Purdue University - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Computer labs can be found everywhere at Purdue, peeking around corners and hidden in basements, like eggs on Easter morning. Although the most obvious labs are usually crowded, a diligent student with an eye on the iTap website will be able to find many labs hidden away that will be mostly, if not completely, empty at any time of the day. Mac labs tend to be less crowded than PC labs, but either type can be found quite easily on the iTap website. The computers are updated every two to three years, keeping Purdue on the cutting edge of technology.

It’s possible for a student to spend an entire college career without a computer of his or her own, but with the convenience of high-speed Internet in the residence halls, most students at Purdue recommend bringing your own computer. Leave your printer at home, though, because students are given a printing account by the University. If you’re an engineering student, you will find yourself working on University computers most of the time, thus printing not being a big issue.

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Students Speak Out

shingjay says: Purdue University 2012

Most of the Labs Are Great A There are many computer labs at Purdue, and most of them are closed after 12am. Majority of the computers in these labs are good, and there are a wide selection of computers (Windows, Mac). During the exam week and the 'death' week, the lab in the HICKS library is opened 24 hours (it is the most popular and best lab in campus). 12345 Computers: December 15, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Purdue’s network could be better,... Purdue’s network could be better, but it serves its purpose. There are myriad computer labs all over campus. There are some that are very popular, especially in Stewart Center, Stanley Coulter Hall, Beering Hall, and Matthews Hall. Stewart is usually the first lab to receive new computers and software upgrades. PCs are cycled through the labs, and they are generally used for about two years before they are salvaged. There are other labs, though, that see much less traffic. It would serve you well to know where they are. It is always convenient to have your own PC, especially around finals and midterms, when the labs are chock full of people. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

Not being in a major where... Not being in a major where computers are my sole source of interaction, I have found the network to be efficient, quick, and reliable. The labs are a bit lacking, however. They are often crowded, or they have classes occupying them. There are certain labs around campus though, such as any in the ENAD building, that are usually accessible. Look around and find the hidden, less-known labs. Avoid the popular ones. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The computers here are really... The computers here are really good, but the labs tend to be crowded. If you don’t mind waiting for a bit to get a computer, you’ll be fine, but I’d recommend bringing your own. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

There are bunches and bunches of... There are bunches and bunches of computer labs all over campus, some less frequented than others because no one knows they exist, but you can pick up a map of where they all are. My favorites are ENAD, where there is the highest concentration of possible available computers, or the BCC, especially if you live nearby. It’s quiet, and the architecture is lovely—plus there’s always something going on there. 12345 Computers Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Be careful what you download on the University bandwidth—a few years ago, several students were served with court papers for illegally downloading copyrighted materials onto their hard drives. You can’t claim the Fair Use Doctrine for this situation, folks, but you can certainly become a martyr for the rebellion—stop the RIAA!

Through a recent agreement with Dell, Purdue students (and recent alumni) can purchase excellent computer systems for discounted prices.

Engineers, check out the elite Engineering Computer Network (ECN) labs. These require an ECN log-on, available through the engineering schools, and gives you access to additional software geared towards the different engineering curriculums. The School of Technology also has its own computer system and additional software.

The ECN labs in the Material Science Engineering Library allow you free printing. No money is deducted from your printing balance, and you can print as much as you want.

The University Bookstore features very affordable software. There’s no need to blow bucks at any other place. The Bookstore can offer the same at around 20% of the original price.

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