Computing & Information Services

Computing At Reed Q & A

How are computers used in courses?

Students at Reed use computers in almost every area of the curriculum. For example, computers are used in collection and analysis of data in the natural sciences, composition and design in the arts, statistical analysis and simulation in the social sciences, text analysis in the humanities, and many other applications. Nearly all students and faculty members at Reed use computers extensively for email, word processing, web research, and other activities. A growing number of classes use interactive web resources to share materials, augment classroom discussions, and facilitate collaboration.

What types of computers are used at Reed?

The majority of the Reed community uses Macintosh computers. Reed operates an Apple-certified repair facility and offers excellent support for the Macintosh platform. Some Reedies use Windows or Linux computers because they require software such as geographic information systems (GIS) or specialized statistical analysis packages.

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What computing facilities are available for students?

Many students use the information resource centers (IRCs) in the Educational Technology Center (ETC). The IRCs are open 24/7 for coursework, independent projects, or just catching up on email. There are 60 Macintosh computers with a wide range of installed software—from Adobe Photoshop to the Reed-developed PopBio simulation program. Scanners and printing (including color printing) are available here, too. Computers for specialized work are available in labs across campus including studio art, biology, chemistry, music, physics, psychology, the language lab, the Public Policy Workshop, and the Dorothy Johansen House.

Should I own a computer or printer?

Purchasing a Macintosh computer to use while at Reed is highly recommended. You can buy directly from Apple, but, if you live outside Oregon, you can save on sales tax by purchasing through Reed, and will receive educational discounts. Apple usually offers several back-to-school specials in the summer. Check out www.reed.edu/sales/ for current product information and online ordering.
For those who wish to buy a Windows machine, we recommend computers from Dell or Lenovo. When buying a new Windows computer, we suggest Windows Vista Business or Ultimate. If you already own a computer running Windows XP, upgrading is not necessary. However, Windows Home Editions are not designed to function on large networks and we do not recommend them for use at Reed. Older versions (95, 98, ME, NT, and 2000) are also not recommended.

A printer is optional. Students can use laser printers in the residence halls, the library, or IRCs for 10¢ a page, billed automatically to their account. Each year, the first $20 of printing is free. Color printing is available in the IRCs, library, and printing services, but not in the dorms, so if you plan to print in color a lot, buying an ink jet printer may be warranted.

More detailed computer recommendations and prices for both Macintosh and Windows systems will be mailed to you this summer.

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What kind of networking does Reed have?

Reed has a high-speed wired and wireless network that reaches all residence halls and academic buildings. Students can connect their own computers to access email, course materials, the online library materials, printers, and other resources at Reed and on the internet.

What is necessary to connect to the campus network?

Wired (ethernet) or wireless (802.11b or g) connections are standard on almost every new computer. You’ll need an ethernet cable to make a wired connection. You should also be sure to bring all the original CDs or DVDs that came with your computer and software.Reed provides site-licensed antivirus software for both Windows and Macintosh computers; you can download it once you arrive on campus. Windows computers on the Reed network are required to have up-to-date antivirus software.

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What if I need help?

The computer user services department (usually known as CUS) provides all sorts of computer help to students. The CUS help desk can assist with software issues including installing and using software, printing, and using the labs. The help desk is open until midnight on school nights. CUS also operates an Apple-certified hardware repair shop and can repair your Mac no matter where you bought it. For Windows hardware repairs, we suggest that you work with your manufacturer or a local repair shop. The help desk, repair shop, and store are all located on the first floor of the Educational Technology Center (ETC).

Does Reed have a Learning Management System like Blackboard or WebCT?

Reed uses Moodle, a Learning Management System, which allows faculty to create online communities for the purpose of sharing course materials with their students or for collaborative work. A Moodle course may contain a variety of interactive resources, such as wikis, discussion forums, quizzes, and surveys. Students who take a course that uses Moodle will be automatically enrolled in the Moodle course and have access to its materials and activities.

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I have questions about computing — where can I get more information?

You can find more information about computing at Reed by visiting our web sites:

If you have specific computer questions, contact the Reed College Computer Store at mac-purchase@reed.edu or 503/777-7253.