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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Computer Purchasing Guide

This guide is designed to help students select a computer system for use while attending the UNL College of Law. Your computer will be used primarily for word processing, taking notes in class, email, final exams, and Internet access. If you're more interested in playing the most advanced video games, processing large databases, or graphics work, then these recommendations aren't for you!

Please remember that a computer purchase is not required by the UNL College of Law. The law library computer lab is available for law student use during the hours that the library is open. Files are not saved to the lab computers so a USB flash drive is recommended. The use of floppy diskettes is not supported.

 

Hardware

  • Operating Systems Supported: Mac OSX, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
  • CPU: Intel Core-Duo, or Core2-Duo, Core2-Quad, Atom 1.6, or better
  • 80GB Hard Drive
  • 1GB RAM minimum, 4GB recommended.
  • Sophos anti-virus (UNL provided) required for Windows. Anti-virus software not required for Mac OSX.
  • Anti-spyware in the form of Windows Defender, Ad-Aware, and Spybot required for Windows. Anti-spyware software not required for Mac OSX.
  • Internal wireless network adapter 802.11a/g (802.11b is not supported and 802.11n is not here yet).
  • USB flash memory drive for file backup.



Laptops may be purchased from any vendor and are available from the UNL computer shop.

 

Software Standards. The standard office suite is Microsoft Office 2007. WordPerfect Office X4 is the latest office suite from Corel.  Google Documents is widely becoming a reliable tool and free alternative.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ENTERING STUDENTS

 

The Schmid Law Library has a computer lab for law student use.  The lab is located on the first floor of the library.  The computer lab provides law students access to the Internet and e-mail, Corel WordPerfect Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.  More information about Information Technology can be found at http://law.unl.edu/students/it.  Information about purchasing a computer can be found at http://law.unl.edu/web/law/students/it/purchase. 

 

If you anticipate buying a new computer before starting law school, you may want to consider buying a laptop.  Some professors make materials available on the web, and students may find it useful to access these materials during class.  Most professors allow students to take exams on computers.  Some professors require that students use computers for their exam answers.