Computing

All it takes is quick stroll through the Mountainlair or one of the campus libraries to see how important computers have become in the daily lives of WVU students. Over 96 percent of WVU students bring computers to campus, with a majority of those—nearly 77 percent—bringing notebook computers.

Purchasing a Computer
If you are considering purchasing a computer for use as a WVU student, be sure to read about WVU’s computer recommendations and the buying plan available through the University.

Notebook or Desktop?
A common question from incoming students and parents is whether a student should bring a desktop or notebook computer. WVU does not, in general, recommend a notebook over a desktop or vice versa. You should evaluate how you plan to use the computer and decide whether the increased cost of a notebook computer outweighs the mobility it offers. More Recommendations

Wireless Access

Throughout the WVU campus, there are 150 Wi-Fi access points in 40 WVU buildings. Coverage includes the downtown and Evansdale libraries, Woodburn Circle, the Mountainlair, many classrooms, and Arnold Hall’s lobby areas. For a current list of access points and instructions for connecting, see http://oit.wvu.edu/wireless/.

Computer Labs

WVU Academic Computing maintains three large public computer labs on campus—at White Hall on the downtown campus, in the lower level of the Evansdale Library, and at Bennett Tower in the Evansdale Residential Complex. These labs contain 300 up-to-date PCs with the latest software.

In addition to these three public labs, over 70 college and departmental computer labs exist across campus. The majority of these computers are PCs, but some colleges and departments, such as Creative Arts, Biology, Statistics, and Journalism, also have Macs in their labs.

ResNet – WVU’s Residence Hall Network
ResNet provides a connection to the Internet for all residents of University-owned residence halls. For system requirements, instructions on getting connected, etc., see http://www.resnet.wvu.edu/.

Virus Protection
WVU provides free antivirus software for all students to use on their computers. See http://oit.wvu.edu/tsc/antivirus/index.php for more information.