Computer Facilities

Do I need to bring my own computer?

No!

We have excellent computer facilities and your student ID card will give you 24-hour access to the computer labs.

BUT...

Many students find it more convenient to own their own computer. Since computers are used in almost all the courses you will take (even if it is only to write a term paper), students may find it inconvenient to schedule their time in the computer lab. A recent survey among engineering freshmen indicates that about two-thirds brought their own computer to campus. All dorm rooms on campus are connected to the CSU network, providing you direct access to your e-mail and the Internet. Regardless of whether you live in a dorm or off-campus, you can use any computer connected to the Internet to access our Engineering Virtual Lab a web connection to engineering software. Given that a personal computer, be it a laptop or desktop, is primarily for convenience, here are some thoughts on bringing a computer.

Bringing a Laptop

It will not be possible to purchase a laptop now that will last all four years in terms of the software used for engineering courses. Even if the best possible unit were purchased, it would last for maybe two years in terms of running engineering software well. More relevant, it is simply too expensive for students to purchase personal versions of most of our software, so even the latest and greatest laptop would still primarily be used for productivity software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail).

Given the primary use of the laptop, we recommend investing in a laptop that is well made and has above average or slightly above average specifications: 3Ghz with any modern Intel Pentium-m series, Celeron M series or any AMD cpu; 512MB RAM; and at least a 40GB hard disk. We emphasize that "rugged" or "durability" is more important than "high-tech" because laptops are hard to repair.

Our final recommendation? Spend your money on quality, not on technology. That way, the laptop will probably last for four years in terms of normal student work.

Special stuff? The laptop definitely needs a network card for connecting to the Internet from the dorm. We also recommend that a wireless network card be considered to take advantage of the wireless network in the Engineering Building, the Library, and the Student Center. Most laptops now come standard with wireless capability. If yours does not, an add-on wireless card can be purchased for less than $100. Finally, it is useful if not necessary to have a DVD-ROM (DVD reader) drive and a CD or CD/DVD burner.

Bringing a Desktop

For the same reasons as stated above, our recommendation is to not purchase the most expensive computer; engineering software simply is not available for use on personal computers - the primary use of a personal computer will be the productivity work mentioned above. However, a desktop computer is more likely to last longer, so purchasing the best one within your budget is always a good path to take.

Minimum Specifications: 3.2Ghz Pentium IV or 3200+ AMD Athlon, 512MB RAM, 80GB hard disk, and a good video card (we use nVidia GeForce or ATI Radeon cards). A CD/DVD burner may be a good idea for archiving student projects onto CDs or DVDs.

Purchasing off of the College contract

The College of Engineering has an agreement with our computer vendor that allows students to purchase desktop computers (not laptops) off of the college contract. Although consumer-grade computers may be less expensive at local retailers, the quality and service can't be beat. To purchase a system, follow the directions on the Purchase a JPK Computer web page. (not viewable outside CSU).

Software recommendations

• Windows XP Professional
• An office productivity suite such as OpenOffice (a free download) or Microsoft Office (version 2000 or later)
• Symantec Antivirus (a free license from the university once you arrive)

All other software needed for classes will be provided in the labs. If you need a copy of Windows XP Pro, sign up for the MSDNAA ELMS Program.

What about Windows XP? If you purchase Windows XP, be sure that it is Windows XP Professional and not Windows XP Home. The "Home" addition does not play very nicely in a well networked environment and is not supported by ENS.

More questions?

Contact Engineering Network Services.