Article deals with possibilities of enhancing quality and effectiveness of engineering studies by means of computer technologies. Applications of commercial and original computer software to core courses of studies in mechanical engineering, such as Theory of Machines and Mechanisms, Machine Elements etc., are illustrated and analyzed. Separate chapters of the article are devoted to visualization of technical tasks, calculation, analysis, as well as to development of computerized system for knowledge assessment. Implementation of computer technologies into class, virtual laboratory and home works is discussed.