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Law Computer Services
Law Computer Services exists to help faculty, staff, and students with their computing needs. For laptop assistance from a technical support intern, students should drop by Heafey 136 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday - Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday) or schedule an appointment via www.appointmentquest.com/provider/2010075725.
In addition to six technical support interns, the department consists of the following full-time staff members:
- Ed Mananquil, Interim assistant dean, law technology; administrative systems manager
- Norman Davidson, Help desk manager
- Jesse Palacios, PC support manager
- John Quevedo, PC support specialist
- Sid Maestre, Law school webmaster
- Michael Morales, AV support specialist
Laptops
The School of Law does not require students to have laptops, and they are not necessary for successful completion of the degree program. However, over 90 percent of law school students do use laptops and the law school does recommend laptop use for the following reasons:
1. The faculty and administration increasingly use the Internet to correspond with students; post assignments, syllabi, course materials, and sample exams; and conduct out-of-class discussions through threaded discussion or chat rooms. While the law school does have dedicated desktops in Heafey Law Library, it is more convenient for students to access the Internet via laptop while on campus.
2. In most classes, students may type their examinations using their laptops running specially provided software.
3. Students may wish to take class notes via laptop, although faculty opinion on the advisability of this is divided.
Recommended Laptop Program
Law Computer Services teams with Dell and Apple to offer students the opportunity to purchase high-quality laptops at discounted prices. Law Computer Services strongly recommends that students purchase laptops through the school’s program for a number of reasons:
1. Pricing for recommended laptops is significantly discounted.
2. Recommended laptops handle all student computer needs, including the operation of the ExamSoft program for PC users. (ExamSoft currently does not operate on the Apple Macintosh operating system).
3. Recommended laptops include a built in network card, enabling students to access the University network.
4. Recommended laptops are eligible for an expanded warranty program.
For specific information about the current program, see www.scu.edu/law/resources/computer_services.html.
Laptop Support Limitations
Law Computer Services is not responsible for calling vendors for technical support for laptops, including recommended laptops. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their vendor for computer support, including the return of defective parts. In addition, Law Computer Services does not provide the following support at the beginning of an exam for problems that arise due to
1. Failure on the part of the student to properly install the latest version of ExamSoft.
2. Failure on the part of the student to bring any necessary connection cables.
3. Computer incompatibility problems of any sort, both hardware and software.
4. Difficulties booting up, starting ExamSoft, and/or troubleshooting any computer problems at the start of an exam.
5. Computer problems of any nature that cannot be resolved quickly on the spot prior to the start of an exam.
Law Library Connectivity
All Bannan Hall classrooms are fully networked. Every student seat has two electrical outlets and a single network jack allowing access to the Internet. All study carrels in Heafey Law Library and over 100 seats at the study tables are networked and have easy access to electrical outlets. Students with laptops may connect to the Web, their e-mail, Lexis/Nexis, and Westlaw from any seat in the six classrooms, the Moot Court room, and the majority of seats in the law library.
The law library and all Bannan classrooms are also fully wireless. Students do not need to be in the labs or connect via data jacks to access the University network system, though the labs and data jacks always are available.
Computer Labs
There are two computer labs with a total of 28 PCs available in Heafey Law Library. The law library also has 13 public access terminals available for use. There are two high-speed HP LaserJet printers available for printing. These printers use the SmartPrint system (see below). Printing is also available from the law library study carrels or from the classrooms and the wireless connections. Both labs are open for use when the law library is open.
In addition to the law school labs, there are two computer labs available on campus. One is located in Kenna Hall, and the other is in the Interim Library. Unlike the law library labs, which are restricted to law student use only, these labs are available to all University students. The schedules for the Kenna and Interim labs are posted in the law library labs.
SmartPrint
To reduce waste, the University uses the SmartPrint printing system. All student network printing is coordinated through SmartPrint. All law students receive 500 pages of free printing per semester. Students who exceed this limit will be charged 8 cents per page via their ACCESS card.
Connectivity
Wired access
On-campus students need an Ethernet PC card to connect to the University network and the Internet. Laptops purchased through the Recommended Laptop Program come equipped with an Ethernet PC card. For students who already have a laptop or purchase a laptop on their own and do not have a built-in network adapter, any PCMCIA Ethernet card will work. Please consult with Law Computer Services technical staff before purchasing a PCMCIA Ethernet card.
Students who will be using a networked laptop in the classrooms or in Heafey Law Library must fill out a “Request for Service” form which is given out during orientation. The completed and signed form can be left at the circulation desk in the law library. Students are not notified after turning in the form; they may use their laptops immediately, provided they have correctly configured the PC network card and installed TCP/IP.
Wireless access
Many newer laptops come with a built-in wireless card. For students who have a laptop that does not have a wireless card, Law Computer Services strongly recommends the purchase of a Linksys PCMCIA wireless card. Testing by the Law Computer Services staff indicates that this type of card is the most reliable and easy to use. For students who decide to purchase another type of wireless card, note that the SMC and Dlink cards are not compatible with the law school wireless system; do not use these cards.
Webmaster
The law school webmaster designs and maintains the law school’s website. He can advise student organizations that have or want Web sites. Student organizations should first consult the documentation in the Law Student Organization Resource Guide or at www.scu.edu/law/resources/the_guide.html.
For more information contact Law Computer Services at 408-554-5508 or lawwebmaster@scu.edu.
