Technology, Learning, and You

Wherever you go to school and whatever you choose as a major or future career, you'll be using computers and other information technologies. It makes sense to check out the technology environment at the schools you're considering along with other factors that will influence your choice.

How will you be using technology in your degree program, in particular classes, in labs, in teams, in fieldwork, and where you live? These are just some of the questions that this guide will help you ask.

Q. Should you buy a computer or use those provided on campus?

A. The greatest flexibility and opportunities are available to students who have their own laptop computer; therefore we highly recommend bringing a laptop campus.  With the wireless access across Hofstra University's campus and wired access in residence halls and classrooms, students can take advantage of the technology almost anywhere on campus. For students who prefer not to bring a computer to school, the 90-computer Hammer lab is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week so students can have ready access anytime.

Q. Can you find a computer at 2:00 a.m. if you need one?

A. Hofstra University's Hammer lab is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week giving students ready access anytime.

Q. Is the Internet easy to connect to around the campus?

A. Yes, the Internet is easily accessible using the Hofstra University campus network, from each residence hall room, more than 35 computer labs, technology-enabled classrooms and via wireless access where available.

Q. Are there wireless connections on campus? 

A. Yes, the Internet is easily accessible using the Hofstra University campus network, from each residence hall room, more than 35 computer labs, technology-enabled classrooms and via wireless access where available. The coverage area continues to increase each year. Check here for the latest information on wireless: http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentServ/CC/Wireless/index_Wireless.cfm

Q. Will you have to pay a technology fee in addition to tuition?

A. Yes, the technology fee will continue to provide the types of services and support that our students have come to expect at Hofstra Unviersity.

Q. What technology training is available?

A. Hofstra University's Student Computing Services offers many training sessions throughout the semester. There is a Saturday Morning Breakfast Club training program in addition to sessions during the week. For more information go to: .www.hofstra.edu/StudentServ/CC/SCS/SCS_Training.cfm

Q. What about legal file sharing and music and video downloading?

A. The Hofstra student body has selected the Ruckus service for legal downloads of music and videos www.ruckus.com. To find out more, go to:http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentServ/CC/SCS/scs_Announce.cfm

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And here are some more resources that Hofstra University provides students.

Q. Do you have a supercomputer? Are there any grid computing initiatives on campus? Do students have access to these resources?

A. Yes, Hofstra University has a 96 CPU Linux Beowulf Cluster. Currently, the University is setting up a grid of desktop computers to make use of unused computer capacity. These resources will be available to students who have a need to use this kind of computing resource for coursework or student research.

Q. What speed Internet connection do you have?

A. Hofstra University's Internet connection is at 155 Mbs (OC-3).

Q. Are you an Internet2 (I2) school?

Yes, Hofstra University has a connection to the I2 network. This is a 50 Mbs connection.

Q. Does your campus have MySchool Portal?

A. Yes, My.Hofstra.edu. This is a very important site, offering single sign-on to many campus computing resources. It is also a key service for connecting to other Hofstra University students, faculty, staff and administrators. A Parent Portal and an Alumni Portal will be coming soon.