Orientation 2008
Computing &
Computer Sales
Getting started & getting help
When you arrive for Orientation, you will find a Technology Survival Guide in your mailbox with instructions on how to set up email, how to install the site-licensed antivirus software, and more. The computing staff is available all year to help, and will have staff on hand to help during Orientation.
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.
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 hours a day, seven days a week, for work on course assignments or independent projects, with 60 Macintosh stations running MacOS X, several laser printers, and a color laser printer. Although these computers are readily accessible, the IRCs are filled to capacity during humanities paper deadlines, midterms, end-of-semester rush, and thesis deadlines. For this reason, you may want to have your own computer. Approximately 90 percent of Reed students own a computer. Computers for more specialized work are available in departmental computing labs, such as art, biology, chemistry, music, physics, psychology, public policy, and the writing and quantitative skills centers.
Should I own a computer or printer?
Purchasing a Macintosh computer is highly recommended. You can buy directly from Apple, but if you live outside Oregon, you can save on sales tax and receive educational discounts by purchasing through Reed. Apple usually offers several back-to-school specials in the summer. View current product information and online ordering.
For those who wish to buy a Windows machine, we recommend Dell or Lenovo computers. When buying a new Windows computer, we suggest Windows Vista Business and 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¢ per 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.
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, 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.
Where can I get help?
The computer user services office (CUS) provides hardware and software support including training classes, manuals, help sheets, repairs, upgrades, and general troubleshooting. The CUS Help Desk can assist with software issues including installing and using software, printing, and using the labs. All Macintosh computers and peripherals can be repaired and upgraded by trained technicians on campus, often within two days. Windows software help is available from CUS, but for hardware service you should go to the manufacturer or authorized repair center.
For more information
If you have specific computer questions, email the computer store at mac-purchase@reed.edu or call 503/777-7253.
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