<p>A question for the current/recent Barnard alums: which type of computer is most widely used on campus — Macs or PCs? What type of computers, if any, are available for student use (like in the library, computer labs, etc)? Do you get better support for one vs the other? Is there someplace on campus with computers with high end/professional video editing capabilities? If so, what program(s) are used? Does anyone have experience with what’s most commonly used in the theatre department?</p>
<p>Related question: is the entire campus wireless accessible? Thanks!</p>
<p>I can't specifically answer your first set of questions, but I can tell you that my d (and a few of her suitemates) have Macs and she has not indicated that there is any problem with this.</p>
<p>The entire campus is generally wireless accessible.</p>
<p>Okay, I see you also answered the question over on the Columbia forum. Good idea...</p>
<p>I will say my answers were more specifically Barnard-related. But the same goes in that the wireless connection, though pretty much available throughout campus, will be slower than a hard-connect. I know my d has connected a router to the internet connection in her dorm (over on the quad and now at Plimpton) and then set up her own secure wireless network.</p>
<p>when I did the precollege program we had access to all the computer labs which are located in the basement tunnel below Sulzberger. They were standard PCs with the new version of microsoft word, I don't remember if they were vista or not. I know quite a few girls brought macbooks of their own.</p>
<p>I don't think it matters any more. In my family we stick with PC's -- but there aren't the cross-platform compatibility issues that existed years ago. </p>
<p>But I wonder if the experience of many girls having Macs reflects economics more than anything else -- an entry level PC can be purchased for much less than a Macbook -- my d. replaced her PC this year and bought a new computer that she absolutely loves for under $500.</p>
<p>I think it's more of a trend thing. Macs are popular because they look nice, operate fairly well, have a built in camera, etc etc. They've become the standard among my high school and college friends</p>