California Polytechnic State University - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Cal Poly is definitely a computer campus. Since Poly is a technical school, computers are a must. Professors will assume that you know how to use at least basic computer functions. Don’t panic, if you’re still under the impression that a mouse is a fuzzy rodent, it shouldn’t be hard to get a few quick lessons from a friend before you launch into that research project.

There are labs on campus—a main lab in the library and several smaller ones designated for different majors. Bringing your own computer is strongly recommended. Having your own allows you the freedom to work whenever you want, regardless of lab hours. It also gives you the ability to personalize your computer, something that you can’t do with the computers in the labs. However, you can survive without one of your own, especially living on campus. Since the library not only provides a top-quality lab, it also allows students to check out laptops and other computer equipment for class projects. The graphic communications major is Macintosh-based, but most other departments are primarily PC-oriented. Though you can probably mooch off of your friends or roommates, a printer is also a good idea.

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Students Speak Out

Cales says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Psychology

Computer labs are only in the... Computer labs are only in the library, so bring a computer. The Internet hookup for the dorms can be annoying at times. Once the program is installed and running, you are good to go. 12345 Computers: March 19, 2009 Report

CalAW says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Business

The network sucks. Resnet is... The network sucks. Resnet is horrible. The Internet can be slow at times, and they restrict too much. Computer labs aren't bad depending where you go. The one in the business building usually has a couple computers open. If you have a laptop, you might as well bring it, though. 12345 Computers: March 16, 2009 Report

CalLT says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Other

I definitely recommend having your... I definitely recommend having your own laptop just because it makes it easy to go from your room to the library or a study group with friends. Almost all of campus is wireless, and there are Ethernet hookups in all of the dorms. It is not imperative to have your own computer initially, though. Just make sure you have a flash drive to keep your files on. The library has computer labs, or you can check out a laptop to use while you're there to do homework on. There are other labs on campus to use as well. 12345 Computers: March 16, 2009 Report

CalKM says: California Polytechnic State University 2015 Philosophy and Religion

Bring a computer! Your life will... Bring a computer! Your life will be so much easier. The Wi-Fi on campus has had major improvements, and you can get Internet in most buildings. The library has a lot of computer labs as well as the University Union, but it's nice to have your own. 12345 Computers: February 23, 2009 Report

thechickenisbad says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Architecture and Planning

The labs are great! I find you... The labs are great! I find you need to actually have a computer, but don't bother with a printer. Many majors have labs that offer free printing. 12345 Computers: March 03, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Cal Poly has a system which allows students to borrow laptops and other technology through Media Distribution Services. Media Distribution Services can be found at www.mds.calpoly.edu/index.htm.

Web cams are provided so you can see which labs have the most free spaces. They can be viewed at www.me.calpoly.edu.

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