Technology Services

Computer Recommendations

Students are not required to have a laptop computer when coming to Villanova Law; however, the majority of students use laptop computers to take notes in class, to access the Law School network and to take exams. For students without laptop computers, the Law School provides 168 PC workstations for student use.

Students choosing to use a laptop may use a Mac or PC. Students using PCs will have the easiest time integrating into our network environment.  Macs are unable to connect to our network drives and folders, but they can connect to the wired and wireless network and may be used for law school exams.

Wireless access is available throughout the Law School. Students using the wireless network must supply their own WiFi card. We have had the best success with D-Link WiFi cards (specifically the D-Link DWLG630 802.11g wireless laptop adapter).

Students who plan to use laptops for taking exams must meet the following requirements to run our software:

PC minimum requirements
Microsoft Windows XP Operating System,
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher,
802.11 wireless internet,
512 MB of RAM,
20 GB free hard disk space.

PC recommended system
Microsoft Windows XP Pro or Vista Business or Vista Ultimate Operating System,
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher,
802.11 wireless internet,
1 GB of RAM or higher,
80 GB free hard disk space,
DVD-RW / CD-RW drive.

Mac minimum requirements
Mac OS X v10.3 (Panther) or 10.4 (Tiger),
802.11 wireless internet,
512 MB of RAM,
20 GB free hard disk space.

Mac recommended system
Mac OS X v10.3 (Panther) or 10.4 (Tiger),
802.11 wireless internet,
1 GB of RAM or higher,
80 GB free hard disk space,
DVD-RW / CD-RW drive.

Villanova University offers a Dell Computer Purchase Program. Because of on-campus warranty repair service, students may find this program a convenient option.

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