<p>Today I received my financial aid packet from KP. During going over options with my parents the subject of the computer came up. I understand that electronics is a pricey market. But what does that 3 grand get you?
Some specs would be nice.</p>
<p>Thanks </p>
<p>Goat</p>
<p>I pretty decent computer and printer with a ridiculous amount of restrictions on it set by the IT Dept because they assume that midshipmen are little children not to be trusted with the internet, who only play games instead of study and download viruses on purpose from the internet.</p>
<p>I think you can get the specific specs on the website</p>
<p>The class of 2010 had a last minute change when the supplier informed them that they would be unable to supply the computers by the required deadline.
What they ended up with was a computer that some feel are not the equal of computers owned by the other classes. It seems as though every one of them needed a new battery before one year was up. The point is, no matter what the specs may be they are subject to change. In the end it doesn't really matter that much. You have to buy the computer that they specify for you. Welcome to KP.</p>
<p>"The class of 2010 had a last minute change when the supplier informed them that they would be unable to supply the computers by the required deadline.
What they ended up with was a computer that some feel are not the equal of computers owned by the other classes. It seems as though every one of them needed a new battery before one year was up. The point is, no matter what the specs may be they are subject to change. In the end it doesn't really matter that much. You have to buy the computer that they specify for you. Welcome to KP."-KPMarineopsdad</p>
<p>I assume that computer is the one still on the website.The lenovo N100 I believe? The specs didn't seem to good compared to today's computers. I sure hope they aren't continuing to administer them.</p>
<p>Oh, and I already have a KP laptop. A family friend gave me his old laptop. He graduated in '90. That "laptop" weighs more than my desktop!
I Wonder if I can exchange it on the loaner program...?</p>
<p>I would say a large percentage of midshipmen replace the laptop by their senior year. I bought a nice desktop that still works great, others bought a new laptop.</p>
<p>No, actually 2010 got a Dell that my son is not real happy with. The one on the website is probably 2011s computer which he said is somewhat better.</p>
<p>It really doesn't matter what they give you since it will probably take a beating when you are out at sea anyway. That's why they usually end up getting replaced later on. In any case an external hard drive will be an absolute must.
I can't think of anything worse than losing your entire sea project due to a
computer malfunction.</p>
<p>2011 got a laptop and multifunction printer/scanner/fax. Was actually a pretty respectable unit, pretty zippy, good option set. </p>
<p>Yup. MOdad's right. The external hard disk drive is a GREAT idea... My son preferred the USB 2.0 one.. since it gets its power from the USB port (not an extra cable from the power adapter). Now, HAVING an extra HDD does no good. USING it to back up your documents DOES. Learn how! :) </p>
<p>Also, a decently-sized USB flash drive makes things really handy. You probably already have one or more.</p>
<p>And finally, a card reader for your digital camera media. For us, a PCcard that slips into the notebook slot that reads your camera's media is handy as well, or the external USB connector.</p>
<h2>You can take it and get it taken during Indoc( I wouldn't bother), have it mailed up when allowed (get insurance), or just have your parents bring it when you ARE allowed (what we did). Believe me, you WILL be TOLD when that is :)</h2>
<p>And finally...
Even if you think the printer area opens up to form a GREAT place to hide a Snickers bar... DON'T DO IT. You'll forget and try to print something.</p>
<p>The sounds that come from the printer will be unnatural, AND unhealthy.</p>
<p>
[quote]
And finally...
Even if you think the printer area opens up to form a GREAT place to hide a Snickers bar... DON'T DO IT. You'll forget and try to print something.</p>
<p>The sounds that come from the printer will be unnatural, AND unhealthy.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Oh you so just gave away one of the classic hiding spots. A snickers bar is nothing compared to what I've seen hidden in that area. :)</p>
<p>2001--now, I am SOO ashamed ;(</p>
<p>I have heard from several sources that changes made with respect to USMMA computers were making life difficult for the plebe class, shutting down at predetermined times, etc.</p>
<p>However, I have now heard from an upperclassman, my son who is on his second sea year, that the changes have affected his computer so much that a new, separate, non-USMMA computer may be required to work on his sea project. </p>
<p>Problems include:</p>
<p>Cannot install program that allows viewing sea project assignment.
Cannot print from ship’s printer because cannot install printer drivers.
Cannot run extra components of Microsoft Word like Equation Editor because it requires "administrative privilege."
Cannot change the time on the computer.
Cannot change power settings, therefore making the computer shut down at a USMMA preset time, regardless of time zone, because it cannot be set differently.
Cannot update Windows or any virus software (not connected to USMMA network so it prevents it).
Therefore cannot use the Internet in any country for the duration of the sea year.
Cannot change passwords or update user settings so may become unable to access USMMA intranet or email.</p>
<p>Are there simple solutions to these problems?</p>
<p>When the admin on the computers begins to really effect the productivity of the students than I think it may be time for us parents to speak with Administration at KP. Anyone agree?</p>
<p>I think we should let the mids handle this one. Generally speaking, parents just make things worse.</p>
<p>Not sure if I agree with you on this one dad....I've heard a lot of grumbling about this and no progress being made. The computers are not issued by the school. If you recall we had to fork out the money for the computers so they are personally owned. It would be one thing to deny admin rights on an "issued" computer, but his is personal property.</p>
<p>It's always a balancing act. IT has to set strong standards, but not too strong.
