Technology Solutions Center (TSC)

Fabian Gomez
Director of Information Technology
gomezf@umd.edu 
(301) 405-6329  

Kenny Nguyen 
Information Technology Specialist
anguye13@umd.edu 
(301) 405-6792  

Shawn Williams
IT Support Assistant
swilli50@umd.edu
(301) 405-6328

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software. In addition to these requirements, many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace. 

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements. Many software applications are available to all matriculated students.  We recommend you check the following website to see a complete list, https://terpware.umd.edu/. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

Preferred Hardware Specifications

VR-Ready/Gaming PC/Laptop ~ $2,400.00 (Great for multi-purposes overall)

• Processor: Intel Core i7 or greater
• Memory (RAM): 16 GB - 32 GB DDR4
• Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD for Operating System and 1TB for data storage
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX3060 or greater
• Extended warranty with accidental coverage.

MacBook Pro (16 inch model) ~ $2,700.00 (Great for graphic design, not for VR or modeling)

Many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace. Additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

• External monitor 27-inch 4K monitor or larger
• University-provided cloud storage (Google Drive and/or Box) 

KEEP IN MIND: Some coursework software are NOT compatible or supported on macOS such as AutoDesk Revit, NavisWorks and Lumion. A separate software called Parallels Desktop and a Windows 11 license must be purchased and installed to get your Apple device working with aforementioned software.

Software– Approximately $ 244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

Adobe Creative Suite (or Adobe Creative Cloud) -- FREE through UMD TERPware program (https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/Title/1971):

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe inDesign
• Adobe Illustrator

 Autodesk – FREE through Autodesk Education portal (https://www.autodesk.com/education/home):

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Revit

 Microsoft Office 365 – FREE through UMD TERPware program (https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/Title/3107):

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel

Other specialized programs - Subscription or License is required:

• Rhinoceros (through www.creationengine.com, $195)
• SketchUp Pro (through www.creationengine.com, $49)

The TSC Policy and Procedures document goes over the protocols followed in the school for handling various technology related issues and requests. Please review the document below.

Computer Lab Availability

MAPP Computer Labs

Location

Architecture Building, Room 0111 
Architecture Building, Room 1115

Hours of Operation

24 hours

Hardware

ARCH 1115

• 25 Dell Precision 5820
• 1 HP LaserJet M712 – B/W 8.5" x 11" and 11" X 17"

ARCH 0111

• 35 Dell Precision 5820
• 2 HP LaserJet M712 – B/W 8.5" x 11" and 11" X 17"

Windows Software

• 7-zip
• Adobe Acrobat DC 
• Adobe After Effects CC
• Adobe Audition CC
• Adobe Bridge
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator 
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Media Encoder
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• ArchiCAD 25
• ArcGIS Pro 3.3
• Argus Enterprise 14.0
• Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings
• Autodesk 3DS Max 2025
• Autodesk Maya 2025
• Autodesk AutoCAD 2025
• Autodesk Revit 2025
• Autodesk Navisworks 2025
• Autodesk Recap 2025
• BlueBeam 20
• Blender
• Climate Consultant
• Enscape
• eQUEST
• Faro SCENE
• Foxit PDF Reader
• Google Earth Pro
• Lumion 2024
• MeshLab
• Microsoft Office Suite 2021
• QGIS
• Rhino 8
• VRay for Rhino/Revit/Sketchup
• Sefaira for Revit
• SketchUp Pro 2024
• SPSS 28
• UltiMaker Cura
• Tally
• VLC Media Player

Virtual Computer Lab

A virtual computer lab is available for students to utilize remotely. Most software offered within the School can be accessed through the virtual lab. Please email us if you do not see the UMD Graphics Desktop icon once you configure the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.

Virtual computer lab information and setup: https://ter.ps/virtuallab

The TSC does not support personal devices. However, the UMD Division of IT provides some technical support for those type of devices. The Terp Tech Store is currently located at 0398 Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center. In the Fall 2024, it will be moved to the Patuxent Building, Rm 0100. For more information visit https://it.umd.edu/.

Digital Output Center (DOC)

Location: Architecture Building, Room 0101A
Opens 24/7 hours

Hardware:

1. Four Canon PRO-6000S – Up to 50" large-format color plotters.

2. Two Xerox AltaLink C8035 – 8.5x11 & 11x17 B/W & Color copier/printer/scanner.

3. One Oce PlotWave 345  – Up to 36” B/W large-format B/W plotter with integrated scanner of the same size.

DOC Instructions Manual: https://ter.ps/tscdocmanual

Software Queries

How do I access and use TERPware (free software installations) from university?

Various software products are available for download and use by University of Maryland, College Park students, faculty, and staff due to agreements managed by the Division of IT between the university and software companies. Many are available for download at no cost through TERPware, the university's software download website. The list of software can be found on : https://terpware.umd.edu/
 

How do I obtain free software educational versions for my personal computer?

A number of companies like Autodesk, Trimble, Graphisoft and ESRI offer educational versions for their applications. The licensing period differs with programs.

• For AutoCAD and REVIT:

     http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured

• For ArchiCAD

     https://www.graphisoft.com/learning/education_gsna/teachers/

• For Sketchup (Discounted Price/Not Free)

     https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing#for-higher-education

• For Rhino (Discounted Price/Not Free)

     https://www.rhino3d.com/edu

• For ArcGIS

     http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/software/arcgis/arcgis-desktop-student...

