Hardware/Software Requirements

Students attending Oregon Tech Seattle are strongly advised to acquire a personal computer sufficient to run the software required for program courses. Currently the most demanding software package that is used in the program is CATIA V5, which is used in the CAD, tool design, and senior project sequences. The following is the recommended minimum system for CATIA V5:

  • Network Adapter with Internet access is required.
  • Operating System: Windows XP - Home or Professional, or more advanced versions, Windows Vista or Windows 7
  • Disk Drive: 40GB minimum, but much larger recommended by instructor
  • Memory: 1 GB minimum, but 2-4 GB recommended by instructor
  • CD-ROM drive required, CD/DVD-R/W recommended
  • Graphics Adaptor: A graphics adapter (card) with a 3D OpenGL accelerator is required. Graphic performance will depend on the selected graphics adapter. The graphics adapter should have at least the following capabilities:
    • 24 bits, true color, double buffered visual
    • 24 bits, Z-buffer
    • Stencil Buffer
    • Minimum 17 inch display with 1024 x 768 resolution, bigger is better for both.
  • Keyboard, mouse, USB ports.
  • Printer

It may be expensive to acquire a portable computer with sufficient hardware to operate CATIA V5 in a reasonable manner. As such, it may be more economical to acquire a desktop computer for running CATIA V5.  If the student desires a portable computer, a much less expensive machine can then be acquired for running applications other than CATIA.

Internet Access

Students are strongly encouraged to acquire Internet access outside of their work environment. Electronic communications have become an integral component of today's engineering environment and the ability to access electronic communication outside of work is often required. Firewalls can create difficulties with accessing information and downloading software.

In addition, it is often advantageous to be able to communicate with faculty or students on weekends or after work. Oregon Tech students are automatically assigned an Oregon Tech email account, which is used for several communications with the student. Students taking on-line courses are strongly encouraged to acquire a high-speed Internet connection at home to assist with timely completion of their studies.

Scientific Calculator

All Oregon Tech-Boeing students are expected to have and be able to use a scientific pocket calculator.

Many different brands are available and most will perform satisfactory. The on-line mathematics courses may require a graphing calculator, usually a TI-83 or TI-84. However, if you are not planning on taking the on-line math courses (MATH 100, MATH 111, MATH 112) most brands and models of scientific calculators will be sufficient.

Software

During the course of their education, students in the program are expected to become proficient in operating several computer software packages. The following software packages are currently used by various courses in the program:

  • CATIA V5
  • MATLAB
  • Microsoft Office
    • MS Word
    • MS Excel
    • MS Power Point

USB Flash Drive

With the increasing size of computer files, students in the Oregon Tech-Boeing program are encouraged to acquire a USB Flash Drive.

The size of the drive is left up to the students, but 1GB drive is a realistic minimum, with 2-4MB or larger recommended.