Things to Keep in Mind When You are Buying a Computer

When buying a desktop computer or a laptop, the main issues are price and features. The more you pay, the better and faster features you will get. To help you assess the features that you will need, consider the use you will be making of the computer. If your main purpose is word processing and basic Internet searching and legal research, you can likely do well with the basic minimum features available on any new computer packages being sold.

1)Buying a Laptop Computer

Advantages:

• portability— can be used for taking notes in classes and taking exams
• wireless access—can be used to access the Internet and e-mail assuming you have a wireless card

Disadvantages:

• cost—laptops tend to be more expensive than desktops
• security—you cannot leave a laptop unattended or it might be stolen
• weight—laptops can be suprisingly heavy
• durability—laptops tend to break down or have problems more easily than desktops
• batteries—battery life tends to deteriorate over time

Consider the following points if purchasing a laptop

• try out various laptops - go to a computer store and try typing on one to see if you like the keyboard
• check the screen size, keyboard layout and pointing device. See if you prefer a tracking ball or tracking pad
• consider the weight of the laptop if you're going to be carrying it around a lot
• buy a Kensington lock or other security device for affixing your laptop to solid objects.
• consider obtaining an extended warranty from the manufacturer, if available, since laptops tend to be more fragile than desktop computers
• buying a used laptop, is generally unadvisable unless you have satisfied yourself with the quality of the used laptop and confirmed that it meets any minimum requirements for your intended use of the laptop.

Minimum system requirements for laptops

To Type Exams

• CPU: 450 MHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
• RAM: 256 MB
• Hard Drive: 50 MB of free space 
• Operating System
  • 32-bit versions of Windows 2000 (Pro), XP and Vista (including Tablet PC)
    
    or
    
    
  • If choosing a Mac - it must be an Intel Mac with OSX running Windows XP or Vista. SofTest (exam software) is not compatible with any virtual machine software
• Software: Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater
• Minimum Screen Resolution: 1024x768
• Internet Connection: An Internet connection is required to download SofTest (exam software)
• one USB memory stick (compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista) Microsoft Windows compatible

To access the wireless network:

• An internal wireless adaptor (common in most current laptops)
  or
• an external wireless card and a PCMCIA type-2 slot on your laptop
  

Whichever adaptor you have it must support the 802.11b/g/h standard and have 128 bit encryption

To run the latest versions of most Windows software, it is advisable to have at least 128 MB of RAM (and as much as you can afford) and at least a 20 GB hard drive (or more)

More information about the setting up your laptop for the wireless network can be found at http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/services/cs/connect.htm#2. You can also contact Computing Services Staff for assistance

2)Desktop Computers

Advantages:

• cost - desktop computers tend to be cheaper than laptops or provide faster and better features for the same price

• full-size keyboards - some people do not like typing on laptop keyboards, which tend to be smaller

Disadvantages:

• lack of portability

Additional Information on the Typing of Examinations

General: The Faculty of Law allows students to type their exams. Many law students take advantage of this option. A detailed memo setting out the available options and the procedure is sent out from the Records Office at the beginning of each term. Each examination period students MUST sign up for the option of typing exams by the deadline set by the Records Office. Once students have opted to type or handwrite for an exam period, they may not change their minds and choose another option.

Laptop Users: In the interest of fairness and perceived equality, all students who type their exams on a personal laptop must purchase Examsoft, (security software) and sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking Form. On beginning an examination your computer must be in excellent working condition with a functioning 3½” disk drive attached. If this is something you wish to consider you must realize that the ExamSoft secure exam software will only work on laptops that are Windows compatible. This means it will only be possible for students to write exams on laptops that run the Windows operating environment and have either an internal or external floppy drive. Students are thus required to purchase an external floppy drive to run Examsoft if necessary.

Computer Lab Users: Subject to availability, the Faculty will make an effort to secure computer labs to accommodate only those students who wish to type exams but who do not own their own laptops or whose laptops are MACINTOSH and are thus incompatible with Examsoft. All students who type their exams on a desktop at the computer labs must use Examsoft and sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking Form. If space is not available, students must handwrite their exams or arrange to borrow a compatible laptop. Fees for typing exams: Students are charged a fee to cover the cost of the software, the lab rental fees and printing.

Page written by Gian Medves, Computer Services Librarian. Designed, updated and maintained by Susan Barker, Electronic Information Coordinator.

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All contents copyright Bora Laskin Law Library, 2004