Computers and Software

Multiple U-M departments collaborate to provide more than 400 computers, high-speed networking and WiFi, software, and other equipment, to Duderstadt Center (DC) users. In addition to core U-M Campus Computing resources, DC computers are enhanced specifically to support the creative disciplines of the North Campus schools and colleges: architecture, engineering and information technology, and the performing and studio arts.

CAEN computers are available at many locations in the Duderstadt Center, including the advanced training labs, and provide access to a broad library of software. All CAEN computers are dual-boot, with the option to use either the Microsoft Windows or Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating systems. For information accessing CAEN-operated computing services in the Duderstadt Center, refer to the CAEN website and knowledge base. Visitors can also contact the CAEN Help Desk on the first floor for assistance.

The GroundWorks Media Conversion Facility, a service of the Digital Media Commons, provides equipment to convert between many popular audio, video, data storage, and print media formats. Available on a walk-in, self-serve basis are Mac OSX and Microsoft Windows computers, flatbed scanners, graphics tablets, video editing workstations, and audio recording components. A **large-format color printing service is also available. GroundWorks is **located on the first floor of the Duderstadt Center.

The Art, Architecture & Engineering Library offers many publicly accessible Microsoft Windows workstations for guests to access the Library’s extensive online services. U-M Information and Technology Services (ITS) also provides many “walk-up” Mac OSX workstations in the Duderstadt Center Atrium for easy Internet access.

The Duderstadt Center provides University students, faculty and staff with 24-hour access to most computing services, seven days a week (see Building Hours for exceptions).

ITS Printers

ITS is the largest provider of printing services in the Duderstadt Center, with printers at several locations throughout the building. Each semester, all U-M students, faculty, and staff receive a set of Standard Computing Services printing allocation of $24.00 per term to use towards printing on ITS printers. (Faculty and staff receive a $3.00 printing allocation per term.) Black and white, color, and tabloid printing are included in the printing allocation. After printing allocations are depleted, students will be billed directly to their university student account and charges will appear on their tuition statements. Faculty and staff must have made prior funding arrangements using a departmental ShortCode.

To check your printing allocation balance for ITS printers, visit the ITS web page.

Reporting Problems: If you experience problems using an ITS printer, such as “out of toner” or “out of paper” errors, contact ITS by calling (734) 764-4357 or sending email to sites@umich.edu.

AAE Library Printers

The Art, Architecture & Engineering Library provides publicly-accessible printers in the Duderstadt Center that can be accessed by logging into a Library computer. The method of payment for impressions is determined by how you log into the Library computer:

  • U-M Login: U-M authenticated users are charged against their ITS Standard Computing Services, as described above.
  • Guest login: Print jobs are directed to the printer, and a copy card must be used to purchase impressions. This is the same copy card used for the copiers and microform printers throughout the Library system. The cost is $0.06 per impression.

Reporting Problems: If you experience any problems using a Library printer in the Duderstadt Center, contact the Library Reference Desk on the second floor. If it is closed, you may instead send email to aael.ref@umich.edu.

Large Format Printing in GroundWorks

GroundWorks, a facility of the DMC, offers printing for large-format, color academic posters, such as those for class presentations or professional conferences. Users of this service work with GroundWorks consultants to review images and complete the printing process. For more information on using this service, including costs, visit the Poster Shop website.

3D Printing at the Duderstadt Center

A variety of 3D Printers located at the Duderstadt Center’s Fabrication Studio allow you to take a 3D design, 3D digital sculpture, or almost any other 3D computer model and transform its digital data into a physical object. The 3D printing process can build objects at a high level of complexity in a variety of materials which can be used to produce tangible forms of mechanical parts, architectural designs, artwork, etc. Learn more about the different 3D printers and services available in the Fabrication Studio.