What do I need to check before printing?

Files larger than 100 MB will take a considerable amount of time to process on large format printers. Export your Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign/AutoCAD/Revit file to a PDF file to save space and time. Remember to separate each page of your PDF to a single PDF file!

Printing Usage

Please refer to the “DOC Instructions Manual” booklet on how to use our large format plotters. It is also available on every lab computer desktop upon logged-in as well as laminated physical copy inside the printing room.

FAQ for New Students

How do I get access into the Architecture Building, computer labs and other related areas?

• Building and lab access is given by the TSC- Technology Solution Center. You may email tsc@umd.edu with your name and UID # or you may visit us in our office which is right across the first floor computer lab in Architecture Building.

• Access to Caroline Hall for GAs, TAs, and RAs is also given by TSC. Have your program director email us with your name and UID # for access.

• Access to the Fab Lab (Laser Cutter) is also given by TSC only after the student has received training on how to use the laser cutter. Please email datwater@umd.edu to enroll for laser cutter training.

How do I connect with university Wi-Fi networks? 

Use the “eduroam” network. The University of Maryland has joined eduroam (education roaming), a secure, worldwide roaming internet access service developed for the international research and education community. This means that UMD students, faculty, and staff visiting member institutions abroad may use DirectoryID @umd.edu and Directory password to log into wireless at other member institutions.

FAQ for Faculty and Staff

How can University guests gain internet access?

Click here for details on how to gain internet access.

How can faculty, staff and student get onto the University Wi-Fi?

University personnel with valid DirectoryID and password can join the eduroam wireless network. Keep in mind that the username field is your entire @umd.edu email address.

Auditorium (0204) FAQ:

How do I  access/use AV in the auditorium?

The auditorium, Room 0204, is operated by the University’s Classroom Support Office (http://www.classrooms.umd.edu/). If you need help with anything involving classrooms, from technology malfunctions to problems with the physical environment (temperature, flooding, broken or missing furniture, etc.), the single point of contact is:

Classroom Support Office

Division of Information Technology
0125 Hornbake
Phone: (301) 405-2500
Email: classrooms@umd.edu

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am to 10:00 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

The TSC Provides the following support for 0204 Auditorium:

• Daily support Monday-Friday from 7am -7pm. If you need support past daily hours, you must send mail to tsc@umd.edu one week prior to an event.

• General instructional usage on opening/closing the chalkboard, controlling volume for speakers and mic, turning on/off projector, showing powerpoint presentations, playing a DVD, and using X-Panel software to control auditorium functionality

Semester-Long Classes in the Auditorium: 

I am teaching a class in 0204. How do I find out what software is on the machine? 0204 has the same software as every other technology classroom on campus.

That list can be found here: https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/List/242.

Can I use a flashdrive with a Powerpoint presentation?

Yes.

Can I bring my laptop and plug it in to show a presentation?

Yes with appropriate adapter that support VGA connection.

What if something goes wrong with the sound, projection, or computer?

Call the technology classroom support # 52600, or 301-405-2600.

How do I schedule a class in 0204?

Contact your program director to request that your class meet in 0204.

Special Events in the Auditorium:

How do I schedule an event in 0204 – a lecture, symposium, guest speaker, etc? Contact your program representative to request for special event in 0204.

What if I want my event videotaped?

Contact the VRC, cfrank@umd.edu, 301-405-6321, or stop by the Architecture Library (Room 1102) to arrange to borrow the video cameras and tripods or arrange for a staff person to do the recording. This is completely dependent on staff availability. The VRC will also train you how to operate the video cameras.

Who do I contact for an additional podium, chairs, or table?

Contact the Facilities Management office www.facilities.umd.edu/. There will be a fee for additional items.

How far in advance should I schedule and plan for my event?

Ideally you plan a semester ahead of time.

What if I need additional support personnel or hardware such as microphones?  

Classroom Support: 301-405-2500.

How much does it cost to rent equipment?

We do not have an official pricing schedule available, but see the list below for some of the more common items requested. Keep in mind that the listed microphone equipment is for connection to an existing AV system in a room or lecture hall and is not a portable PA type system. We do not have a portable PA system available for rental at this time.

Tech labor for setup and/or event support       $40.00 per hour

Microphone mixer                                           $10.00 per day

Mic with desk or floor stand                           $5.00 per day

Wireless mic                                                  $20.00 per day (we only have one available)

Video projector                                               $30.00 per day

Portable Tripod screen                                   $20.00 per day

A few other item groups will need to be considered before contacting us for rentals.

We will need a KFS number and department contact person for billing before we will schedule any support. Our normal hours are from 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday - Thursday and 7:00am to 5:00pm on Fridays. Microphone mixers have only four inputs. If more microphones are needed, a second mixer is required. If needed, we can make special arrangements for a trained student tech to be available for weekend event support at $20 per hour.

How do I set up a conference call with WebEx?

Click here for details on how to set up a conference call with WebEx. 

How do I install VPN to remote access on my campus computer and databases?

VPN (Virtual Private Networking) client is required to access UMD Internet resources or (if you use the UMD wireless network) when you want to encrypt your Internet communications. It is used when you are remotely accessed to your UMD campus computers or databases. 

The PDF below shows a step by step installation process.