The
University and College do not mandate that students
bring their own personal computer to PSU. However,
students will be required to use computers frequently for communications
and academic activities. Computer ownership, whether it
is a desktop or laptop model, will enable students to benefit
from the in-class and out-of-class activities and opportunities
to the fullest extent.
The College has gone to great lengths to enhance the computing experience for its students by expanding services. Deployment of College-wide Secure Wireless networking (802.11a/b/g/n) equipment in the 13 primary academic department buildings, coupled with secure Virtual Private Networking (VPN) services, open a whole new set of computing opportunities for College of Engineering students.
During the fall semester of 2011 through the spring of 2012, College networking personnel are completing the roll-out of additional wireless services to insure greater network accessibility and services throughout College buildings. Additional wireless networking services are provided by the University's Information Technology Services organization at various non-College operated locations on-campus and on-campus housing add to the Internet and collaborative computing environment.
College of Engineering students who live off-campus and access the Internet through Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Cable Modem services from a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) are able to access all College networking and computing service through a College's VPN services.
With the expanding wireless capabilities and increasing dependence on computers for individual and group work at various campus locations, it appears that there are many advantages to having a laptop computer with built-in wireless capability. Since the purchase of a computer may be one of the largest single expenditures made by a student and portability also increases security risk, students need to closely guard their investment and take steps to secure their computer when not in use.
Incoming first-year students who already own a desktop or laptop computer capable of networking (wired and wireless) with a system that is no more than three years old will most likely be able to use this system into their sophomore year. In such cases, the type of computer and its operating system are not critical; that is to say, the computer may be either an Apple or PC system running any of the available operating systems: Mac OS X, MS Windows/Windows XP, or Linux. Computing assignments for first-year and sophomores will typically require report writing, spreadsheet generation, and classroom presentations.
Upon entering the junior year, older computing systems will most likely not be able to run many of the engineering applications the student will need to use. After declaring a major, students will find that computing requirements will become more specific. At that time, students with older systems may want to discuss laptop configuration requirements with their faculty advisor, if they plan to purchase a new system.
For incoming students who do not already own a computer or plan to purchase a new system, the following information is provided for a Laptop system configuration; this is a minimum system configuration recommendation. It should provide acceptable performance for the majority of undergraduate students:
Incoming first-year students should note that the system of choice need not be the most expensive available. Also, computing requirements will vary by department and becomes major–specific in one's junior and senior years. In the case of Architectural Engineering, the requirements will become major–specific in the sophomore year. If a student is committed to a major upon entering the University, the student should contact the major's Department for specific computer configuration recommendations.
Apple, Inc. migration to the Multi Core Intel processor technology broadens the ability for Apple computer owners to experiment or work in the Microsoft Operating System environment without having to purchase an additional computer. This expanded functionality is attained through the use of a number of software applications, the most notable of which are Boot Camp, Parallels, and VMware Fusion. The downside of Boot Camp is that the computer can only boot into one operating environment at a time; Parallels and VMware Fusion do not have this limitation. Boot Camp is a no-cost application from Apple, Inc. Parallels and VMware Fusion may be purchased at discount pricing from the Penn State Computer Store.
The University's Computer Store offers a number of software applications at reduced cost to students as a result of negotiated licensing agreements. Some of the software applications that students will want to purchase from the store and install as a minimal set include:
* NOTE: Before purchasing any software, check with a University Computer Store representative to see if an application is available at no cost to students through negotiated University-wide licensing agreements between Penn State and a software vendor. Use of University licensed software usually has restrictions on system installations and its use. Students with University Access Accounts may download free licensed software at http://downloads.its.psu.edu/. Access to this site requires a user ID and Password.
The computer store also offers some standard computer system configurations. It also has links to preferred vendor sites for students, faculty, and staff for configuring their preferred system. It is important to note that a Penn State Access account obtainable from the University's Information and Technology Services is required to access these preferred vendor sites.
Other software applications may be required during a student's undergraduate degree program and will be specific to a major or course. Such software requirements will be conveyed to students by faculty as needed. In addition, each department in the College of Engineering has computer facilities and software packages for high-end engineering applications that are needed by its students for academic assignments.
Calculators remain extremely useful Engineering tools and are also required for use in other courses Engineering students will encounter during their education at Penn State, such as Mathematics and Physics. Calculators with the capability to express calculations in scientific notation, perform complex expression manipulations, and to provide graphic representations of results are highly recommended. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and other devices with the ability to communicate via cellular or wi-fi networks are NOT recommended as functionally equivalent to a good graphics calculator because unlike a calculator these devices will not be permitted to be used during exams. While no one specific manufacture's calculator is recommended over another, a good site to visit for selecting a calculator for Engineers is that of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): http://www.ncees.org/Exams/Exam-day_policies/Calculator_policy.php
wjb, 8 February 2005 - last updated: 15 February 2012
Formerly Electronic and Computer Services (ECS)