Web Design and Development 1 - Software and Hardware Recommendations

This course was designed using the Microsoft Windows operating system.

These are the basic hardware and software configurations that we have used to create our web design labs. We recognize that there are many different possible ways to effectively outfit a lab in order to teach a similar course. In addition to the below software suite, we are currently experimenting with "virtual tour" photo sofware, as well as Illustrator, and the 3D modelling software Rhino as they apply to web design and development.

Operating System:

Windows 98/2000 or later

Hardware:

Individual Computers

Minimum 64 Mb of RAM -- preferably greater (128 - 256)
166 MHz processor -- preferably greater
Color monitor -- 17-19 inch, minimum 800 x 600 resolution, 256 color
CD ROM drive

Lab Hardware:

One or more of the following

Flatbed scanner -- (a good stand alone frees up a computer station)
Digital camera
Zip drive
CD Burner

One of the following:

Video projector
Networked server with access to shared drives and internet access, preferably at T1 or greater

Software:

Installed on Individual Computers

Notepad or equivalent text editor
Macromedia Dreamweaver 3.0 or later
Adobe Photoshop 5.5 or later
Macromedia Homesite 4.5 or later
Microsoft Internet Explorer browser (latest version)
Netscape browser (latest version)
Suite of software that includes document, email and presentation softward (Microsoft Office)

Lab Software:

One or more copies of optical scanning software (Omnipage or similar)
Limited copies of Macromedia Flash, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, etc.
Software for downloading and storing digital camera images