Skip to main content | section navigation

Computer Requirement

Welcome to Cornell Law School. While we are one of the oldest law schools in the country, we have technologically sophisticated classrooms, wireless access, and have fully integrated technology into the law curriculum.

We strongly recommend, but do not require, all law students to own a personal computer. The following FAQ should help address any questions you may have about our computer requirement.

Law School Requirement:

Buying A Computer:

Using Computers On and Off Campus:

Is owning a computer required? How much will I need one?

Cornell Campus Store

Owning a computer and printer is not required by the Law School, but is strongly recommended for the following reasons:

  • Several courses make extensive use of or require computers.
  • Computers are invaluable for writing and note-taking. Most Law School writing assignments implicitly require close, careful, and repeated drafting and redrafting, and the editing power of the PC is a significant help.
  • Much legal research is conducted online using services such as Westlaw and Lexis.
  • Course documents are distributed through the Campus CourseInfo Web Site requiring students to view and print course material online.
  • The Law School distributes and communicates important information via email.

Back to Top

What are my other options for using a computer if I choose not to buy one?

The Law School has a state of the art computer lab with desktop PC’s and printers; however, the number of PC’s is limited and printing capacity sometimes creates a bottleneck. We can not guarantee that a computer will be available at the exact time that you want or need one, and it would be very unwise for anyone to rely on the computing center to meet all of their computing and printing needs.

Back to Top

Should I have a laptop or desktop?

We recommend a laptop. The majority of the Law School’s exams are offered on computers, and students must have a laptop to take advantage of this option. Futhermore, the Law School (and Cornell University) use wireless technology, and a properly equipped laptop will make the internet a mobile resource for you and will increase your options for studying.

Back to Top

What are the Minimum Laptop System Requirements?

  • PC running Windows XP Professional needed to participate in electronic exams
  • Minimum Pentium III processor 300 megahertz or greater
  • Microsoft Word. US Versions needed to participate in electronic exams
  • 40 GB or larger hard disk
  • Minimum 128 MB of RAM Minimum of 800 x 600 video resolution
  • SecureExam software (for electronic exams)—distributed by the Cornell Law School Registrar’s office
  • Bear Access—distributed by Cornell Law School’s IT department
  • Wi-Fi certified wireless network card needed to connect to the Internet at the Law School

Back to Top

I want to buy my own computer, what do you recommend?

Cornell Law School supports only IBM-compatible computers and recommends Microsoft Word or Word XP for word processing. An annual survey conducted by the Chicago-Kent School of Law shows that almost 85% of the computers in use in large law firms last year were IBM machines or IBM compatibles. Most legal firms use WordPerfect or MS Word. Note: At the time of this writing, SecureExam software only runs with Microsoft Word 2000 or Word XP preinstalled.

For more information on supported versions of Word please check the SecureExam Web site at http://www.softwaresecure.com/faq.htm.

There is a version of SecureExam for the Mac, however, the Law School computer staff does not provide support for Apple laptops.

Back to Top

What Factors Should I Consider When Purchasing a Computer?

Any current system bought from a mainstream manufacturer should work in the Cornell environment. The Law School does not recommend any particular make or model or any specific source for purchases; although laptops from Gateway, Toshiba, IBM and Dell have been good choices.

Be sure to consider:

  • Your personal preferences:
    Does the keyboard feel good?
    Do you like the way the screen displays information?
    Does the computer have enough ports?
  • Affordability. Systems at the bottom of the current product line are often available at considerable savings, but will have a shorter useful lifespan.
  • Life expectancy
  • Options

Back to Top

Where Can I Buy A Computer?

Computers can be purchased via the Internet, mail order, or in retail outlets. The Cornell Store sells Lenova (IBM), Dell, HP, and Red Barn. An excellent source for information about what is available is the magazine Computer Shopper, available at newsstands everywhere.

Back to Top

Should I Buy A Printer?

We recommend that you buy your own printer. Inkjet and laser printers in the $100 - $500 range are widely available from Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson, and others. Owning a printer will help you avoid the crush as last-minute writing deadlines approach.

Back to Top

What sort of computing facilities exist at the Law School?

The Computer Lab includes 45 high-end Dell computers, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when school is in session. Computer support related to computers in the center lab is available during regular business hours 7:30 AM -- 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Also, student consultants provide limited support in the Center during normal Library hours on weekends. Additional information, including computer support and printing fees, is available from the Cornell Law School Information Technology Computer.

Support related to computers in the center lab is available during regular business hours 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Also, student consultants provide limited support in the Center during normal Library hours on weekends.

Back to Top

Can I access the network resources of the Law School from home?

For residents of Hughes Hall, Cornell University, through Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) offers Ethernet access to dorm rooms as part of the ResNet program.

  • This service allows students direct Internet access and access to the Law School’s network.
  • There is a per semester charge for this service.

For students living off campus, CIT also provides limited dial-up access for many Internet services.

  • Use of these services requires a Cornell University NET ID, which is provided free of charge to each student.
  • Students living off campus may use the CIT dial-up Internet access or contract with an Internet service provider (ISP) for dial-up Internet access.
  • Current ISP costs are in the $15-$20 per month range.
  • Ithaca has Road Runner high-speed cable access through Time Warner cable, which can be arranged at a higher cost.
  • Students using an ISP will be able to access certain Law School resources as well as email and web sites.

Back to Top

Will I Need Wireless?

A wireless card will provide you greater access to the Internet. Note: If your laptop is already equipped with a wireless card you should be able to access the campus RedRover wireless system with your existing card. RedRover supports both the 802.11a/g protocols. 802.11b will no longer be supported.Back to Top

Can I get discounts on software and hardware through Cornell?

The Campus Store sells computer hardware and software, often at substantial discounts made possible through volume educational licensing.

Back to Top

What about email?

Law students are given a Cornell University NET ID that doubles as an email address. The NET ID is issued by the University and will be mailed to new students before orientation with activation instructions.

Students are encouraged to sign up for one of the training sessions that will be offered by Cornell Information Technologies. The session will provide you with a basic introduction to the University’s network environment and the use of email. The University uses the Eudora email package. Other University network resources can be accessed through the University’s Bear Access software programs. The Bear Access CD suite is free and we will have 100 copies or so available in the Computing Center for distribution.

Back to Top

How do I learn to use the Law School Network?

The Law School Information Technologies department will offer large group sessions that will introduce new users to the network in late August. These sessions will introduce incoming students to the network and its features. You are only required to attend one session out of the three.

In addition, the computer lab will be open and staffed by the IT Department throughout Fall Orientation so that students can log in and try things out. Special-topic classes are offered throughout the semester; watch for announcements. We should probably stress that we do not make a comprehensive attempt to teach word processing software. We have found that it is difficult to do given the number of people involved and the level of attention we would need to give each student. Our advice to novices is to, if at all possible, acquire and learn a word processing package sometime before the semester (and its attendant workload) begins.

Back to Top

Getting in touch.

We hope that the above has been of some help to you. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call or stop by and see us in the fall!

Contact Us:
481 Myron Taylor Hall
Phone: (607) 255-2829
Email: helpdesk@postoffice.law.cornell.edu

Back to Top