Computers & Technology

Computers, Labs & Connecting to the Network

Important Links:

• Computer Labs FAQ
• Computing Information for Incoming Law Students
• GMU Patriot Computer Store (Please note that the Patriot Store has special academic pricing for software including Microsoft and Adobe products, WordPerfect, etc. The latest price information may not be on their web site, so call them at (703) 993-4100.
• IT Security Center
• ITU Support Center System Alerts
• Norton AntiVirus Software (free download for all GMU students)
• Pay-For-Print
• Pay-For-Print Laptop Software for Windows - See Computing staff in Room 362 of the Library to obtain a copy
• Securing Your Computer
• University Policy on Responsible Use of Computing
• University Policy on Data Stewardship
• Wireless Networking in the Law School

The Law Library has two labs (Rooms 342 and 350) with 42 computers connected to high-speed laser printers. An electronic training room is located in Room 222 of the Law School and contains 25 computers. All of the computers have Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007, WordPerfect X3, and full Internet access. The labs are open to currently enrolled GMU students only with priority given to law students during peak periods.  Students must present a current GMU ID at Circulation in order to gain access to the labs.

There are network ports built in to most of the library's tables and carrels that provide students with access to the Internet. All seats in the six large classrooms have electrical connections for laptops and most seats are also wired to the Internet. There is a building-wide wireless network available to anyone in the GMU community who has a GMU e-mail account.

For instructions on how to configure your laptop for use with the law school's wired network, see Configuring Your Ethernet Card. For information on the wireless network, see Wireless Networking in the Law School. For recommended computer systems and software, see Computer Information for Incoming Students.

Be sure to protect your laptop or home computer with virus protection software. If you are a current student, staff or faculty member, you can download a free copy of Norton AntiVirus from the ITU web site.

Email, Anti-Spam & Dial-Up

Important Links:

• Login to GMU Email
• GMU Email Help
• Activating Your GMU Email Account
• Anti-Spam FAQ
• ITU Student Technology Guide
• Securing Your Email
• SPAM and Computer Security

All law students have free GMU e-mail accounts. The university's mail system is called MEMO (Mason Enterprise Messaging Online) and can be accessed via the web or with an IMAP client like Netscape Messenger (highly recommended) or Microsoft Outlook. The university provides limited free dial-up access to its modem pool at speeds up to 56K. The telephone number for dial-in is 703-426-2468. The free dial-up service is limited to on-campus services like MEMO e-mail, library resources, and to the LEXIS and Westlaw databases. See the ITU Support Center for dial-up instructions and other services.

Electronic Classrooms

Important Links:

• DoIT
• Classroom Technologies
• Audio-Visual Support Request Form (Microsoft Word)

The Law School has four "smart" classrooms (120, 121, 221, 225) that contain custom podiums with a built-in computer. Each podium is equipped with touch panel controls for computer projection, VCR, document camera, sound, wireless microphone, stationary microphone, and tape cassette recorder. Five other classrooms (224, 332, 329, 348, 412) are outfitted with "technology lite" which includes a podium with a built-in computer, computer projection equipment and VCR.

For help with setting up or using the equipment in the classrooms, contact DoIT at 703-993-8226.

Computer Training

Important Links:

• IT Training @ Mason

All law students are eligible to attend free computer training classes that are offered throughout the year at Arlington and Fairfax. DoIT, which offers training on web page creation and PowerPoint, announces their classes through the Law School's student listservs.

Technology Support

The Law School's Computing Services unit provides support for all computer hardware and software at the Law School including the student labs. The Computing Services Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Law Library in Room 362, and is generally open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can reach the Support Center at 703-993-4855 or send email to lawsupport@gmu.edu. ITU at Fairfax (703-993-8870) can provide assistance with resetting e-mail passwords.

The student labs are staffed by the University's DoIT Division (Division of Instructional Technologies and Support Services). A lab assistant is usually on duty in Lab 350 in the afternoons and evenings. The DoIT staff along with Print Services, are responsible for the labs' laser printers and the Pay-For-Print System. DoIT can be reached at 703-993-8226.

The Reference Office, located on the first floor of the Law Library in Room 141,  provides research support in the use of all electronic databases provided by the University including LEXIS, WESTLAW, and TWEN.  To reach a reference librarian, call 703-993-8076.

Contacts for Support