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San Luis Obispo, California - Computer Science Department
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What Computer to Bring


It is not required that you bring a computer to Cal Poly with you. The university maintains many public access computer labs for student convenience to use while on campus during the school day. For students who do bring personal computers with them, the dorms have been wired for connectivity to the campus intranet (and Internet) and there is access from off-campus.

If you wish to purchase a computer, the Computer Department of the El Corral Bookstore at Cal Poly offers student discounts on a variety of brand-name computers, software and peripherals. So, you may wish to wait until you arrive on campus to purchase a new computer or software. Phone (805) 756-5311 for further information.

If you choose to bring a personal computer, we suggest the following:

  • A fast processor is desirable (1.6 Ghz or better).
  • LOTS of memory, e.g., 512 Mbytes or more and a large hard drive.
  • Many CSC and SE majors discover that a 17-inch monitor (or even larger) is essential because your work often requires many windows on the screen at once. A flat panel display saves space.
  • A high performance video card and 3D graphics card are great, but not necessities.
  • For the department's curriculum, it is not important which operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.) that your computer runs.
  • If you will be living in the Cal Poly residential housing, you will be connecting to the Internet through Cal Poly's residential housing networking (RESNET), information and assistance can be found here: http://www.resnet.calpoly.edu
  • Many students now prefer to use laptops instead of a desktop since many now rival desktops in speed and capacity. Unfortunately, they can also be stolen much more easily than a desktop.
  • Wireless access is available in Computer Science Department labs and elsewhere on campus; your computer will need to be equipped with a wireless network card (adapter). Information is available here: http://www.mobilecomputing.calpoly.edu/faq.html
  • Many discounts are available to students through the campus bookstore. Also, some of your textbooks will include free software on a CDROM that comes with the book. In CSC 101 and other introductory courses, your professor will advise you about software recommended for the course.