<p>Hoping to ask a current Cadet a few computer Questions!</p>
<p>Our DS will be in the class of 2015. For his three older siblings we purchased laptops for them as senior graduation gifts. Since the USAFA gives (sells;-) a laptop/tablet to the cadets were had a few questions about the computer itself and it’s use. We are just trying to get a feel for what he will and will not be able to do with his machine.</p>
<p>Qs:
1: What type of laptop/tablet will be issued to the cadets
2: What restriction/limitations are there for it’s use, both short and long term. IE I realize that Skype, Google Chat/Talk, Facebook and such might be “off limits” for some period of time but at some point are they allowed these types of communication and social networking programs and use?
3: Are there any restriction on it’s use within and outside of the Academy? IE can it be taken home? Used as a normal college student’s personal laptop (once the first semester/year/?? restrictions (see above), if any, are lifted?</p>
<p>Well I’m no longer a cadet, but can answer your questions based on my experience the last 4 years.</p>
<p>1) it varies each year. 07-09 had Dells, '10 had Gateways, and I believe they’ve been Fujistus the past few years. They probably announce it at some point, but until then you just wait and see.</p>
<p>2) The restrictions change all the time. Facebook has been available. Skype/AIM are blocked, but some cadets find work-arounds. Google chat through g-mail and everything have been available. Freshmen are not supposed to access movies, music, or games for certain time periods, but those can also change each year and by squadron. And as you can imagine, things like music when you have a computer and internet are very hard to enforce.</p>
<p>3) The laptop belongs to the cadet, but operates on a government network. Basically what that means is that the yes the cadet can take it home or where ever. However, you can’t do whatever you want with it, since it does connect to a government network. There are certain types of programs and items that you can’t access from your computer while at USAFA, and other small things like that. But they learn about that when they receive them.</p>