Technology — Computing Recommendations for Law Students
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The University of Colorado at Boulder strongly recommends that every student have a personal computer if it is financially feasible. Computers play a central role in helping students to access university services and conduct a wide range of academic work. Information technology skill and understanding is a goal for all students.
Law students wishing to have the cost of a new computer (up to $2,500) included in their financial aid calculations should consult the law school’s Financial Aid Counselor, before making a computer purchase. For help in deciding whether to bring a computer to school with you, visit the University’s FAQ wepage about student computer ownership.
University Recommendations for Student Computers
The University makes hardware and software recommendations each year, and includes guidelines for both Windows and Mac users and existing computers and new purchases. The University provides both minimum and high-performance hardware and software specifications to help ensure that you have a successful computing experience at CU-Boulder. Please use these guidelines in deciding whether to purchase a new computer or bring an existing computer and to determine if your computer is properly equipped to access all university resources.
CU provides students with an University e-mail account, along with a number of free software programs. During orientation week, you will attend a mandatory training session to acquaint you with how to access the University’s software programs. If you can afford to upgrade, please note that increased RAM memory is a more important factor in computer performance than faster chip speed.
PC vs. Mac
Computer use is a personal preference, but be aware that Windows-based computing is the standard in most legal settings, with a large majority of courts and law firms operating in a PC environment. Most legal software is Windows-based. There are many firms, however, that use Macs successfully. For additional pros and cons of using Macs in a legal setting, see the ABA Journal article “Mac v. PC.”
Please note that taking exams on a Mac involves additional steps and requires the purchase of additional software (as noted below in the section "Taking Exams via Laptop”). In addition, Law School classrooms and courtrooms are wired for projection using a standard VGA connector. Mac users wanting to give slideshow presentations using their computer will need an adapter to connect the classroom VGA cable to the Mac’s video output port. More information can be obtained from the Law School's IT Manager.
Desktop vs. Laptop
In choosing between a desktop and a laptop, you should evaluate your living arrangements, working style and study habits to determine which would better suit your needs. Although laptops can be more expensive than a desktop with comparable specifications, most students choose a laptop for use on campus and during exams.
Educational Discounts
Although back-to-school bargain packages may be available online or at large computer stores, you should check for educational discounts or academic pricing on all hardware and software before making your purchase. The CU Bookstore offers academic pricing for computers and software meeting the above recommendations.
Warranty and Repair
A three-year parts and labor warranty is recommended for new computer purchases. CU’s PC Maintenance center offers full-service computer support for Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, and other computer manufacturers. PC Maintenance is a fully authorized warranty service center for Apple and Dell computer products. For all other brands, PC Maintenance staff can facilitate repairs for a fee.
Computer Accessories
Recommended accessories include a power surge protector and a portable backup device (such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive). You should keep all system manuals and disks in case of technical problems. For laptop users, we recommend bringing a laptop security cable. You might also consider investing in a full-size keyboard, mouse, and monitor so that you can ergonomically use your laptop at home.
Wireless Network
When using your laptop on campus, you may connect to the University’s 802.11g wireless network. Most new laptops feature built-in wireless networking capabilities. To add wireless capability to an existing laptop, you must use a tested model that supports the 802.11g protocol. Read setup instructions and a list of compatible wireless cards.
Student Computer Labs
The law library computer labs feature 38 desktops, 16 laptops (available for in-library use), 3 fee-based printers, and a scanner. Lab computers are equipped with Windows XP and Microsoft Office. There are no Mac computers in the law library computer labs. These computers and labs are part of CU's Information Technology Services (ITS) and are not operated by the Law School or Law Library.
Taking Law Exams on a Laptop
Although not required, you may take exams using a laptop that you own, lease, or borrow externally. Please note that the laptops provided by the University for use in the law library may NOT be used for taking exams. Special exam security software, ExamSoft, provided by the law school, is required in order to take exams using a laptop and will only work with computers running Windows XP or Vista and meeting the above minimum hardware requirements. Students are responsible for making sure, well in advance of exam time, that any laptop to be used for an exam meets all requirements needed to run the security software. Due to known software conflicts with McAfee antivirus software, we recommend that you use the University’s free antivirus software.
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Mac Users: IMPORTANT: In order to run the exam software on a Mac, you MUST purchase a legitimate copy of Microsoft Windows (XP Professional with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista) and have an Intel-based Mac. Some Mac dealers will preinstall Windows for you. Multi-disc or upgrade versions will not work with Boot Camp. The exam software is not compatible with virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. |
