Texas Tech University

CoMC Technology Resources & Recommendations

Facilities & Equipment Offerings

In addition to classrooms and research space, the College of Media & Communication is home to computer labs, several specialty production spaces and an in-house Equipment Checkout office. Learn more about the additional facilities that the College of Media & Communications offers. 

Equipment Checkout Office

The CoMC Equipment Checkout Office offers students access to audio, video and photo equipment for their various production projects. The Equipment Checkout Office is conveniently located next to our Computer Labs and the KTXT Radio Station, in room 373 on the third floor of the College of Media & Communication.

For questions about CoMC Equipment Checkout, email equipmentcheckout.mcom@ttu.edu  or call the Equipment Room at 806-742-1406.

Equipment Checkout Policies

  • The Equipment Checkout Office is open during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 
  • Equipment Checkout is not available during intersession periods or school holidays.
  • To check out equipment, you must be registered in a College of Media & Communication class.
  • Equipment is checked out on a first come, first served basis.
  • You are responsible for returning all equipment in the condition in which it was checked out to you.

Photo Studio

The CoMC Photo Studio, room 077, is located in the basement of the College of Media & Communication. This production area is reserved for production classes and student projects during the semester.

  • Students can reserve use of the Photo Studio in hour-long increments through the Equipment Checkout office.
  • Please note that students, staff and faculty are responsible for returning the Photo Studio to a clean and tidy condition after each use.

3rd Floor Computer Labs

CoMC 3rd Floor Computer Labs include rooms 361, 363, 365, & 375. While these rooms are regularly used as instruction areas for scheduled classes, they also serve as open lab spaces for students to use to work on projects and homework. Additionally,  students may visit the University Library utilize the Spaces & Technologies offered by the Texas Tech Library, including the TTU equipment checkout, additional computer labs and several digital studios. 

CoMC Student Computer Recommendations

The College of Media & Communication does not have a laptop requirement or policy for students. However, the college recommends bringing or purchasing a personal laptop/computer, especially for students who anticipate creating, producing or developing content for their personal and professional portfolios. Many courses offered in the College of Media & Communication use specialized technology and software which is generally available in both CoMC classrooms and computer labs. For questions about technology requirements for a particular class, students should reach out to their course instructor.

Students who are looking to purchase a personal computer/laptop should consider the following recommendations:

Apple

  • MacBook Pro 14 inch
    • 8-core Apple M1 Max CPU

    • 14-core GPU

    • 16GB Unified Memory

    • 512GB SSD storage

Windows

  • Dell XPS 15 laptop

    • 12th Generation Intel® Core i7-12700H Processor 

    • Windows 11 Home

    • Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

    • 16GB Memory

    • 512GB Solid State Drive

    • 15.6-inch Full HD Display

Incompatible Computing Systems

CoMC discourages mobile operating system-based devices such as iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebook devices due to incompatibility with applications that are key to CoMC coursework. Similarly, reliance on Linux-based computers is discouraged as many applications that are essential in CoMC programs will not operate on a Linux system.
 

Texas Tech University Technology Partnerships

Texas Tech University has partnered with Dell Computers and Apple Inc. to offer special bundles and pricing on technology and software for personal purchases. Visit Texas Tech IT Help Central for technology purchasing information.

CoMC Student Software Considerations

ADOBE Creative Cloud 

How to purchase + pricing

Recommended Alternatives

  • Photoshop: Krita, GIMP, PicMonkey
  • Illustrator: Inkscape, BoxySVG, Vecteezy, SVG-Edit
  • InDesign: Scribus, QuarkXPress, LucidPress
  • Premiere: DaVinci Resolve, OpenShot
  • Audition: Ardour, Audacity 

Additional Resources

IT Support for Students

Blackboard Support for Students

Advanced Technology Learning Center (ATLC) 

Texas Tech Software/Site License Offerings 

Texas Tech Worldwide eLearning Resources for Students