Computing Information for Incoming Students

As a George Mason law student, you will make heavy use of computing resources including word processing, online legal research, and e-mail. Although the Law School does not require that incoming students own a laptop or a computer, we highly recommend that you have one. The Law School provides in-house computing resources including student computer labs and a training lab. For more information, see the Labs FAQ.

Mac vs. PC: The Law School and University provide limited support for Apple Macintosh computers. For example, the exam software that our students use (ExamSoft) will not run on a standard Macintosh. However, the software will work on an Intel-based MacBook or MacBook Pro running Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Vista installed as a separate partition using Boot Camp Assistant. The legal world of computing is still dominated by Microsoft Windows, so that’s why we continue to put most of our resources into supporting Windows PCs. However, with the introduction of the MacBook, Mac users can now enjoy the best of both worlds.

Computer Specifications for a Desktop or Laptop: When buying a new computer, the rule of thumb is to purchase the most powerful computer that you can reasonably afford. Patriot Computers, a GMU-run computer store, provides information on recommended systems at http://compstore.gmu.edu.

Wired Network: Most of the carrels and tables in the Law Library, as well as most seats in the large classrooms are wired with electricity and Ethernet connections. In order to plug-in to the law school’s wired network, your laptop should be running Windows 2000. XP or Vista, and it must also have a "10 or 100 Base-T RJ45" Ethernet card installed. You will need to use your GMU e-mail account to log-in to the network at many locations in the law school.

Wireless Network: The Law School has a wireless network that covers most of the building. Students use their GMU e-mail accounts to login, and the network will work with 802.11b or 802.11b/g cards. The wireless network is designed to complement and not replace the existing wired network. To get the fastest possible service, students should use the wired network where convenient.For more information, see Wireless Networking at the Law School.

Word Processing Software: For word processing, we recommend that you use Microsoft Office or WordPerfect. Patriot Computers, which is located on the Fairfax campus, has very good academic pricing on Microsoft and other software, so you should consider giving them a call at 703-993-4100 for more information. The Law Library has a site license for WordPerfect Office X3 (Windows version only) that allows all of our students to load a copy on their personal computers. Once you are enrolled, you can borrow a copy of WordPerfect from the Library’s Circulation Desk.

Anti-Virus Software: We strongly recommend that you use virus-protection software on your computer. As a Mason student, you will be able to download Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus free-of-charge from the University's web site.

Security: If you intend to bring your laptop to the library or law school, consider purchasing a security cable. Every year, laptops that have been left unattended and unsecured are stolen. All library carrels have security loops installed on the underside of the carrels so you that can secure a laptop with a cable. Security cable kits range in price from $20 to $50. You can buy these kits at any computer store or over the Internet.

E-Mail/Listservs: GMU will provide you with a free e-mail account that you will be able to activate once you are registered for classes. GMU also provides a very effective and free anti-spam service that filters spam on GMU e-mail accounts. Right before orientation, you will be automatically subscribed to one of the law school’s student listservs. The listservs are one of the most important vehicles for communication within the law school, so you will need to check your GMU e-mail regularly.

LEXIS & WESTLAW Accounts & Training: At orientation, you will be given free Lexis and Westlaw passwords that will provide full access to these systems and later in the fall semester you will receive training from the law librarians. The LRWA program and many of our professors use Westlaw’s TWEN to distribute assignments and other course information, so you will also be introduced to TWEN and given access during orientation.

Exams on Laptops: Many law professors allow their students to use a personal laptop to take essay exams. The Law School is currently using a product called ExamSoft which is made available to students free-of-charge. Exam answers are saved over the Internet to a remote server, so your laptop will need to have a network or wireless card. As noted above, ExamSoft does not run on a standard Macintosh but will work  on an Intel-based MacBook or MacBook Pro running Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or Vista installed as a separate partition using Boot Camp. NOTE: Apple has included the Boot Camp utility in the Leopard operating system. For more information, see http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/bootcamp.html. Please note that Windows emulators like Parallels, Virtual PC, or VMware MAY NOT be used with ExamSoft.

Internet Connectivity from Home: The University does not provide free unlimited access to the Internet from home. Instead, if you want to access the Internet from home, you will need to subscribe to a commercial Internet Service Provider at your own expense. ITU (GMU's Information Technology Unit) provides free dial-up access to university services such as the GMU e-mail system, the GMU library catalog and databases, and Lexis and Westlaw.

For More Technical Information: Contact Law School Computing Support at 703-993-4855 or lawsupport@gmu.edu.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at dkeene@gmu.edu.