Computer Specs/ Filter Assistance & FAQ

Design Alive recommend the following filters as students have been very happy with these filter companies and the support they provide.

• Techloq
• Gentech
• Nativ USA
• Netfree filter has also be approved for Design Alive but please note that having a filter which blocks skin content may be frustrating at some point

Before you begin the course please ensure that all the following sites below are unblocked: You can copy the list and send it to your filtering company.

• designaliveschool.webex.com
• webex.com
• designalive.com
• school.designalive.com
• https://designalive.meets.cirqlive.com
• for cisco webex- exclude multiple EXE
• You will need the cisco webex app working.  
• https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured

If you are having issues downloading Autocad and its asking you for a serial number this is because your filter is blocking the program from downloading fully as a student version and you will need to be in touch with your filter.

Please try to watch the recording below to ensure that the class recordings will work on your computer, if you have trouble viewing, please troubleshoot with your filter company: s3://designalive-recordings/CG/CG demo class.mp4

Design Alive does not offer direct assistance with buying a computer suitable for the course, but below are suggested computer specs system requirements for the different programs required, and details of a computer technician who can help you. Please be aware that you will need a high-end computer for (Revit) rendering, and Motion Graphics in particular.

Links to the system requirements from the company websites

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• Computer Graphics (Photoshop)
• After Effects
• Premiere
• Adobe XD (for web but this does not require a high spec)

 Suggested specifications:

• An i7 processor.
• Nvidia Graphics card
• At least 8GB RAM
• A 64-bit operating system
• A large screen as you can get. While a 17-inch laptop is great, it is more expensive and heavier to carry around and you may want to choose a 15 inch for portability and buy a separate large screen for concentrated work at home.
• An external hard drive (preferably SSD) to store work to ensure your computer does not get too full and slow down.
• Autocad / Revit students. The Mac interface is very different from a PC, so we do not recommend getting a Mac for course purposes, as the instructor teaches on a PC. Revit is also not available in Mac format.

Design Alive has partnered with B&H for all computer and technical requirements and queries. They are a well-known and established company and are up-to-date with current specs and performance. Our contact is Baruch Berman and he can be contacted at Boruchb@bhphoto.com.  Mention Design Alive when you speak to him. 
PLEASE NOTE: Do not call the company directly but email Baruch for a call back:

Here is a link to the type of computers he currently recommends (updated october 2024)  although feel free to do your own research for comparison. (If this link becomes invalid then please let us know) It’s also worth checking the Dell outlet for deals.

Disclaimer: You are under no obligation to purchase a computer from Baruch and would advise doing your own research before buying. We are not recommending you buy a computer from BH and Design Alive does not profit in any way by sending students to him.

This is a common filter problem and its usually your filter that is blocking the recording, please troubleshoot this with them and ensure they unblock it.

This is a common filter problem and its usually your filter that is blocking the sound, please troubleshoot this with them and ensure they unblock it.

Please try and use a different browser. You can also try right-clicking on the recording and choosing save as.

We suggest you use Chrome or Firefox, please do not use Microsoft edge.

It may be collapsed.. Click on the three horizontal lines next to the design alive logo in top left of your page to expand

With the student license version of Autocad, you can download the program on 2 computers but you can only use one computer at a time.

Student versions do NOT have serial numbers. A filter such as Techloq is preventing your account sign in through the program so Autodesk does not recognise you are a student. Please disable the filter whilst downloading/ installing the program.

If you get a Autocad download error like: “Product download consists of multiple files. At least one file is missing or has not been downloaded yet.” when installing Autodesk products

then use this link for solution