Should I Buy a Laptop?
A laptop offers the flexibility of working on your computer whenever and wherever you want. At UCSF, the availability of wireless internet, wired network ports, and electric power outlets depends on your location. The chart below can help you decide how important a laptop is for you. Also, if you use a laptop we require that you have an anti-theft device, such as a locking cable. The UCSF Police department regularly receives reports of laptop thefts, especially those left unattended and unlocked in the library.
|
Location |
Wireless Access
|
Wired Access
|
Power Access |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Classrooms |
All |
Some |
Some |
|
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Student Lounge (Medical Sciences S-964) |
Yes |
Yes, 1 connection available |
Yes |
|
IRC Computer Lab (Medical Sciences S-918) |
No |
Yes, 1 at nearly every workstation |
Yes |
|
Some student housing apartments have wired and wireless connections to the UCSF network, but others do not. To determine which ones do and do not, contact Housing Services. For student housing that does not include wired or wireless internet, use DSL, cable, or other internet service. Details: see Internet Requirement. |
Yes |
||
About 802.11n wireless
As of March 2012, UCSF supports the 802.11g (54 Mbits/s) protocol in most areas and the 802.11n (600 Mbits/s) protocol in some areas. 802.11n support exists now in Kalmanovitz Library and is expected in other wireless locations in the future. UCSF is in the process of completing wireless access point upgrades by summer 2012. When this work is complete, all access points will be capable of 802.11n speeds and have separate band coverage for 802.11g and 802.11b. However, some access points are connected to the network through older network cabling that is limited to 10 or 100 Mbits/s. UCSF will address these limitations following the completion of the summer 2012 upgrades, and it is not yet known when all campus locations will have 802.11n speeds (600 Mbits/s).
How to connect
For wired connections, simply connect using an Ethernet cable. For wireless connections, see Wireless.
Borrow a laptop in the library
Kalmanovitz Library offers a Loaner Laptop Service, which enables you to borrow a laptop for use within the library.
Charge your laptop in the library
Kalmanovitz Library also offers a Laptop Charging Service in Room 240, which enables you to charge your laptop unattended in a secure locker. Details: Laptop Charging Stations.
Go to: How Do I Get Help With...? or Should I Buy...? or Computer Services
