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- Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit or 64 bit), Vista, or XP 32-bit
- Pentium 4, 1-gigahertz (GHz) processor (Core Duo 2.0 GHz or greater recommended)
- At least 1 GB of system RAM (2 GB or greater is recommended)
- At least 2 GB of available space on the hard disk
- Keyboard and a mouse with scroll wheel (scroll wheel used to zoom view in and out)
- Sound card and speakers or headphones (for self-paced training videos narration)
- Internet connection for downloads, support forum, license validation, and self-paced training. The internet connection is not required at all times. For example, you do not need internet access to run DeckTools software on a laptop during a sales call.
- Monitor capable of displaying XGA (1024 x 768 x 24bit color) or higher resolution
- Graphics card (see graphics card section below for details)
- At least 64 megabytes (MB) of graphics card RAM (256 MB or greater recommended)
Graphics Card Requirements:
DeckTools software uses the hardware-accelerated features of the latest graphics cards (a.k.a. video adaptors). The right graphics cards, combined with the DeckTools real-time renderer, shows off your designs in an ultra-realistic and immersive 3-D experience. This core feature of DeckTools software requires some specific (but commonly found and relatively inexpensive) graphics configuration choices.
- Minimum: 3D Game Quality Cards: NVIDIA GeForce GT 340 or better
- Ideal: 3D CAD-Quality Cards: NVIDIA Quadro 4000 or better (not Quadro NVS which is only 2D)
- Not Supported: Intel Extreme Graphics and Intel Integrated Graphics
We are here to help you succeed with DeckTools!
Buying the right computer can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. We are here to make it simple for you! We want you to focus on your business, not computer problems caused by purchasing the wrong configuration. We will happily review the configuration of any computer you are planning on purchasing. Contact us using the contact page on this website, or view our Recommended Notebook Computer Configurations.
I'm not a computer expert so how do I find out about my computer configuration?
Contact us using the contact page on this website, and we'll be happy to help!
Does DeckTools run on Microsoft Windows 7?
Absolutely, and we recommend it.
What is the ideal notebook/laptop computer to use for sales calls with DeckTools?
Please view our current recommended notebook computer configurations. The ideal configuration is the Dell Precision M6400 notebook with the NVIDIA Quadro FX 3600m graphics card, and 17" WXGA+ (easier to read) display option, and Windows XP Pro.
Does DeckTools run on Apple Mac OS or any Apple Computers?
DeckTools is not a native Mac OS application. However, it runs great on the Apple Mac Pro desktop computer, and the Apple MacBook Pro laptop, if you use the Mac OS Boot Camp feature to boot into Windows 7 or XP first.
This software does not perform any of the engineering calculations or structural design required for construction. Please consult a licensed engineer, architect or building professional for design assistance and safety information. Failure to do so may result in personal injury and property damage. Simpson Strong-Tie is not responsible or liable for any damages resulting from the construction of your design or other use of this software. See Product Use Information for product information, warnings and design and installation instructions.