System Requirements for Running Vectorworks and CINEMA 4D
However, this page is here to demystify some of the technical terms. Graphics software requires a number of elements inside the computer in order to run to its optimum capability. These elements are the processor (CPU), Memory (RAM), and Graphics Card.
The processor is the brain inside the computer. It's the bit that does stuff when you ask the computer to do something. Processors are rated in terms of speed - how many things it can do in a second. Most processors now have a "dual core" or "quad core" meaning that they can split the task into two or four. It's like queuing at the Post Office - one queue, but many counters open to help you. If your machine does not have a fast enough processor, you will find Vectorworks will not perform well. Processors cannot easily be upgraded. A processor upgrade is effectively a new computer.
The memory is the part of the computer where the processor can store stuff it is working on. When your machine is switched on, any applications you wish to run are stored in memory. Once the machine is switched off, the memory is lost unless you have first saved work to your hard drive (which is the same as putting something back into your filing cabinet after working on it).
Graphics cards are dedicated bits of hardware which allow your computer to process graphic information quickly and efficiently. Many cheaper PCs will have a basic graphics capability built into the main processor and you will not have the choice to add a separate graphics card. Where you do have the choice, Vectorworks will run better and graphics cards with larger amounts of dedicated graphics memory will perform better! See the recommendations from Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. for the latest information on recommended graphics cards.
32 bit or 64 bit? a 32 bit piece of software (application) can only address (talk to) 3 GB of memory (RAM), whereas a 64 bit application can address far larger amounts of memory (more than your machine is likely to accommodate!). Vectorworks 2012 is still a 32 bit application and will run happily on 32 bit versions of the Windows operating system as well as Apple's Mac OS X. Despite being 32 bit, it can run on an operating system which is 64 bit. Renderworks 2011, however, is a 64 bit appllcation and will therefore benefit from running on a 64 bit operating system such as Mac OS 10.6 or a 64 bit edition of Microsoft Windows. It will still run on older versions of Windows, but you will not see the benefits of the new Renderworks speed!
Do you need an Apple Macintosh? Vectorworks runs on either PC or Mac - and you don't need to decide when you place your order. The software you receive can be installed on either platform. We love our Macs, and have never met someone who regretted buying one. But of course if you are a Windows/PC person we can support and train you on either platform!
CINEMA 4D Minimum System Requirements
Windows XP or Vista or 7 running on Intel or AMD CPU with SSE2-Support; Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher running on Intel-Mac; 1024 MB RAM, DVD ROM drive.
