Brown University
- Computers

Quick Stats

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Computers are a necessary tool at Brown. All papers, research, and communication revolve around having access to computers. The Center for Information Technology helps students adapt their own computers for use in the University network. Every Brown student has a University e-mail account, server space, and full access to most of the University’s computer software and hardware. All of this is in addition to the electronic research tools available through JOSIAH, the library Web site server. The CIT also holds free group and individual training sessions to help students use specific software that the University makes available through their network. Network security is high, which has the positive effect of keeping viruses and junk mail away from people’s inboxes, but also has essentially cut off illegal file sharing on the University’s network.

While many students get by without a computer, the majority of students either bring a computer or purchase one from the Brown bookstore’s computer center or a private company soon after they arrive. The fact that most students have their own computer decreases the traffic at the clusters at all but the busiest times of the year. If you are buying a new computer, a laptop is your best bet—it takes up less space in the cramped freshman rooms and gives you the freedom to bring your computer to any of your favorite study spots. Brown’s wireless network also gives students the chance to access the Internet with their laptop in certain places on campus. In general, Brown’s computers offer more resources than most students could ever desire, and the school continues to expand its computing facilities, taking advantage of new technology as it becomes available.

Brown Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Most RecentMost PopularHighest Grades

Computers at Brown University

Dudboi

'13

Cognitive Science

3.5

B

Network Somewhat Unreliable

Wifi connection is spotty around campus, though computers are always readily available. Printing is easy to set up and use, and we get $30 annually to print documents.

Oct 20, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Computers at Brown University

jnegron92

'13

Chemistry

3.8

B+

Brown Keeps Itself up-To-Date

To be perfectly honest, Brown does a decent job at maintaining students happy when it comes to computing. There are several computer labs around campus, most of which offer both Macs and PCs as well as scanners for student use. All of them offer printing services; the neat thing is that all Brown students receive $30 in printing money for the school year, so you're well of for a while. However, there are some cons. Brown offers two wireless networks, Brown_EZ and Brown-Secure, both of which are extremely unreliable and relatively slow when compared to the networks at other schools. Furthermore, during finals period, overcrowding at the computer labs makes getting a computer very difficult and getting something printed almost impossible. I suggest that students purchase a personal computer and a printer, since they could be your only option during crunch time.

Jul 19, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Computers at Brown University

scubadiver

'12

Geology and Earth Science

4.6

A

Usually Available

There are many places to access computers, at libraries as well as within departments. Availability decreases during finals and midterms. Printing is easy for all stations.

Jun 22, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

What do you think of your school? Register to submit reviews to let others know what it's really like »

First

Previous

Page 1 of 7

Next

Last

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate computers on the following subjects

How necessary is it to bring your own computer?

Facts