Computer Requirements
Pierce Law has a wired (100 Mbps ethernet) local area network, through which wireless internet access (802.11B/G) is offered, with coverage extending throughout the entire main building. Our network is predominately Novell Netware based (version 6.5), and we use Novell GroupWise (version 7.1) for e-Mail and calendaring. We utilize a dedicated 9x1 Mbps high-speed cable line for student internet access. Services that we offer include web-based portals for e-mail and file access, an online bulletin board, listserv(s), web-based chat sofwtare, and online access to grades and schedules.
While we do not require students to own a laptop, it is practically a must for anyone attending classes here. We do have two computer labs known as the Academic Computer Room (ACR) and the Online Training Center (OTC), which house a limited number of Windows-based PC's, Macintoshes, and printers that are all dedicated to student use. There is also a small area in the library known as the Corral, which houses several student-accessible Windows-based PC's. For e-Mail and internal web-browsing purposes, we offer 6 dedicated terminals throughout the main building.
We cannot recommend any certain brand or platform of computer to purchase for use here at Pierce Law...There are just too many good choices and too many personal preferences. We strive to offer support to all students and faculty/staff when it comes to using their preffered computing platform, and as such we have no affiliations or contracts with any particular manufacturer.
That said, our hardware recommendations are as follows:
Minimally: RAM: 512 MB / Hard Drive: 20 GB / Processor Speed: 2 Ghz Pentium 3 or 1 Ghz G4
Optimally: RAM: 2 GB+ / Hard Drive: 80 GB+ / Speed: 2.0+ Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo (both Mac and PC)
We support almost all versions of Windows (including Vista), Mac OS, and linux for internet access and printing. Currently, our GroupWise/e-mail client software is not Vista-compatible.
Applications/Suites that are typically used here include:
Word Processing: Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Word 2004 (Mac)
Spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft Excel 2004 (Mac)
Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, Microsoft PowerPoint 2004 (Mac)
Office Suites: Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Office 2004 (Mac)
We do charge a fee for student printing at a cost of 10 cents per printed page. Print balances are accessed via your student ID and money can be added to your account at any time using the vending machine located on the 2nd floor of the library (in the main lobby). If you wish to print from your laptop you must in stall our student printing client which is located here (linux users must be configured for student printing by the CS department).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us
