Barnard College - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Personal computers at Barnard are close to essential. Yes, there are plenty of computer labs and printers, but due to the volume of students using them, not just Barnard students, but all Columbia University students, they tend to be crowded and often times not working. Another hassle is the NINJa printing system, which limits students to 100 pages of printing per week in the computer labs. To Barnard’s credit, nothing in the computer labs stays broken very long, but it is a very common occurrence for printers to be out of commission. On the plus side, the network provided for students is very fast and reliable. There are enough Internet connections to accommodate two people in most rooms, and there are also Internet connections in the labs for people who bring their laptops.

Having said that, it is possible for a student to get along without her own personal computer. Really, if you have the patience of a saint and don’t mind hanging around the computer lab, then go for it. However, if the idea of sitting around watching some girl play solitaire when you need to write a paper makes you want to scream, you should probably look into purchasing your own computer. The case at Barnard is that most people have their own computer and use the computer labs mostly to check e-mail and do work between classes or simply to print. While it is suggested that students bring their own computer, those that do not won’t suffer here.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Having your own computer is a... Having your own computer is a plus, but if you need one, they aren’t impossible to come by. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The library labs are your best bet... The library labs are your best bet because they usually have people on staff to help you with technical issues. For this reason, they are also the most crowded, and you may have to wait in line to get a computer. The college primarily offers PCs to students, although there are several Macintosh computers in the library and about one Mac computer per lab in each dorm. If you are a film concentrate or you work doing graphic design, the Barnard Media Center has Mac computers with Final Cut Pro 4.0 and Photoshop, among other programs. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The labs in the dorms are... The labs in the dorms are especially poorly maintained. The computers are not shut down each day, and even though they are fairly new Dell computers, they run slowly because they are always in use and there is no one to run Norton and Adware every few weeks. There is never anyone on-site at the computer labs in the dorms to help you if a computer stops working properly. When it gets late and you need to print out that last-minute essay, you are often out of luck if the printer becomes jammed, runs out of paper, or the ink cartridge needs to be replaced. During business hours, there is a number you can call for help if something goes wrong, but for the most part, you’re on your own. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

Most Barnard students will tell... Most Barnard students will tell you that it’s best to bring your own computer and your own printer. Although both the library and most dormitories are equipped with computers and printers, they can often be crowded, and the college instated a hundred pages per week limit. While the quota can be useful in preventing students from printing unnecessary material from the Internet or 300 fliers for the student government’s upcoming bake sale, the quota can also make it very hard for a student who does not have her own printer. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The computer labs are very busy,... The computer labs are very busy, and it’s hard to get a computer, especially during midterms and finals. You should definitely bring your own computer. 12345 Computers Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Are you good with computers? You can sign up to help other Barnard students keep theirs up and running by being an RCA. Like RAs, RCAs also get certain perks for their service to the Barnard Community.

Just need to check your e-mail between classes? There are a few computers in upper-level Mac to surf on for a few minutes between classes.

If students connect their personal dorm computers to the campus network, they can actually print materials on the campus lab printers directly from their rooms. Students submit their print jobs and then must confirm them within
two hours on a campus computer before they will physically print out.

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