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.

HelpDesk

The Helpdesk assists with the many Berkeley course resources, support resources, and other online data forums, Berkeley offers HelpDesk services. Students may contact the HelpDesk via chat, phone or email for technical help. The Canvas Helpdesk is available 24/7.

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

- Windows10 or Mac 11 Big Sur
- Remote Desktop Client (built into the Microsoft OS)
- Remote Desktop client for Mac version 2.1.1
- Web browser: Chrome and FireFox (latest versions)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader software (download Acrobat Reader for free)
- RealPlayer (download RealPlayer for free)
- Java Plug-in 1.7 or higher (download Java Plug-in for free)
- A current anti-virus software
- Identity Verification
  - Chrome
    - Proctorio Extension

*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

Computer Requirements:

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

Semesters Requirements:

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