Computer Workstation Recommendation for Students:
Information for All Students at Fresno State
Computer Workstation Approved 1998;
last updated June 16, 2002
At California State University, Fresno, students are assured 24-hour access to the University's communications and computing systems, including access to the Internet. What is required for a university student to access these important resources for learning and research? Students are required to have their own or to have other personal access to a personal computer workstation (including a printer) and compatible basic software.
Annually (with updates periodically if warranted) the University develops a recommended baseline lease or purchase configuration to ensure that students can effectively participate in the educational programs and curriculum which will more and more assume the access to a personal computer. In today's university, students must have an understanding of the applications of technologies in the learning process and the competency to use basic software (e.g., telecommunications, word processing, graphics, and spreadsheet) used in the various disciplines. The recommended standards for workstations strike a balance between hardware and software available and useful at the time a student begins their degree program and foreseeable upgrades and new developments that may occur before the degree is completed. If there is a possibility that a student might need an advanced workstation or specialized software for work in a particular discipline, he/she should contact his/her respective major department for specific suggestions. The University's Kennel Bookstore has a variety of packages available to help students acquire the needed hardware and software. The University has a major partnership with Dell to provide extraordinary pricing for students.
For 2002-3, the University recommends basic configurations for Windows and for Macintosh workstations for most students. The University recommends that each student have a laptop computer with an 802.11b wireless modem. These recommendations may be modified periodically (every few months) in light of new developments.
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Minimum Hardware Recommendations |
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A new computer gives some assurance of not becoming obsolete in the next 4-5 years and should serve a student until graduation. However, if you already have one, your current computer may very well enable you to meet your needs for now and in the next year or two.
Whatever computer workstation is used, it needs to have a relatively fast modem (e.g., 56.6 kbs or better), a CD-ROM, and a printer, and be capable of reading and saving files for such programs as Netscape 6.0 and Microsoft Office 2000 (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). A
File compatibility is a critical concern. Students using such programs as Microsoft Works will likely experience serious and frustrating difficulty using files these programs produce in University computer labs and in submitting assignments in electronic form to professors. What is most critical is that each student can read files from (i.e., make use of files in that format) and write files to (i.e., produce files in that format) the recommended University-wide standards. File conversion programs (e.g., Conversions Plus) may enable a student on an older computer with older software to use and produce files well enough to complete assignments, but this solution does add complexity and difficulty in what should be routine use.
Students have 24-hour access via off-campus modem connections to the University network, including an e-mail account on Lennon (e.g., Pine), text access to the Internet (e.g., Gopher and Lynx), and access to the University library's ALIS and periodical databases. Within memory space allocations for student accounts and in accord with guidelines for appropriate use, this resource includes the capability for each student to establish and maintain homepages on the Internet in their Lennon accounts. Students may sign up for their e-mail accounts at the CVIP Office in Bulldog Plaza (NW corner of Barstow and Cedar) or at the computer department in the University Bookstore lower level. Licenses software for students is also available at these locations.
Students also have the opportunity for high-speed (V90 standards and high-speed DSL) access to the network and the Internet through the University's Central Valley Internet Project (CVIP) which now provides several programs (e.g., Internet Explorer and Netscape for Internet and e-mail management, as well as Telnet and FTP.) The University will endeavor to provide these resources at cost; the cost for individual student subscriptions is currently offered at $9.95 a month for unlimited access. DSL and broadband accounts are available at higher cost.
Students have access through the University's computer laboratories to the Internet, including Netscape, and to Lennon through Telnet. The University provides a mix of laboratories, including a reasonable number of open-access labs (including printing) and at least one lab on campus is open 24 hours a day. Through in specialized courses, professors may arrange special accounts for students using or developing advanced computer programs and/or hardware.
Fresno State's Academic Information Technology Website
May 16, 2002