ESRI's ArcGIS 10 desktop GIS software is a core component of our teaching throughout the PGDip/MA landscape archaeology and GIS programme. If you have a computer at home you'll want to get a copy of ArcGIS of your own that you can install on that machine. UK based students can download a copy of the software from mysoftware.bham.ac.uk. To use this service you must be on campus and connected either to the University's wireless network of logged on to a University machine. If you aren't planning on visiting the University any time soon you can request off-campus access to this service by going to www.itservicedesk.bham.ac.uk -> Login -> Make A Request -> Make A General Request (on the right) -> Choose mySoftware from the first drop down box and the select External Access from the second box -> Enter your details and the reason why you would like external access.
You should state that you require access to download ArcGIS 10 as you are studying towards the GDip/MA in Landscaape Archaeology and GIS with the IAA and about to commence a module of intensive instruction in ArcGIS.
Non UK based students will need to contact their local ESRI office to order a student licence (see http://www.esri.com/about-esri/offices). You may need proof of student status to secure your student licence.
ArcGIS is a complex, multi-faceted product that takes a while to get to grips with, so I recommend you get your copy as soon as you are able and get it installed so that you are familiar at least with the look and feel of the software by the time we get to serious use in module 2. You might want to take a look at the technical specification of your machine as well, you are going to need a recent multicore processor, 2-4GB of RAM, and Windows 7 to get things working, and a good graphics accelerator to allow ArcScene to work effectively.
If you have problems buying or installing ArcGIS contact me (Keith) directly, as among other things I am one of the University's ESRI technical representative, so should be able to help you out.
