General Information
Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts majors covered on this page include:
Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Graduate programs covered on this page include:
Platform & Operating System
Creative Technologies Majors must own a MacOS or Windows laptop and bring it to all CTK classes. NO Tablets, Chromebooks, eReaders, etc. These will not be able to render the type of multimedia that we create in our classes. Linux laptops are acceptable but users must find a way to run the software required for CTK classes (see below).
Computer Specifications
Creative Technologies recommends that students maintain computers that are less than two years old and have a warranty. Students may wish to purchase through Illinois State University’s TechZone Sales Center, in the Bone Student Center, which has many models of laptops on display that can be tried out in-store. TechZone also provides academic discounts and is an authorized repair service for Apple, Dell, HP and Lenovo computers.
These are the minimum specifications for running CTK applications on MacOS and Windows machines:
- Current Generation mid-level Intel, AMD, or Apple M processor
- Minimum 16GB Memory, 32GB recommended
- 500+GB SSD
- 1TB SSD External storage for backup and archival purposes
- 3-button mouse (required for Unity / Game Design)
For laptops, pick a display size that best fits your needs. 13-inch laptops seem to be the right size for portability and tend to be popular for that reason. Larger screens, though less mobile, provide more visual space for a more efficient workflow. Many students have a cheap, second monitor screen which they keep in their personal workspace to connect to their laptops.
Audio Production students will be required to have over-ear headphones (not earbuds). For beginning audio students, these headphones do not need to be expensive. Advanced audio students may wish to upgrade to higher quality headphones and can consult with their instructor for recommendations.
Software Recommendation
The university provides the Microsoft Office365 suite of software, in both online and locally installable versions, plus the equally paramount Adobe Creative Suite, at no extra cost. The result is that potential employers know our graduates will have experience with these two industry-leading platforms.
Office365 is a service, available to all faculty, staff and students at Illinois State University. It allows you to:
- Access your email and files from anywhere, on any device
- Store your files in the University-connected OneDrive cloud, for anywhere-access to your stuff
- Download the latest version of Microsoft Office for installation on your laptop or desktop computer
- Install the Microsoft Office App on your mobile devices
- Access Microsoft Office Online (a simplified version of Microsoft Office) even on systems that do not have Microsoft Office installed.
Need assistance installing Microsoft Office? Visit TechZone Service Center in the Bone Student Center for in person assistance or watch either of the following videos: Windows or MacOS
The vast majority of CTK classes use Adobe software, and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is provided to all students, free of charge. Additional software may occasionally be required for specific CTK classes. Students will be notified ahead of time before signing up for such a class and will be required to purchase the software if they enroll in such a class. Required software will not be more expensive than an average textbook.
Adobe Creative Cloud is available to students; request access at Adobe at ISU
Commonly Used Programs
Audio Production: Abelton, Audition, Max, Logic Pro X
Video Production: After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop
Web Design: Atom, Firefox, Chrome
Computer Programming: Atom, Chrome
Game Design: Unity, Unreal, Twine, VScode
Additional Information
All ISU students will have access to Microsoft Office 365 through Illinois State University. This includes the Microsoft Office basics (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as Outlook calendaring and email. The Illinois State University campus leverages the benefits of Microsoft Office 365 with OneDrive cloud storage. At the time of this writing, all ISU students have 1TB of storage, making OneDrive an excellent utility for backing up files, sharing files with others, and retaining files needed while being mobile. For larger projects, such as video and music creation, CTK students will use their external hard drive. Students should consult with their undergraduate advisor, graduate advisor, or faculty members if they have any questions.
In addition to storage, fast internet connectivity at home is highly recommended. Because of large media file sharing on collaborative projects as well as backing up data, fast connectivity will make a big impact on a project’s workflow and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which OS my computer runs?
ChromeOS is not supported in any program at Illinois State University. Your computer should be running either the current version of Windows or MacOS. When it comes to deciding between MacOS and Windows, both are technically sufficient for Creative Technologies. However, Game Design student feedback has indicated that Unreal performs far better on a Windows machine than on a Mac. There are several features available in the Windows version of Unreal that have not been implemented in the MacOS version that you may find useful.
Do I need to buy a new laptop?
As long as your computer meets the specifications noted above and is less than two years old you should be able to continue using it with no issues.
What do I do if I have computer problems?
TechZone is available to troubleshoot, and if necessary repair, many computer brands. Please visit us in the Bone Student Center. No appointment is needed to take advantage of the service.
Do I need to run antivirus? What do I do if I get a virus?
Yes, you should be running your choice of antivirus software on your computer. If you suspect your computer has a virus, you can bring it to TechZone for a free virus scan and removal.