They've made a stab at it, and it doesn't fit the circumstances for all cases. I'm sure they will adjust.</p>
<p>It's an overall policy, setup/checked at login to the KP network--access to setting time, running defrag, etc. I just don't see the 'risk'. But Microsoft has classified these as 'important higher-level functions' that a typical corporate user should not change.. therefore, then the policy went into effect, EVERYTHING that Microsoft labeled as such was labeled off-limits. (pretty much , with 1 or 2 lines in a script somewhere, they restrict access to all the stuff Microsoft classified as "not what a typical user SHOULD change"</p>
<p>DoIT can refine the administrative policy, and probably can/should/will. Seems PARTICULARLY cumbersome for those at sea... but we bumped into the issue when S tried to 'print his new trimester schedule' at home.... "What to you MEAN I can't even create the printer!!!" Arrgh.</p>
<p>MIDS (and I agree w/MOdad) should be emailing DoIT. If they don't get something they can live with, re-email w/CCs to folks higher up the food chain.</p>
<p>Hey, if they can coordinate writing the same answer on a PKT, coordinating an email campaign to get the settings to "Workable in the KP environment" is within their reach. </p>
<p>Poor IT guys. Everything is always their fault. They'll adjust to meet the needs of Mids as dictated by the powers-that-be. I know. I R'one.
(And no, the Dilbert character "MORDAC: Preventer of Information Systems" does NOT work there.... he just consults there;) <kidding.. please="" don't="" format="" my="" kid's="" c:="" drive!=""> )</kidding..></p>
<p>Now. Just a scenario. MID shows up at DoIT, fills out proper paperwork and says.."My computer is running slow. I have not been able to defrag my disk. I know this is a regular and important part of maintenance, will help speed up my system, and needs to be done now. Let me leave it with you to do, or have you sign on as Administrator so we can do it now--I can wait." Now, multiply that by 280 in the hallway. They CAN get it changed by working through the channels they have... It's all a matter of volume.
(and although we DID pay for it, I don't want some kid loading BitTorrent and swapping movies/pictures/viruses all over the place... I'm OK with most of the lockdown, if they can just relax on items that the kids can safely do for themselves.)</p>
<p>Now, you wanna see some screeching? Block facebook/myspace during classes... ;) Not that it would be the end of the world, mind you... but those Mids would find their voices pretty quickly.</p>
<p>Speaking as a long-time IT Director/VP for both government and private sector organizations, this is a sticky situation. However, based on the fact that the computers are purchased by the students, it is their computer - not government property. The resources that the computer attach to are government property, so there should be policies in place to ensure that the connections are appropriate and protections are in place. There are methods/technology that can be put in place to allow access to the network infrastructure only from computers that are up-to-date with the latest virus eradication software and verified "clean". This is handled within the network infrastructure of the school, not at the local machine level. Additionally, blocking sites is handled at the firewall - this is perfectly acceptable at most businesses/schools/etc. (FYI, Denver International Airport, which provides free WiFi service to travelers blocks sites that could be viewed as "inappropriate"). If the student is using the USMMA connectivity for Internet access, KP has every right to limit the sites that are viewed.</p>
<p>With all of that said, providing the kids with local administrator permissions (or simply using a global policy within Active Directory) to allow for the basic needs (i.e., changing time, installing software, etc) should be an acceptable practice, and I believe that an easy route was taken by just removing the local user from the local administrative group...it's a practice that I've seen many times, typically by an IT organization that doesn't have a skill level necessary to implement good security, but also to allow for a functional level of operation.</p>
<p>Just my .02 - but I'm quite passionate about this one :)</p>
<p>Agree 100% with JRH!!!</p>
<p>That seems to have been the case. I was told that there were some
restrictions that were necessary to allow the Academy onto the Department of Transportation's network and DoIT took the easiest and fastest route.</p>
<p>^^^ This is becoming a pain in the butt. Due to the problems mentioned here (& kids being kids, finding ways around said problems) don't look for some to have privs for a while. Lock down time. </p>
<p>Yes indeed the Feds have their rules for services they are paying for but when kids can't access their own SERVICE ACADEMY email to get messages from the ACADEMY & their class work when they are away, something is alittle crazy IMHO. </p>
<p>Three little words. Wireless Network card. Geez. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Here is a mass email sent to us a few days ago:</p>
<p>M/N,</p>
<p>It has come to our attention that a number of M/N have reimaged the hard drives of their laptops to escape the limitations of the FDCC. Those laptops and M/N network accounts will be suspended on Monday with a complete loss of all network privileges.</p>
<p>V/r,</p>
<p>HDW </p>
<p>"HDW" is the man in charge of our network functions. It is his department’s policy that wireless networks are not allowed in the barracks.</p>
<p>Also, because of the FDCC, there is no foreseeable solution to our problem. The smart thing would be to have a school network separate from the MARAD network. But KP probably won't be able to afford that for a long period of time.</p>