Windows or Mac?
It is really a matter of personal preference since comparable software is usually available for both systems.
Home Internet Connections
You will need internet service by August 4. Connection installation with local Internet providers will get seriously backlogged because of the 29,000+ WVUstudents arriving in August. If you call early you can be placed on the August install list on a first-come first-served basis.
Recommendations
Word Processing Software
Software is available to students through Journey Ed at a student discount. Microsoft Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 is recommended. Microsoft Works is not recommended since it is not fully compatible with software used at WVU and is not supported.
Antivirus Software
Kaspersky Antivirus is provided by WVU free of charge. You are licensed to use this software on your personal PC as long as you are a WVU student andWVU maintains a valid licensing agreement with Kaspersky. Download Kaspersky Internet Security at http://freeav.wvu.edu.
USB Drive
A USB drive is recommended for saving and transporting files. Resources for using floppy disks is limited. A single USB drive with a capacity of 2 GB should be sufficient.
Exam Software
Some faculty allow the use of a secure examination software called ExamSoft for finals. ExamSoft enables a student to type a final exam on his/her laptop instead of writing essay answers by hand. The use of ExamSoft is optional but can be purchased for $25.00 per school year once you are a law student. The yearly fee covers all exams offered during the school year.
Best Practices for Saving Files
Instead of writing over a single file, it is recommended that incremental copies of files be saved with new filenames. Instead of saving a file using the same filename for the entire semester, save the file under a new name periodically or after making large additions. This gives you archival copies of your files that you can go back to in case of file corruption or data loss.
An example would be incorporating a date (EvidenceNotes-Aug12.doc, EvidenceNotes-Aug20.doc) or version number (LRW-Version1.doc, LRW-Version2.doc).
It is also a good practice to copy the contents of your USB drives to a local folder on your hard drive occasionally in case your USB drive is lost or damaged.
Technology Resources
The Library provides forty-two networked computers throughout the library. Each computer provides access to the latest versions of Word and WordPerfect, the Internet, LexisNexis, Westlaw, MountainLynx (the online card catalog), PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, Excel, Quattro Pro, Adobe Acrobat, LegalTrac, Index to Legal Periodicals, and the LexisNexis Congressional Universe.
Wireless Access
Wireless access is available throughout the law school. Access is secured and requires the use of a student MasterID and password. To learn more about the MasterID and wireless go to http://wireless.wvu.edu.
Carlin Computer Lab
Four networked computers are available for training sessions and Law School applications in the Leo Carlin Computer Lab, located on the middle floor of the Law Library.
Printing from Law Library Computers
Three networked laser printers are available in the Farmer Law Library for student printing. All students and patrons who print from the law library computers will be charged $0.06 per page. Students pay for printing by using their student ID. Money can be added to the student ID at https://mymountaineercard.wvu.edu/student/local_login.php.
A large format color printer is also available to print poster size exhibits for classes. Poster prints cost $2.00 per poster.
