Information Technology
Mandatory Student Computer Ownership Policy
Beginning with the Fall 2006 semester, the School of Law requires that each first-year student have a notebook computer sufficiently equipped to be used to support essential research, classroom, and communications tasks. Upon arrival in the Fall, students will be assisted in setting up their computers to access the School's wireless network and will later be shown how to make their computer eligible for use in computer-based exams. The School of Law is convinced that requiring all students to own portable computers will increase their productivity and efficiency, improve institutional communications, and prepare students to effectively use this essential business tool.
Options for Satisfying the Computer Ownership Requirement
- Purchase a recommended computer from Dell or Gateway.
The School of Law has chosen a number of notebook computer packages from Dell and Gateway that you may purchase from them. All of these systems well exceed our minimum requirements for a compliant notebook computer.
- Use a computer you already own (if it meets our minimum specifications, below)
Minimum Specifications
You are welcome to use a computer that you already have, but it is important that it meet (and preferably exceed) the minimum requirements listed below to ensure that it will provide you with the type of service that you will need throughout your law school career.
Feature |
Minimum Specifications |
Computer type |
PC (Windows-based) notebook computers.
- Pentium 4, 1.5 GHz (or faster)
- Pentium M (any clock speed)
- Centrino (Intel) (any clock speed)
- AMD Athlon CPU (or faster)
Apple Macintosh 1.6 GHz Processor of higher
- 1 GB RAM
- 80 GB Hard Drive
- Macintosh OS 10.0 or higher
- AMD Athlon CPU (or faster)
- At least a CD burner (DVD burner is preferred) 10/100 Ethernet card - Standard on all Apple computers Wireless Network card- internal or external
- Macintosh computer users may use Softest, but must be running Windows XP or Vista under Apple's Bootcamp software. Emulation like VirtualPC or Parallels are not supported. The Windows Operating System does not come with MACs and is a separate purchase.
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Memory (RAM) |
512 MB, or greater, 1GB recommended |
Hard Drive |
40 GB or larger |
Display |
14.1" or larger XGA/TFT display - Smaller display is OK. |
Video Card |
32 MB, or greater |
PC Card Slots |
1 or 2 Type II slots |
USB Ports |
1 or 2 USB 1.x or 2.x ports |
Operating System |
Windows XP Professional (recommended) or XP Home or Windows Vista |
Word Processing Software |
Recommended: Microsoft Office 2007 and Word Perfect 12
both of these are installed on all lab computers. |
Warranty |
3 Year, On-Site Warranty (strongly recommended) |
Wireless Network Card (required to access the School of Law's wireless network throughout the Law Building)
Further information about wireless computing at the University of South Carolina School of Law is available. |
A majority of laptops sold come with a built-in wireless card. External PCMCIA wireless cards are also acceptable. |
Standard Ethernet Network Card (optional) |
Typically built-in on most notebooks (required if you plan to connect to high-speed cable or DSL connections at home) |
Modem (optional) |
Typically built-in on most notebooks (important if you plan to use the computer on the road or do not have high-speed cable/DSL at home) |
CD-ROM/CD-RW Drive; or, DVD/DVD-RW Drive
|
Becoming the standard for data backup and high-capacity data storage. Built-in is recommended; external USB drive is acceptable. |
USB Flash Drive (aka -- Pen Drive, Memory Key, Thumb Drive)
(optional) |
Small, portable USB device (with varying storage capacities) useful for backing up data and moving data between computers. |
Carrying Case (technically optional, but functionally essential) |
If your computer does not come with a padded case with sufficient room for your computer and supplies, you will need one for safely transporting it around the building. |
Insurance (again, optional, but a very wise, and surprising inexpensive way to protect your investment) |
If you computer is not covered by your homeowner's or renter's policy against theft or damage, you should consider purchasing a computer insurance policy. Several companies write this type of insurance which can cover repairs or complete replacement of damaged or lost/stolen computers. Several companies worth considering are:
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There are three computer labs located on the second floor of the Law Library with 43 networked desktop computers available for law student use. At present, our computer labs are equipped with Dell GX745 computers, all of which are connected to our network and the Internet and loaded with a full complement of word processing, web browsing, and other useful software programs. While these labs are typically available for general student usage, several of these labs are also used as electronic classrooms. They will occasionally be closed to students when classes are held there, but when not in use as classrooms, they revert to open law student computer labs. There are 12 public Internet terminals located throughout the Law Library for public use.
Students receive a laser printing account of 1000 pages at the beginning of each academic year. Once your initial printing allotment has run out, you may add copies to your account at a rate of five cents per page (minimum of $ 5.00 or 100 pages) at the Law Library Circulation Desk. You would be well-advised to supplement the Law School's printing facilities with your own printer at home.
At the beginning of the Fall semester, students will be provided with user IDs and passwords that will allow access to the computer labs.
Financial Aid Implications
This requirement has implications for students seeking financial aid.
Need Help with Computer Questions?
If selecting a computer is causing you any worries, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail Jim Epting at 803-777-5106 or jim@law.sc.edu. Mr. Epting's office is located in Law Library, Room 219D.
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