IT support

Remote Collaboration and Presentation Tools

MSD recommends the use of Miro, @Studio and Mozilla Hubs for remote presentations in 2D as well as 3D. To learn more about the different applications strengths as well as some helpful links, please see below See software list below on this page to learn about additionally available software applications.

• Remote collaboration and presentation applications

  Application	Functionality	Website	Helpful links
  Miro	Virtual Whiteboard, great for collaboration as well as presentations	https://miro.com/	How-To's Templates
  @Studio	Allows for 3D presentations and virtual exhibitions (works particularly well with building a presentation around Rhino files)	https://at.studio/	Tutorials Examples
  Mozilla Hubs	A virtual 3D presenting space	https://hubs.mozilla.com/	Documentation Demonstration/Tips

  See software list below on this page to learn about additionally available software applications.

Software

The available software is updated every semester, please check one of the ABP Specialist CAD computers for the latest available software. All machines using the same software image and every computer will have the same software loaded. Please note that software availability is variable during COVID-19 and may be quickly outdated. The computer labs will have the following common software packages installed, and many more.

• Available on MSD computers and to download

  All IT requests are processed through Central IT. Students should refer them first if any issues arise. You can contact them here. If you continue to experience problems, you can also contact us at abp-technology@unimelb.edu.au and we will contact Central IT to follow up with your request(s).

  *Note that these softwares can be accessed on the Virtual Desktop through myUniApps.

  Software	Availability  through myUniApps	Availability/cost as download for personal computer
  Adobe After Effects	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Flash Player	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Adobe InDesign	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Illustrator	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Lightroom Classic CC	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Media Encoder	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Photoshop	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Adobe Premiere Pro	Available via personal license	UoM Student plan - AU$65.00/year. Included as a bundle.
  Agisoft MetaShape	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, US$59
  ARGUS Estate Master	accessible through myUniApps	Free 90 day subscription.
  Autodesk 3DS Max	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk AutoCAD	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk Civil 3D	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk Dynamo Studio	accessible through myUniApps	Free trial for 30 days, US$40/month, US325/year.
  Autodesk Maya	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk Navisworks Simulate	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk ReCap Pro	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Autodesk Revit	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license for students, free for a year.
  Blender	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Citrix Workspace	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Corona Renderer	accessible through myUniApps	Educational pricing, 24,99 €/year.
  EnergyPlus	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Enscape for Rhino	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Epic Game Launcher + Unreal Engine	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  First Rate 5	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Graphisoft ARCHICAD	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license available.
  IES Virtual Environment	accessible through myUniApps	Education pricing, AUD$100/year
  IrfanView	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  IronPython	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Karamba3D	accessible through myUniApps	Educational pricing, 30€ + VAT, 2 year license.
  Makerbot Print	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  MAXtoA for 3DS Max	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download with working license for 3DS Max.
  Microsoft Office Suite	accessible through myUniApps	Free with student account, login to Office 365 Login Portal.
  RiB CostX 6.9	accessible through myUniApps	Education pricing, AUD$19.99/year
  Rhinoceros 6 and 7	accessible through myUniApps	USD$195 lifetime account for students.
  SketchUp	accessible through myUniApps	Student pricing, AUD$93.50/yr.
  Solibri Anywhere	accessible through myUniApps	Educational license available.
  SPSS Statistics	accessible through myUniApps	Education pricing, USD$80/year
  Steam VR	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Substance Painter	accessible through myUniApps	Student plan - AU$21.99/month. Included as a bundle.
  QGIS 3	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Unity	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  Visual Studio Enterprise	accessible through myUniApps	Free to download.
  ZBrush	accessible through myUniApps	Free trial for 30 days, US$39.95/month, US895/year.

  If you have any further queries, contact us at abp-technology@unimelb.edu.au.

Help learning software packages

While primary learning takes place in classrooms, the Faculty wants to support students self-education and provide the best resources to do so. The ABP Faculty subscribes to two great learning resources.

• ArchiStar Academy

  The ArchiStar Academy is a great collection of structured video courses specifically chosen to be valuable to Design, Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Construction Students. Software courses include: Rhino, ArchiCad, AutoCad, Grasshopper, Revit, ArchiCad. Photoshop and much more.

  You may be automatically enrolled to a class by your tutor or subject.

  To self enrol please;

  1. You can self enrol here by using your @student.unimelb.edu.au email address.
  2. Confirm your account and set a password once you receive the confirmation email.
  3. You are now free to commence any of the available courses.

  Your tutors are also able to add an entire class to the tool. Please ask your tutors to contact the ABP Design Technology Manager if you believe it would be valuable to your class.

