All entering Freshmen are required to have a laptop computer that meets Rensselaer's specifications. We offer our students a powerful laptop computer loaded with software at an excellent price. http://www.rpi.edu/cis/laptops

Laptop computers are used both in and out of the classroom. Almost every class has a computer element and nearly all courses use electronic information (the syllabus, reading lists, class notes, assignments, etc.).

Using a laptop computer, you can work from just about anywhere. Network connections and power outlets are available in many public areas all across campus including Folsom Library, the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC) and in laptop classrooms. Every room in the residence halls also includes network access for each resident at no additional charge.

Division of the Chief Information Officer

The Campus Computer Store

The Campus Computer Store on the main floor of the VCC (ext. 8152) sells hardware and software at low educational prices. There is a showroom with a variety of products on display and a helpful staff to assist you.

http://www.rpi.edu/dept/computer_store

Rensselaer Computer Repair (RCR)

RCR is located on the lower level of the VCC. Trained, factory-certified technicians provide warranty service for your Rensselaer laptop computer. RCR also provides warranty service facilities for Dell and Apple desktop computers and many types of printers, including those from Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, and Apple.

--> VCC

Using the Network

All members of the Rensselaer community receive an account that allows access to the campus network, the Internet, and electronic mail.

E-mail: Students, faculty, and staff regularly use e-mail to exchange messages with colleagues on and off campus. WebMail is also available.

Remote Access

Using a personal computer and modem, you can connect to the campus network from off-campus via a dial-up connection at speeds up to 54K bps.

High-speed connections are also available through a cable modem service such as RoadRunner.

Computing Facilities

The Rensselaer Computing System (RCS) consists of several hundred public networked personal computers and IBM, SUN, and Silicon Graphics UNIX workstations in addition to the network connections for laptop computers.

Public computer labs are open from early morning until late at night with some available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, several academic departments have their own labs available to their students, e.g., LITEC (Laboratory Introduction to Embedded Control) lab and EMAC (Electronic Media, Arts, and Communication).

Rensselaer on the Web

Rensselaer's homepage (for visitors) is located at http://www.rpi.edu. Select "RPInfo" to access the campus-wide information system (designed for the Rensselaer community) to view information from academic departments, campus directories, computing services information (including schedules and documentation), and information about other campus services and activities. This "internal" page also provides links to the Libraries' on-line catalog and research databases, regional information, as well as guides to navigating the Internet.

At the Academic & Research Computing (ARC) and Division of the Chief Information Officer (dotCIO) web sites, you will find extensive information about computing here at Rensselaer.

http://www.rpi.edu/Computing/ and http://www.rpi.edu/dotcio/

Students are given space for personal web pages.

Developing Computer Skills

There are many ways for students to acquire computer skills, beginning with computing sessions during the first week of classes and using the documentation produced by Academic & Research Computing (ARC). There is also in-class instruction on software packages specific to your field of study.

Library Services

The Rensselaer Libraries provide information in many formats, and capitalizes on the Institute's "highly-wired" environment to make much of it accessible over the campus network. The Libraries provide a broad range of on-line resources, including a fully-automated library catalog, research databases, electronic journals and reference tools. A pioneer in electronic class reserves, the Libraries offer this service providing network access to scanned materials for nearly all campus classroom instruction and interactive learning. The staff at the Reference Desk in the main lobby of Folsom Library will be glad to help you use their services.

http://www.lib.rpi.edu/

Administrative Information

On the Admissions web pages (select Admissions/Undergraduate from the RPInfo homepage) are answers to many of your questions about applying to Rensselaer, and where you may choose to apply to Rensselaer on-line. Check out the on-line Rensselaer Catalog at http://www.rpi.edu/dept/catalog/

Using the Student Information System at the URL http://sis.rpi.edu/, enrolled students can register on-line for courses, as well as complete the add/drop process. It is also possible to view grades and display and update personal information from the Office of Student Records and Financial Services.

Useful Phone Numbers and URLs:

Rensselaer's web site:

VCC Help Desk: (518) 276-7777

ARC web site:

dotCIO web site:

Rensselaer Libraries

Campus Computer Store: (518) 276-8152

Acronyms

ARC: Academic & Research Computing
dotCIO: Division of the Chief Information Officer
RCR: Rensselaer Computer Repair
RCS: Rensselaer Computing System
VCC: Voorhees Computing Center

A publication of Academic & Research Computing
Voorhees Computing Center

Photo by Tom Griffin, RPI, C & CT

Revised: October 2001