<p>I got my official appointment folder in the mail. Im in! Now i have a few questions on what exactly I can have while I'm there. As a female, does anyone know what kind of earings or other jewlrey I can wear if any. Also I will be a varsity athelete traveling on the weekends. Does anyone know if I would be allowed to have a laptop to use while traveling. Good luck to everyone else with thier appointments, I hear that December is the big month for appointment mail!</p>
<p>^^^^^
Congratulations!!! :) :) :)</p>
<p>Sailgurl, </p>
<p>Congrats!!!
BTW, did you get an LOA? What sport are you going to be playing?
(sorry, i cant really answer you question)</p>
<p>^^^^^^^^^^^
please disregard my question about the LOA. lol just saw your other thread.</p>
<p>if you don't mind me asking, what are your stats?</p>
<p>Are you awesome or what sailgurl!!!! Congratulations!!!! </p>
<p>You are allowed to wear very small earrings...but trust me - you do not want to show up on I-Day with earrings. It's not worth standing out in any way whatsoever.</p>
<p>As far as a laptop - yes one can have a laptop. My Plebe reports that a laptop has to be configured to work within the intranet at USNA - and in the beginning this is somewhat of a hassle if you are trying to deal with this - since you as a Plebe aren't given alot of time to figure this out yourself and you certainly don't go around asking for much during early Plebe times...but yes, one can have a laptop and use it during travelling. The issues come with using your laptop as a media player, for DVD's or music when you aren't supposed to have access to this....and that is a great deal of the time as a Plebe.</p>
<p>sailgirl-
first and foremost, congratulations! Best of luck!</p>
<p>Don't fret about the earings... there will be no time (or place) for them during plebe summer, and by the time you are allowed to wear them you will be given a list of what is "regulation." I believe they are limited to gold post earings, but not sure of the size limitation...but that will all be listed out for you, count on that! If anything, start thinking about what hairstyle will be easiest for you for the summer and make sure to get your "cut" prior to I-Day!</p>
<p>As for laptops, another thing to add to peskemom's advice is that each company regulates them differently- plebes are not permitted laptops over plebe summer, and come fall some companies will allow while others will not. Even for those that allow them, many companies will restrict you tying them into the USNA-net for the very reasons listed above. I would suggest you hold of on purchasing/bringing one until you are there and can see what your company will allow.</p>
<p>Again, congrats!</p>
<p>I thought plebes had to buy a computer as part of that deposit thing. Do they mean a desktop? Maybe I'm just confused.</p>
<p>Sailgurl:</p>
<p>Did you get your nom. and appointment through your MOC? If you did, when did he/she interview and nominate? It seems that it would have to have been at least a month ago for the academy to receive your nom., review your app., and reply. Of the MOC's I know of here in GA, all held interviews just this past week.</p>
<p>The standard issue computer is a desktop unit. The specifications follow:</p>
<p>United States Naval Academy
Class of 2010 Microcomputer</p>
<p>Please review this information about the Class of 2010 Microcomputer which you will be issued shortly before the Fall Term begins. You are encouraged to print this page out for later reference.</p>
<p>The Class of 2010 will be issued a totally integrated computer system consisting of pre-configured software applications, an accessories package, and on-site maintenance. Each system will be capable of supporting all academic requirements and functioning as a data communications device. For these reasons the issued system is much more than a desktop personal computer. Each system is optimized for compatibility with the Naval Academy's data communication's environment. All software is standardized, configured for USNA defaults, and loaded at the factory during system assembly. Many of the software applications are site-licensed, volume-licensed, educational shareware, or locally developed programs (not commercially available).</p>
<p>Vendor & model: Dell Precision Workstation 370
Case: Mid-tower
Mainboard: Dell Precision Workstation 370 mainboard with Intel 925X chipset
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 3.40GHz with HT Technology, Intel EM64T, 2Mb L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB, FCLGA775
Memory (RAM): 512Mb Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 400MHz Memory
Hard Disk Drive: 160GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive
DVD-ROM Drive: Dell 16XDVD+/-RW Drive
Ethernet: Integrated Broadcom BCM5751 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Sound: Integrated full-duplex audio
TV: Hauppauge WinTV-GO-Plus TV Tuner
Video: ABIT RX300 SE PCI Express with 128Mb DDR Memory
Monitor: Dell E173FP 17-inch LCD Monitor
Keyboard: Dell USB Keyboard
Pointing Device: Dell USB Optical Mouse with wheel
Ports: 1 serial, 1 parallel, 1 PS/2 mouse, 1 PS/2 mouse, 1 video, 8 USB (2 front, 6 back), 1 RJ45 NIC
Warranty: 4-years, parts only, for all system hardware components including monitor. USNA on-site service technicians perform warranty repairs.
