Written by Jade Riley
In general, the computer resources at ASU accommodate students campuswide, and tech support is very helpful if problems arise. Since ASU uses an interactive system known as Blackboard to allow professors to post assignments, lectures, readings, grades, and a wide variety of information that is necessary for class, students need to have access to computers daily (if you care about your grade, that is). Since the majority of information is accessed via Blackboard, students really should consider buying a laptop unless they would rather find themselves locked up in the library fighting for a computer, getting distracted by noise, and just simply not being self-sufficient. If you buy a laptop before heading to ASU, you will thank yourself, and while you're at it, purchase a printer as well because it will save the eight cents per page that you will be charged to print from ASU printers.
If, by chance, you do need to use an ASU computer, there are plenty of locations to access one, whether it be any of the campus libraries, the Computing Commons (a multi-level computer lab), or some residence halls, such as Hassayampa or Barrett Honors College. Usually the Computing Commons or libraries can be a bit overbearing when it comes to finding a computer, but if you're patient, it's not a problem. One common issue students have with the ASU network is when the server goes down and Blackboard cannot be accessed. When this occurs, it really messes people up because they cannot turn in their assignments they waited to do at the last minute or study for a test they have an hour before class starts. You can usually guarantee the ASU network will be out once a month due to maintenance, overcrowding, or most recently, hack attempts. Likewise, the server will be extremely slow during midterms or finals season when most students realize they actually need to study for classes.