Software you'll use...

Step 1: 

We'll be using Rhino 8 every week, so you'll need Rhino 8 for Windows or Mac installed on your computer. Please do not use a cracked copy of Rhino, this will result in issues I can't resolve while also exposing yourself to spy and malware threats. The evaluation version of Rhino 8 works for 90 days, after 90 days you won't be able to save files or run plugins using the evaluation license but you can also ask Bill Kline in the I.D. computer lab to add your RISD email to the Rhino Account Team he manages for access to a license. If your email or your computer have previously had a Rhino 8 evaluation, new evaluations will not work (see step 2). Rhino 8 for Windows has some plugin possibilities that you won't have on Mac but otherwise the two versions are almost the exact same feature set and using either is fine for this class. 

• Please review the system requirements for Rhino 8 for Windows and Mac

  • If you run Windows, Make sure you're up to date with important Microsoft updates prior to running the Rhino installer to avoid installation errors. Also make certain your graphics card has a recent driver installed on your Windows OS or Windows bootcamp partition if running Windows on a Mac. Don't use Parallels or VMware to run Windows on a Mac, these methods often have graphics issues. 

• If you work on macOS, graphic card drivers are updated with macOS updates. Make sure you are on macOS 13 Ventura or higher for Rhino 8. 

• M1, 2, 3 etc. Macs are also supported using any recent macOS. Note that Apple Silicon (Ms) don't allow bootcamp of Windows.  

• Get a three button mouse or use a tablet that allows three button mapping via the stylus. You can of course use a trackpad on a laptop if you prefer but it's much slower in my opinion. 

• Please contact me, bjames@risd.edu if you have any issues. 

Step 2:

If you've already run the Rhino 8 evaluation for Windows or Mac and the 90 day period has expired, you'll need to contact Bill Kline in the I.D. computer lab as explained above OR buy a license to participate in the course. Go to the RISD store's online software hub and buy a copy of Rhino 8, the license is cross platform and can be used on Rhino 8 for Mac or Windows.  Last I checked this was around $80 instead of the normal $195 educational or $995 commercial cost. Your purchase will be a commercial license sold at an educational discount and then further discounted due to RISD reselling it. You'll own it forever without annual maintenance fees and can use it legally before and after you graduate for commercial design work. Which means you can deduct it as an expense on your taxes, pretty cool right!?! 

I recommend you put your Rhino 8 evaluation license or the license you buy in the Rhino Account that you set up with your email. This way you can login to any Rhino 8 using your email address on any computer, Windows or Mac and use your license. Choose the option to "Float between computers" when entering your license for the first time in Rhino. Or create a Rhino Account first at https://accounts.rhino3d.com/ and add your license to it. Then enter the email address that your Rhino Account was set up with in any Rhino 8 when starting the app. It's not a bad idea to also add a personal email alias on your Rhino Account for after you graduate. 

In summary, this is what you need to do...

• Install Rhino 8 for Windows or Mac for our first class

• Get a three button mouse for class