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 license with CD media</p>
<p>No printer is included in the computer package. A high percentage of incoming freshmen either bring a printer from home or buy one shortly after computer issue. Public printers are available in each company area, but are in high demand. Several printers are available for purchase at the U.S. Naval Academy Store on Parent's Weekend and retail stores in Annapolis carry a variety of printers. When buying a printer, make sure it is Windows XP-compatible, includes the parallel or USB cable, and connects to a standard parallel or USB port. Also consider size (limited desk space), cost, maintenance and reliability, and supplies (paper, ink or toner, etc.).</p>
<p>Midshipmen are required to run both administrative and academic software. The administrative software is centered around the office suite, email, and web browsers. The Class of 2010's office suite will be Microsoft Office XP Premium Edition. It includes Microsoft Word (word processor), Excel (spreadsheet), PowerPoint (presentation and graphics package), Access (database), and other support software. This software is pre-configured on a master hard disk and factory loaded on every midshipman's microcomputer during production. Required academic software is purchased in the USNA book store and treated as a book issue.</p>
<p>To support midshipmen in using their new systems, an on-line "Microcomputer Getting Started Guidebook" will be produced by Information Technology Services. This electronic guidebook is accessible through an internet browser and provides general information about the issued system, software applications, and the Naval Academy Data Network.</p>
<p>GA ... you're an amazing font of information and insight!</p>
<p>Thanks!! :)</p>
<p>Yeah! Thanks for answering all of our questions ;)</p>
<p>It's interesting how they call the computer "much more than a desktop personal computer" because it's hooked to the Academy's system. :)</p>
<p>Do you submit papers electronically or do you have to keep buying ink for a personal printer...ouch!</p>
<p>Personal computers, not issued by the academy, can not be connected to the USNA internet - at least in my son's Company, but he seemed to think that it was Brigade wide. My son just leaves his at his sponsors house for use there and for travel. You do not need a lap top on the yard as the library has computers and all plebes are issued jump drives.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Personal computers, not issued by the academy, can not be connected to the USNA internet - at least in my son's Company, but he seemed to think that it was Brigade wide.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>that is true.....they are not allowed to be connected to the academy's internet.</p>
<p>as for the computers themselves....</p>
<p>The academy decides the computer configuration for each incoming class. For 2 years they issued laptops, but went back to desktops for the last 2 classes (2009 and 2010). The information for 2011 has not been posted yet.</p>
<p>
[quote]
My son just leaves his at his sponsors house for use there and for travel. You do not need a lap top on the yard as the library has computers and all plebes are issued jump drives.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>that is what our son does as well, and it seems to work out just fine.... </p>
<p>
[quote]
It's interesting how they call the computer "much more than a desktop personal computer" because it's hooked to the Academy's system.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>exactly...and with it comes sites that are accessable and those "restricted"...and even those, that if caught, can land you out on your fanny.... :eek:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do you submit papers electronically or do you have to keep buying ink for a personal printer...ouch!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Both....
