Laptop Information
On behalf of the entire law school information services team, I would like to welcome you to the land of the Demon Deacons, and to let you know that my staff is here to help you make use of the technology while you are here.
All students entering the Wake Forest University School of Law in the fall of 2008 are required to own a laptop computer. The faculty and administration at the law school instituted this requirement several years ago, realizing that today’s lawyers are information managers who are increasingly dependent upon computers for gathering, organizing and producing vast amounts of information. It is imperative that WFU students begin to hone these skills during their law school years- both within and outside of the classroom.
We realize that no one computer will fit the needs of all of our students, as such, we have worked with three major computer companies; Dell, Lenovo and Apple to provide you with the most competitive academic pricing available across a broad range of computing hardware. I urge you to visit all three of the vendor’s web sites and make your own determination as to what best fits your needs and budget.
For Dell computers please visit www.dell.com/wfulaw. The second link on this page will give you access to the entire Dell product catalog.
For IBM/Lenovo computers please visit the university’s library web site where you will find information about the Lenovo Family and Friends program.
For Apple computers please visit, Apple's Education Store. Click on the “Shop Now” button, identify yourself as a college student and search for the WFU School of Law by using our zip code, 27109.
If you presently own a computer you plan on using in law school or if you prefer to purchase a Windows based computer other than Dell or Lenovo the following table is provided as a guide for your use.
| Windows Environment | Reason for Importance | |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro or Vista Business (XP & Vista Home Editions are not supported) | XP & Vista home editions will make connecting to our network problematic and you will not have full connectivity to all of the university’s resources. |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo (any speed) | Dual core processor produces less heat and allows batteries to last longer. |
| Memory | 1GB; 1 DIMM (minimum) 2GB (Preferred) |
Memory is the most important component of your computer; buy as much as you can afford. Having only 1 DIMM enables you to upgrade your computer’s memory in the future. |
| Hard Disk | Students who save or plan on saving pictures, music, and videos should consider a larger disk drive. | 80 GB Hard Drive |
| Network Wireless | 802.11 a/b/g | The university provides a wireless network for our students. There are very few wired connections available. |
| Optical Drive | DVD+/-RW | The ability to burn DVDs is one of the best ways to periodically backup your computer’s data in the event of a failure. |
| Warranty | 3 Years; Accidental Damage | This will ensure your laptop remains in a good operating condition throughout your time at Wake Forest and for the bar exam. |
Software
All students must obtain a licensed copy of Microsoft Office and an anti-virus product for their computer.
The university does not stock educational versions of popular software products in its book store. As a student you are eligible to purchased these titles at academically discounted prices through JourneyEd.
Etc.
All students must pay a university license assessment of $400. The assessment includes the fees associated with the university’s use of an examination software product, email server access and support, the use of the campus Blackboard server, The Wake Information Network (WIN), printer access and the university student help desk services. This assessment will be reflected on your fall 2008 Wake Forest University bill and covers the cost of these university services. No software is included in this fee.
Every student should seriously consider purchasing a laptop cable lock in order to secure your laptop computer while at the law school. Every carrel in the Professional Center Library has a security anchor installed allowing you to secure your laptop computer while you are away. Students are also encouraged to obtain a USB flash drive in order to backup your documents on a regular basis.
Information is provided on the law school’s web site detailing how to setup your computer, including configuring your email account, how to use our printers and how to create and access your own web space. Computer orientation classes are also held during your 1L orientation at the law school to make your transition as smooth as possible.
We look forward to meeting you this fall. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at (336)758-5709 or email me at ed.raliski@wfu.edu.
Regards,
Ed Raliski
Director, Law School Information Services
