Virginia Tech - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Students are required to bring a computer with them to Virginia Tech, so every student has one. For those times when you need to get out of your dorm room to study, your computer crashes, or you need to do group work, there are many computer labs available around campus. The main computer lab used by Tech students is the Math Emporium, located off campus at the end of a strip mall. It has around 500 computers, provides computer and math tutors during the day, and is open 24 hours every day. For more sophisticated programs, however, students must go to other labs around campus. The Emporium never fills up, but it can get crowded and a little noisy during exam weeks. Labs on campus tend to be small (about 20 available computers) and fill up quickly. Most labs only offer Macs, but a few labs have PCs. No matter where you go, though, expect to pay to print. Virginia Tech doesn’t have Internet firewalls that block file-sharing, but the University does urge students to be aware of copyright laws when using programs like KaZaA, Morpheus, and eMule.

Virginia Tech’s coolest feature is the availability of wireless Internet on 90 percent of its campus. Currently wireless and Ethernet are both free to students and easy to access from almost anywhere on campus, from the study lounges to the classrooms, from the student centers to the gyms. Coffee shops downtown and around Blacksburg are following the wireless trend and provide free wireless Internet to their customers. Whether it’s taking notes in class or surfing the Web between classes, many students choose to keep their computer close by their side wherever they go.

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Students Speak Out

VTRS says: Virginia Tech 2013 Physical Sciences

We are known for having some of... We are known for having some of the best technology nationwide. We have a math emporium that is open 24 hours a day and has more than 500 brand new Mac computers for students to use. Still, it's always a good idea to have your own computer. Students will find that at any college however. 12345 Computers: February 25, 2009 Report

VTCR says: Virginia Tech 2012 Undecided

Some dorms on campus have labs... Some dorms on campus have labs located in them, which is very convenient and handy. There always computers available in Torg and in the library. Off-campus, Tech has the Math Emporium, which is filled with hundreds of computers for students' use 24 hours a day! 12345 Computers: February 24, 2009 Report

VTKD says: Virginia Tech 2012 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Most computer labs are crowded,... Most computer labs are crowded, but everyone has their own laptop on campus---it's required. We have Wi-Fi Internet everywhere on campus, so it is very convient to just pull out your own computer. 12345 Computers: February 24, 2009 Report

kmanb91 says: Virginia Tech 2013 Engineering

Math Emporium Is Annoying and the Tablet Computers Are a Racket B- The math emporium is the largest collection of computers than anyone can use for certain math courses, but it is off-campus and requires bus transport, is often crowded, and uses Macs. You must buy a laptop if you are a student, but not necessarily from the Virginia Tech supplier. Unless you are an engineering student, in which you must buy a state of the art tablet PC from VT at $500 above market price. 12345 Computers: March 10, 2010 Report

aebalog says: Virginia Tech 2013 Business

Labs Get Crowded During Midterms/Finals and on Test Days. B+ The computer labs at Virginia Tech are usually crowded when students have tests or quizzes due that have to be taken online in the labs, or during midterms/finals. The WIFI in most of the classrooms is pretty good. Once you're logged on its great. Its nicer to have your own computer that way whenever you need one you're guaranteed to have access to one. 12345 Computers: February 09, 2010 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Wireless Internet is available on 85 90 percent of the campus. You can even use it in all of the gyms.

In November 2003, Virginia Tech built the world’s third-fastest super-computer using 1,100 G5 PowerMacs. The computer has been dismantled and will be upgraded with 1,100 G5 Xserves.

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