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Computers:

B+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Computers Grades:

Quick Stats

Wireless Network?

Yes

Computer Labs

11 - campus labs

16 - residence hall labs

Operating Systems

  • Mac OS X
  • UNIX
  • Windows XP

24-Hour Labs?

Yes - All residence hall labs

College Prowler Take

Virtually all students at U of I own a computer, and many tote their laptops to classes, coffee shops, and libraries. While it may not be necessary to own a computer—there is no shortage of public computers on campus—students without computers will likely spend a lot of time commuting to and from labs, and will find themselves part of a small minority. The question is really whether or not to bring a printer: paying five to ten cents a page adds up when the bulk of your course readings are online, and it may be a worthwhile measure to avoid having to run to a lab to print out a paper at the last minute.

A good thing about going to a state school is the funding, especially when this funding leads to great computer labs. The residence hall labs may be a bit loud, but they are all adequately equipped; each one generally has a minimum of 20 computers, all with Internet access and a wide range of software. Although labs do get busy, it is rare for there to be no computers available. Several main buildings have computer labs, so wherever you are on campus, you will not be far from a computer and printer.

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

Anonymous says:

The dorm labs are always crowded...

The dorm labs are always crowded on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there isn’t a time limit or priority rating. That means if some geek wants to stay on for 72 hours; then, you are stuck waiting. Besides last year a kid was caught abusing himself to Internet pornography . . . eeewwww.

Computers
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Anonymous says:

I recommend having a computer,...

I recommend having a computer, since many classes have online homework and quizzes. The network is outstanding. The Internet is super fast and great for downloading songs.

Computers
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Anonymous says:

Most students have personal...

Most students have personal computers that connect to the Internet in their dorm room. This saves time and allows the student to use the computer labs as a back-up in case of problems with her or his machine, rather than be dependent on a lab that may have limited availability.

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Anonymous says:

Usually, a lab is available...

Usually, a lab is available somewhere, but these labs have hours of operation which may be inconvenient. Students must also pay to print in the computer labs, which can be avoided by bringing a computer and printer.

Computers
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Anonymous says:

There is the roommate situation to...

There is the roommate situation to consider when it comes to computers—if he/she does not have one, they may expect you to let them use yours all the time. I have seen the disastrous effects that can have on a human being.

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Facts

Discounted Software

Adobe Acrobat Pro 9, Adobe Design Premium CS4, Adobe Master Collection CS4, Microsoft Office 2007 (for Windows), Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise, Microsoft Office 2008 (for Mac), Microsoft Vista Business Upgrade, Microsoft Vista Ultimate Upgrade

Free Software

Acrobat Reader, Antivirus software, AutoCAD, Groove, ImageReady, Linux, Mac OS X amp, Mallard, Banner, Mathematica, Matlab, Real Slideshow Basic; RealPlayer8Basic; SSH; Symantec Antivirus; Telnet; UI Direct; WinZip 8.0

Charged to Print?

Yes - 5 cents per page in most labs for black and white, 10 cents per page for color

Did You Know?

The residence halls have an online link that allows you to check what computers are open and what labs are full. Unfortunately, to check the link, you need a computer.

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