Business SP1
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2007
• Microsoft Visio 2007
• Microsoft Project 2007

SolidWorks 2008-2009 Student Edition.

SolidWorks 2009-2010 Student Edition can be purchased online for $139.95.
http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/SolidWorks/SolidWorks/1010993

Instructions to access department fileshares.

Please refer to the PDF below to set up dirve mapping and VPN to access department fileshares on and off campus.
Mapping Drives.pdf