<p>What kinds of computers are used at Rice? How popular are laptops? Do professors allow them in class? Do most students have computers in their dorms? Any other info on computer usage at Rice is greatly appreciated... i'm starting to shop for a comp for college...thanks</p>
<p>On my most recent visit, I have seen Unix, Mac, and Windows systems. Perhaps Unix provides the backbone for the network, Mac for employees, and Windows and Mac for students; it certainly makes sense.</p>
<p>Jenskate must be on vacation-- otherwise I am sure she'd answer this for you. My s. has a Dell laptop. Each room has an ethernet connection and there are many wifi areas on campus. Yes, most students have computers, and if memory serves me correctly, most were laptops-- just easier to deal with. My s.s residential college has a study area on the top floor (affectionately known as the "weenie loft" with about 8 -10 computers and a printer for general use. Most are IBM/microsoft, I believe, but I think they also had a mac or 2. I'd ask my s. but he isn't home at the moment. Here's a link that may help somewhat. <a href="http://www.rice.edu/it/help/owlnet/labs/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.rice.edu/it/help/owlnet/labs/index.html</a> Each residential college also has a few students who are paid as computer repair guys-- they rotate call so there is always someone available should you have a hardware or software problem. Nice touch.</p>
<p>jenskate...your insight would be greatly appreciated...:)</p>
<p>smazn-
Yes, per my s., you can bring your laptop to class.</p>
<p>ok, ok...</p>
<p>In every college, there is a computer lab. At least at my college, they have macs, windows and unix computers. But most people bring their own - and it's up to you if you bring a mac or PC, either will do. </p>
<p>You are allowed to bring laptops to class, but few people do. Most stick with the basic notebook. But again, it's up to you...with one caveat: in a small discussion, a laptop probably will not be welcome.</p>
<p>smazn-
Here's another link that should answer your questions about a computer <a href="http://www.rice.edu/it/help/start/student_resources.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.rice.edu/it/help/start/student_resources.html</a> There is a specific link answering "do I need a computer?" its <a href="http://www.rice.edu/market/guidelines/student_guidelines.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.rice.edu/market/guidelines/student_guidelines.html</a></p>
<p>thanks for all the helpful info...</p>
<p>You're welcome :) Happy holidays to all</p>