Recommended laptop specifications

• Minimum laptop specifications

  The following specifications are recommended for students studying Bachelor of Design or MSD courses:

  Operating System	Windows 11 As part of your degree, you will be required (by 2nd year at the latest) to use software that remains unsupported by Mac OS, as such you will not be able to run the required programs or obtain support from the faculty for this issue. We therefore recommend students to avoid purchasing an Apple computer for their study.
  Processor	Quad-Core Intel i7 CPU
  Graphics card	NVidia RTX 3060 Many software packages require NVidia CUDA technology and we recommend a NVidia branded graphics card.
  RAM	16GB
  Hard Disk	512GB SSD or M.2
  Weight	A laptop computer with the above specification is often quite large and bulky. If you do prioritise weight please ensure the device is powerful enough to provide an enjoyable user experience.

• Gold-standard laptop specifications

  ABP Loan Laptops

  The Loans Desk use HP OMEN 15 devices which are suitable for heavy CAD or VR work. This is considered an excellent machine for specialist design work, and should see you through the course without hitting large constraints.

  Operating System	Windows 11
  Processor	Intel® Core™ i9
  Graphics card	NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated) Many software packages require NVidia CUDA technology and we recommend a NVidia branded graphics card.
  RAM	32GB (upgradeable)
  Hard Disk	Primary: 1TB storage SSD (upgradeable)

• Where to buy?

  Please purchase from a reliable local reseller who has excellent customer service, just in case you need to contact them if the device is faulty. Affordable Laptops is a good comparison site for the Australian market.

Printing and scanning

• Standard

  Printing, copy and scanning facilities are available across the entire campus in most buildings and all libraries. Students are able to use these devices with their student cards.

  Printing on campus

• Premium and large format

  The ABP Printroom is located on level 1 of the Melbourne School of design, RM127. This space provides facilities allowing students to print up to A0 in size on a small range of paper qualities. These facilities are provided by the ABP Faculty with the intention to serve the specific needs of ABP students, but are available for use by all University of Melbourne staff and students.

  ABP Printroom Website

  ABP Printroom Knowledge Base

• Professional External Printers

  If you require a professional print finish using fine art quality papers and inks, the closest commercial print shops are:

  • Dinkums Print & Design
  • Scotts Print & Design

FAQ

• What happens when the computer is restarted?

  The computer automatically downloads a fresh computer image from the server and reinstalls the software. This is why the computers take so long to start.

• Why can't I log into the computer?

  Either because you are not logging into the student domain, please use `STUDENT\username` to login.

  Or, because you are not actively enrolled in a subject which uses the ABP computer labs. If this is a mistake, please contact Stop1 to correct your enrollment.

• Can I save my files on the local machine?

  No, you should always save your work on a portable hard disk, USB stick or in the cloud. Every time the computer restarts, file left on the local drive will be erased.

• Is all of the software on every computers?

  Yes, all of the computers are identical. If one has software, or a new version, please restart the computer to download the latest image. All computers in all computer labs should have identical software.

• Can I use the computers to render my work?

  Yes, but do not hold a computer for rendering while you are not at the computer. Please do not log into a 2^nd machine just for this purpose. Such use of the computers is not allowed in MSD labs.

• Can I use an unattended computer?

  Yes, please observe the computer for a reasonable amount of time to ensure someone is not quickly using the bathroom.

  Unattended computers will be reset by University staff so other students can use them. Please monitor your computer if rendering.

• The software I need is not installed, what do I do?

  Please request the software by calling Central IT on 8344 0888 or Stop1 on 13 MELB (13 6352) if the software is available and approved we will install it in all computer labs, this may take up to two weeks.

• Do I need to carry my student ID

  Yes, please carry your student ID at all times. University security performs routine checks especially or when it is busy. You will be asked to leave if you cannot present your student ID card.

• Someone is using their own laptop and taking up a computer space in the labs, what do I do?

  Please politely ask that person to relocate and refer them to this FAQ. If they refuse to leave please call security on 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call) and request for Campus Security assistance. The University does not tolerate any bullying or aggressive behavior.

• I am not studying with the faculty but am from a different department. Can I use the computers?

  No, these are Specialist CAD computers and only to be used by students enrolled in:

  • Bachelor of Environments
  • Bachelor of Design
  • MSD courses
  • Subjects starting with ARCH, BENV or ABPL
• If a computer or software is acting faulty, what do I do?

  Please restart the computer to see if that resolves the issue. If not please lodge a ticket by calling Central IT on 8344 0888 or Stop1 on 13 MELB (13 6352) 

  Please also contact Central IT or Stop1 if a keyboard or mice is faulty or missing.

  This may not resolve the issue for you straight away, but reporting faults ensures we have the most computers working at any one time.

• Can I eat food and have drinks in the Digital Design Hubs or the Baldwin Spencer Design Hall?

  No, this is not allowed and penalties apply, your access to the computer labs may be revoked.