some professors do everything electronically, and there are others who still like the printed page..... so be prepared; surprisingly enough they go through paper and ink faster than you would imagine despite all the electronic transfer of information....</p>
<p>on that note, it is best to purchase a printer from the Midstore on parents weekend....they have plenty....but it will allow your mid to have it serviced if they have trouble, and the midstore will carry the correct ink cartriges for the printers they issue.... this past year they had (2) HP printers to choose from....and the prices were comparible to what you would find at Best Buy or other similiar retailers.....</p>
<p>jump drives are recommended......</p>
<p>and a "treat" would be a web cam.....many companies allow them after plebe summer, around the end of september....those, too, you can purchase at the midstore.... just remember you will need one too! Again, have your mid check with their company FIRST.... each company has their own idiosyncracies....</p>
<p>At this time, the computers must be issued computers or specially formatted computers bought from one of two USNA sponsored companies to be allowed on the network. Additionally, only one computer is allowed on the network and you may not switch between two computers. USNA's ITSD constantly shuts down ports to midshipman who have computers other than those allowed and to those who try to attach more than one device on the network. To have more than one computing device, you need a special request chit, approved by the company MISLO (and one of the two devices, as mentioned, CANNOT be attached to the network). At this time the only exceptions made to the policy are for cadets at USAFA, USMA, or USCGA.</p>
<p>Sailgurl; trust Peskemom. If you have ever yearned to be anonymous, Plebe Summer would be a really good time to start.</p>
<p>So, are the USNA-issued computers the property of the mids afterg graduation? And, are mids allowed to customize their system, say, with more memory, or a better video card?</p>
<p>^^^^yes, the computers are yours....trust me, you will pay for them, each and every month with your "funny money"....</p>
<p>as for video cards, plebes are not allowed video cards. And, per chance you find yourself with one, you are DEFINATELY not allowed to use them unless that privilage is earned.</p>
<p>While computers are a necessity, the "internet" is a privilage that must be earned. Do something stupid and your internet access will be turned off, leaving you in cyber limbo.....not good when you have a paper to e-mail to your prof, or chem homework that needs to be done on-line. </p>
<p>As for memory, the comptuers come pretty stacked....you will have more than you need. And certainly more than you have time for.</p>
<p>Just a word of caution...
your HS years with video games, DVDs, CDs, MP3 players, I-Pods, internet surfing, etc, etc, etc, are OVER the minute you walk through the doors of Alumni Hall on I-Day.</p>
<p>First of all, you are a plebe. You get nothing except the clothes you absoltuely need to survive.</p>
<p>Over the summer, you will get 3....count them, THREE phone calls....for about 4 minutes each.....and they will be turned off when the clock hits 3 minutes 56 seconds. Are there exceptions? Yes....rare, but yes....</p>
<p>Following parents weekend, you will get a computer. You will get to actually turn it on a few days later. Internet a few days after that....IF you are allowed by your company.</p>
<p>Ah ha! you say.....the world is open to you!
LOL! Not so fast- you will have enough academy e-mails to keep you more than occupied, not to mention your academic load and homework assignments, athletic committments and blue and gold each night- you are lucky if you get to half of it before lights-out at 11pm....</p>
<p>and don't even think about staying awake after lights out....your body will be CRYING for that rack!</p>
<p>So don't worry about those video cards..... or memory.... you are gonna have your hands full with what you get issued! </p>
<p>Just wait...... :eek:</p>
<p>
[quote]
and don't even think about staying awake after lights out....your body will be CRYING for that rack!
[/quote]
There is a reason why we called our racks "The Blue Whore". Conversations often went like this:</p>
<p>"So, Z! What class do you have after lunch?"</p>
<p>"I've got a youngster, dude. My Blue Whore and I are going to get it on something fierce!"</p>
<p>"Oh, you lucky bastard! I've got EE! Give her one for me!"</p>
<p>Always good for a laugh when there was a guest at the next table. :D</p>
<p>Oh, and before anyone asks the question, a "youngster" in this case means a Youngster Afternoon, i.e. - no classes. You could crash after lunch and get up for dinner if you didn't have a sport that afternoon. Boy were THOSE fun! :D</p>
<p>
[quote]
So don't worry about those video cards..... or memory.... you are gonna have your hands full with what you get issued!
[/quote]
Yep. It never occurred to me to upgrade anything until I was a Youngster.</p>
<p>To answer the OP's question about jewelry, the answer is that you are allowed to wear gold studs while in uniform. They will be issued to you. Only one per ear and in the lobe, in case THAT needs to be clarified. No, you cannot wear the little plastic studs to keep any extra holes open. That will get you into trouble.</p>
<p>As for necklaces, so long as it doesn't show while in uniform, there is no restriction. I wouldn't bother, though. Just one more thing to have lost or stolen (yes, it sadly happens from time to time).</p>
<p>As for rings, none. No, you cannot wear your HS class ring as a Plebe. I don't really recall if that restriction applies to upperclassmen. Since no one is supposed to be married while at USNA, wedding bands will not be worn. That leaves out all rings, if you think about it.</p>
<p>You can wear one wristwatch. Don't bring a Rolex. Bring a Casio G-Shock or something similar that can take a beating and has an alarm and a stopwatch (for timing your runs). Anything more will just be a pain.</p>
<p>To clarify, internet IS NOT based on your company. Everyone is guaranteed that unless you do something you aren't suppose to be doing. </p>
<p>EE isn't that bad zaph!</p>