COMPUTER HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

The mandatory Laptop Program at UND Aerospace has been discontinued. However, laptops will continue to be an essential learning tool in the classroom and aviation students are now expected to provide their own personal laptops for this purpose.

When purchasing personal computers students should be aware that most software programs used in the aviation classes are Windows-based and for this reason a PC is recommended over a MAC.

Suggested Computer Specifications: Below are the specifications of the Dell 630 computer used in our recently discontinued mandatory Laptop Program. These may be used as a guide when choosing your personal laptop as all current Aviation software programs run properly with these specifications.

• Intel Intel Core Duo Processor 2.0 GHz
• 2.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 DIMM Memory
• 120GB Hard Drive 5400 RPM
• Integrated 24x/10x/24x DVDRW/CDRW Combo Drive
• 14.1 WXGA Active Matrix Wide Screen
• Expansion Slots: One Type II PC Cards Slots
• External Ports: Four USB, VGA
• Video: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 135M
• Keyboard and Mouse – Full Sized keyboard and Touch Pad Device
• Multi Media Package – Integrated Sound and Stereo Speakers, Headphone/Speaker jack, Line-in and Line-out Mic Jacks
• Battery
• Network Adapter – Integrated Intel PRO 10/100 VE Network Connection
• Wireless Network Adapter – Integrated 802.11a/g Wireless Networking

Keep in mind the following important points: NetBook–sized computers may not have sufficient screen resolution to run the Aerosim Virtual Flight Deck used in Avit 428 and Avit 480 (generally taken during your junior or senior year). Here are the minimum specifications for the Virtual Flight Deck:

• Intel processor from last 3 years
• Microsoft recommended values for RAM depending on OS installed
• 4 GB free space on hard drive
• Video card capable of running OpenGL and screen resolution of 1024x768 or 1280x1024
• OS required is Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7

MAC computers MAY NOT work properly with some Aviation software programs (like AIMS and the Virtual Flight Deck) even though some students have had success using Windows paralleling software. Because technical support for personally owned computers will not be provided by UND Aerospace, students should inquire about warranty upgrades when purchasing their laptops. Discounted software packages are available at http://www.und.edu/dept/itss/software.html or http://www.microsofthup.com/hupus/home.aspx?culture=en-US.

If you have questions call the Aerospace Help Desk at 777-6487, or Laptop Director at 777-6343.