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Be at the forefront of technology

Computer Services and Virtual Lab

Berkeley College has always been committed to training students on the latest technology as it relates to the professional world. College facilities are equipped with current hardware and software (including specialized industry-specific applications), audio-visual equipment, wireless networking, and more. All technology is supported by Berkeley staff.

24-hour HelpDesk

To assist with the many Berkeley course resources, support resources, and other online data forums, Berkeley offers a 24-hour HelpDesk. Students may contact the HelpDesk 24/7 online or by phone for technical help. The HelpDesk can also assist with specific issues or questions regarding online courses.

Computer Labs

Each Berkeley campus offers at least one computer lab for student use. Along with numerous computer stations loaded with current software, students also have access to printers and other technology to use for assignments, research, and more. Evening and weekend hours make it convenient to fit projects into busy schedules.

Virtual Lab

The Berkeley College Virtual Lab offers students secure, remote access to a variety of widely used business software programs from laptops, tablets, or smartphones with remote desktop capability. Using a secure password and student ID, the virtual lab is easily accessed by on-site and online students via a remote desktop connection.

Computer System and Software Requirements

In order to take an online course, you will need to meet the following minimum computer requirements:

PC System Requirements

  • 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  • 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  • 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
  • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
  • Sound card with speakers
  • Microphone
  • Keyboard and Mouse
  • Webcam
  • High-Speed Internet Access (Cable, DSL, or FIOS)

Mac System Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur:

  • MacBook (2015 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2013 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
  • Mac mini (2014 or later)
  • iMac (2014 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2013 or later)
Learn about compatibility and how to identify your specific Mac model.

Software Requirements

  • *Microsoft Word 365
  • *Microsoft Excel 365
  • *Microsoft Access 365
  • *Microsoft PowerPoint 365
  • Additional program-specific software for ITM students can be found at Microsoft Imagine Web Store

*Students may download for free Microsoft Office Products by logging into their MyMail accounts.

Frecuently Asked Questions

Interior Design Online Program – Required Equipment / Cost Breakdown / Semester

PC hardware recommendation

  • Operating system
    • Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit
  • Desktop & laptop processor
    • Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU (More core count equals faster rendering times)
    • Minimum:
    • Intel: i5
    • AMD: Ryzen 5
    • Recommended:
    • Intel: i7, i9
    • AMD: Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9
  • Memory / RAM
    • The more RAM in the system can handle more heavier 3D files
    • Minimum: 8GB
    • Recommended: 16GB
  • Storage
    • Minimum: 250GB Solid state drive (SSD)
    • Recommended: 500GB Solid state drive (SSD)
  • Display card (GPU)
    • AMD or NVIDIA
    • Minimum: 1GB GPU
    • Recommended: 4GB GPU
    • *Intel Integrated graphics are not recommended for CAD softwares
  • Mouse
    • 3 button mouse required
  • Internet access required

 

Mac hardware recommendation

  • If the student prefers to use a Mac, installation of Window 10 with bootcamp is required
  • Windows 10 student version is provided free for Berkeley students
  • Bootcamp is free software that lets the user install windows on a Mac
  • Parallels are not recommended because of the amount of resources it consumes
  • Refer to PC hardware recommendation

First Semester

Supplies
  • Drafting Package - $80.00
  • T-Square - $25.00
  • Color pencils/markers - $40.00
  • Foam core / glue/model making - $30.00

Total approx. $175.00

Second Semester

Software
  • AutoCAD - Student Version Free from Autodesk – 3-year license
  • Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint – Free for Students
  • Acrobat Reader - Free download
  • SketchUp Pro - $55.00 / yearly
  • Adobe Photoshop - $19.99 / month (only needed for 1 month) student can purchase /month as needed in their final presentations.
  • Dialux - Free for students
  • Comcheck - Free for students

Total approx. $75.00

Third Semester

Supplies
  • Construction I class materials - $50.00

Total approx. $50.00

Fourth Semester

Software
  • Rhino - Evaluation Version free for 90 days
  • VRay - $99.00 / year
Supplies
  • Lighting class materials - $25.00

Total approx. $125.00

Fifth Semester

Supplies
  • Construction II class materials - $20.00

Total approx. $20.00 

Sixth Semester

Software
  • Revit - Student Version Free from Autodesk - 3-year license
Supplies
  • Furniture Design class materials - $30.00

Total approx. $30.00

Seventh Semester

Supplies
  • Miscellaneous approx. $20.00

Total approx. $20.00

Eighth Semester

Supplies
  • Miscellaneous approx. $ 20.00

Total approx. $20.00

Course-Specific Software Requirements

All of the following software programs listed below with the noted exceptions will be available through our online virtual lab for students taking online courses. (Graphic Design requirements are broken out separately.) Accessing the virtual lab is slower than having the software installed on your own computer and requires a high-speed internet connection. Student versions of most of the software listed are available for purchase at BerkeleyStore.BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Instructions for connecting to the Online Virtual Lab: Virtual Lab Instructions

  • Intuit's ProConnect
  • Tableau, Excel, R, R-Studio
  • Python with Visual Studio Code or Jupyter Notebook
  • R, R-Studio, Rapidminer
  • Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle Data Modeler, Oracle Database Express Edition, and Tableau.
  • Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle Data Modeler, and Oracle Database Express Edition.
  • Microsoft Project Management SW Cloud
  • Salesforce Trailhead
  • Office 365 - Word
  • Office 365 - Excel
  • Office 365 - PowerPoint
  • Office 365 - Excel
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Any video recording device such as an iPhone or laptop/desktop camera
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Any video recording device such as an iPhone or laptop/desktop camera
  • Any video recording device such as an iPhone or laptop/desktop camera
  • Any video recording device, such as an iPhone or laptop/desktop camera
  • Any video recording device, such as an iPhone or laptop/desktop camera
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere
  • Video Copilot plugins (tutorial plugins are free for students)
  • Digital SLR camera with video capabilities
  • Chroma key green screen muslin, 5' x 7' (required for online students)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver
  • Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver
  • Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Premiere
  • Video Copilot plugins (tutorial plugins are free for students) Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Video Copilot plugins (tutorial plugins are free for students)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite - Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere
  • Video Copilot plugins (tutorial plugins are free for students)
  • Digital SLR camera with video capabilities
  • Chroma key green screen muslin, 5' x 7' (required for online students)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
  • Digital SLR Camera with video capabilities
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Unity 3D
  • Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Unity 3D
  • Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • Subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
  • Maya (free for students)
  • Unity 3D
  • Bluehost hosting provider (provided by Berkeley College)
  • SpringCharts (Web)
  • Microphone
  • Marketplace Venture Strategy Simulation
  • Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Dreamweaver, photoshop, Animate) (2020)
  • Microsoft Project Management SW Cloud
  • Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Dreamweaver, photoshop, Animate) (2020)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Notepad++
  • Photoshop
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Notepad++
  • Animate/Dreamweaver
  • MC Visual Studio 2013
  • Office 365 - Excel
  • Marketplace Introduction to Business Strategy Simulation

Chrome Books and computers running Windows 10 in S Mode are not compatible with all software and therefore do not meet the minimum requirements.

Please note that hardware and software requirements, as well as the availability of software in the Virtual Lab are subject to change at any time.

If you have any questions regarding the computer requirements, please contact the HelpDesk at 973-278-5400 ext. 1540 or email HelpDesk@BerkeleyCollege.edu.