Legal Information Center
UF Law Mandatory Notebook Computer Policy
The Fredric G. Levin College of Law relies extensively on computing technologies and network communications in all aspects of student life. We believe it is imperative to prepare our students to be technologically sophisticated in the use of computers and computerized legal research. Among the technologies available to students are the following:
* Most classrooms are wired with AC power outlets to the seats, allowing students to use notebook computers for note-taking without reliance on battery power;
* The law school uses wireless Ethernet to provide network connectivity throughout the law school campus. Students are able to connect to the law school network, online research services, and the Internet from virtually anywhere in or around the school without being bound to an outlet;
* The University of Florida provides each student with a GatorLink account and an e-mail address (necessary for wireless access);
* All students are licensed to use the two principal computer-assisted legal research services: LEXIS and WESTLAW. They are available to all students beginning with the Law School Orientation class during their first semester;
* Communications to students from the faculty and staff are often handled via e-mail and through Web-based courses (West’s TWEN and LexisNexis Web Courses). Students can access these services with wireless network connection in the law school or from off-campus via the Internet;
* Some faculty members make use of computer-generated visual presentations such as PowerPoint in class. In many cases, these presentations are also available on the professor’s Web site for downloading by students.
Because of this major emphasis on access to network information, the Levin College of Law requires that all entering J.D. students own a portable (notebook or laptop) computer. Computers are used at the law school and at residences in a variety of ways. E-mail messages are sent to students, some "LISTSERVs" are maintained for student/faculty interaction and distribution of course materials, some students use laptops for note-taking, and a variety of writing requirements are produced on computer. LEXIS and WESTLAW can be accessed on computers at the law school or by modem from home with software distributed free to law students. Academic advising and registration through the University of Florida’s ISIS program are available through law school and UF computers or by remote access.
*Students may use laptops in the classroom for notetaking and for class purposes as directed by the professor. Other uses are not permitted, including, but not limited to, email, chat rooms, instant messaging, ecommerce, game playing, etc.
The college maintains a limited number of computers providing free access to e-mail, the Internet, word processing, and other applications on the law school network. A Gatorlink account, available after registration, is necessary to use any computer on campus, including wireless access from a personal computer. The GatorLink account will be your official University of Florida (UFL) e-mail address to which important administrative information will be sent to you. To ensure consistency of information dissemination to students, UF will not permit GatorLink addresses to be forwarded to third party accounts, such as AOL and hotmail. The GatorLink dial-up service comes with a flat rate of $5.00 per month as of July 1st, 2006. This provides each user with 3600 minutes (60 hours) of local use. In December of 2006, this service will undergo a review for the needs and the cost of recovery it takes in order to make a decision on the continuation of the service.
The computer must run Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition or Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, a CD/DVD drive, a wireless Ethernet port for network connectivity at the law school (and broadband connectivity – Cable or DSL – at home), and a modem meeting at least the v.90 standard for those without broadband at home and for use when traveling. Detailed specifications are available from the UFLaw web site: http://www.law.ufl.edu/services/laptop.shtml. Because of rapidly changing technologies and prices, the college does not recommend specific hardware manufacturers or software. However, Corel WordPerfect and MSWord (also commonly used in the legal profession) are standard and available on all public workstations. A letter-quality printer (ink-jet or laser) is highly recommended. Printing at UF and the law school is provided at 13 cents per page. Software for e-mail, virus protection with no-charge updates and Internet access is available in the UF bookstore on CD-ROM at a nominal cost.
All computer applications used at the law school, including electronic courseware and examination software, run under Microsoft Windows; there are several applications that do not run under Macintosh computers and do not meet these requirements. Electronic work is often required to be submitted using Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. All professors will assume students have portable computers that meet these minimum requirements. The Levin College of Law follows UF’s Cisco Aironet 350 WiFi 802.11b standard. Please check http://net-services.ufl.edu/wireless for specifications, compatibility and wireless coverage areas everywhere on UF campus.
The law school’s student financial aid office budgets up to $2,500 toward the cost of any portable computer. In providing access to funding for computer equipment, the Levin College of Law is not responsible for the maintenance, upgrade, or loss of equipment. Students are encouraged to come to law school with a computer that meets the minimum specifications as determined by the law school. For more information contact, Andy Adkins, adkins@law.ufl.edu.