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SOFTWARE

 

 1.  OPERATING SYSTEMS
 

Personal preference is a large part of which operating system you choose, make sure that the software you wish to use is compatible with your operating system. In addition, with Mac OS X you may have difficulties accessing AUD resources, which are configured to work best with Windows. If you intend to use an Apple computer, we recommend installing Windows on it rather than using Mac OS X.      

 

2.  ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

 

After the operating system, antivirus software should be the first thing you consider for your computer. While most antivirus software will cost money, there are some free versions that perform as good as or better than paid-for software. Ultimately if you haven't found a suitable antivirus software, UCLA offers free antivirus software for students and staff; you can get it from the Bruin OnLine website. -- On the BruinOnLine page, scroll down to view recommended options.

Finally, please note that while it's a good idea to have antivirus software installed on your computer, the best prevention from viruses is cautious judgement from the user. Make sure you know exactly what software you are downloading from the internet, where you are downloading it from, an d how that software will behave.                          

 

3. DESKTOP SOFTWARE

 

It may be a good idea to obtain the same software that is installed on our lab computers so you can avoid dealing with compatibility issues.

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  • Rhinoceros

  • Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud for Students. At the top of the page, Click Sign in and enter your UCLA Logon credentials at the SSL signon page for your UCLA Adobe account information and status and to renew your license.

  • Office Software that can open and save Office Open XML files (docx, xlsx, etc.), such as Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, and others.

  • If you are on a tight budget, there are many free or open source software alternatives that you may consider.    

  • Autodesk for Education:

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  1. If you don’t already have one, create an Autodesk account by clicking Get Started on the Get Products page.
     

  2. Confirm your eligibility, which involves validating your role as a student or educator with a qualified educational institution.
     

  3. Download and install your software.


For more information, see Get started for students and educators.

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4.  RENDERING SOFTWARE

  • Lumion for Education: 1 Year License free to Students. Very good and fast.

  • Blender - Donation based Software. Very popular

  • V-Ray for Rhino - Widely used but not cheap.

  • Autodesk 3DS Max for Students -  Students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable as long as you remain eligible.

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