The Information Technology Helpdesk at Columbia Law School maintains the Notebook Support Policy outlined below. In brief, we provide support for problematic connections between notebook computers and the Law School network. Within this framework, we support a core set of hardware and software related to network connectivity.
Please Note: The Helpdesk will make every effort to support network connectivity for computers meeting ALL of the following requirements:
Supported notebook computers: Any IBM compatible notebooks such as HP, Compaq, IBM, Dell, Mac OS X notebooks
Supported Ethernet adapters: Any make or model
Supported Wireless adapter: Any make or model that supports the 802.11b/g/n wireless networking standard
Supported Operating Systems: (English versions only): Windows XP Professional | Windows Vista Business | Mac OSX
Students are required to configure their computers themselves, using the Columbia Law School Configuration Manual for Windows or Mac OSX.
For students experiencing problems with connectivity, a Helpdesk Support Specialist will be available during Helpdesk walk-in office hours. Helpdesk walk-in office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Helpdesk Support Specialist troubleshoots failed installation routines.
The Helpdesk Support Specialist does not perform initial installations (students must perform installations themselves using instructions supplied by the vendor). The Helpdesk Support Specialist supports connectivity only. This includes connecting to the Law School network or dialing into the University. The Notebook Support Specialist does not provide support for applications, operating systems, hardware, or other issues.
The Helpdesk Support Specialist will make every effort to support connectivity for any English version of Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista Business, and Mac OSX . For further technical assistance, contact your notebook vendor.
Sorry, but Linux, Unix, Windows NT, Windows 3.1, DOS, operating systems are NOT supported. Also, all other versions of XP like XP Home, XP Edition N, Windows XP Edition K and KN, etc... are not supported.
The Information Technology Department has identified two explicit categories of technical support into which all student-owned computers fit. The following will help you determine which category your notebook falls into.
Full IT Connectivity Support
If you have:
English Windows XP Professional, Vista Business, or Mac OSX
Problems connecting to the Law School Network (Ethernet) or CUNIX (modem)
Any Ethernet adapter installed
Any Wireless adapter make or model that supports the 802.11b/g/n wireless networking standard installed
...then the IT Department will do everything it can to ensure your connection. For notebook connectivity support, please visit the Helpdesk during walk-in office hours (Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
The IT Department CANNOT provide technical support if you have any of the following:
A Non-English Operating System
An unsupported Operating System such as Linux, Unix, Windows NT, Windows 3.1, DOS, etc
A non-configured computer (i.e., your Ethernet card is not fully installed)
A computer problem other than CLS network connectivity
If your laptop falls into any of these categories, you are encouraged to contact your vendor or manufacturer for all technical support.
The Columbia Law School Information Technology Department encourages each student to obtain a notebook computer. Personal computers are not required, as computer labs are available for the exclusive use of Law School students. However, the computer labs are very busy during peak hours, and owning a computer allows one to avoid long lines and crowded conditions.
Please Note: If you buy a computer, the most important consideration is that you buy one you feel comfortable using and will be productive with. Since the Law School does not require that you own a computer, you are free to purchase what you want. We recommend notebooks over desktops simply for the portability. With a notebook, you can bring your computer to school, use it in class or the library, and even take your exams on it.
The IT department welcomes any type of student-owned notebook computers and operating systems and such computers are not, in any way, prevented from connecting and fully utilizing the CLS network.
To that end, you are welcome, free of charge, to the CLS-IT notebook manual designed to guide you through the necessary steps to connect your computer to both the Columbia Law School network and CUNIX. Although the information contained in the manual is intended for computers running English versions of Windows XP Professional and Mac OSX, with some level of computer competency, you may be able to extrapolate the necessary information to successfully configure your other computers as well. If you have an English version of Windows XP Pro or Mac OSX , feel free to contact the Helpdesk notebook specialist for connectivity advice.
Please note that Columbia University provides computer and software purchasing programs to students, faculty, and staff: Apple for Education, J&R Computer World corporate discount, and Dell Computer discount. This service is available at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/acsc/sales/ (you will be asked to login using your University Network ID - UNI).
Price
The general rule with notebooks is: you get what you pay for. Inexpensive notebooks usually run slowly and break often. Over the lifecycle of the computer, the time spent waiting for it to boot or waiting for it to be repaired accumulates into a lot of wasted time, money, and frustration. Paying the premium for a high-quality notebook at purchase time, while not ensuring that it will be more reliable or break less often, significantly increases the chances thereof. If you qualify for financial aid, you may be able to apply some of it to your computer purchase; contact the Financial Aid office for further information.
Network Connectivity
The Law School maintains a robust Ethernet network throughout its buildings. In addition to numerous standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet jacks, we provide wireless Ethernet coverage throughout much of the Law School, and the University provides wired and wireless coverage throughout much of the main campus. A wired Ethernet card is a virtual necessity in this environment. A wireless Ethernet card is a convenience. There are times when one is more appropriate than the other; you may purchase both if your budget and preferences allow. Note that some computers come with an integrated Ethernet adapter, in which case you will not need to purchase an Ethernet card (consult your vendor).
Network Connectivity Support
Although you are free to purchase any computer you like, if you plan to connect to the Law School network and receive network connectivity support from the IT Department, your notebook must use an English-language version of Windows XP Professional or Mac OSX.
Where to Purchase
Please note that Columbia University provides computer and software purchasing programs to students, faculty, and staff: Apple for Education, J&R Computer World corporate discount, and Dell Computer discount. This service is available at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/acsc/sales/ (you will be asked to login using your University Network ID - UNI).
In addition, you can purchase online from a number of vendors including Lenovo (www.lenovo.com), Compaq (www.compaq.com), and others. If you want to look and use some notebooks before you purchase, CompUSA (Broadway and 57th St in Manhattan) has numerous models to test drive. Or visit a Staples store near you. You may find certain websites helpful, like http://shopper.cnet.com and http://www.pricewatch.com.
Recommended Specifications
The following recommendations are provided to help you choose your computer. These are not requirements, but they are our sincere recommendations based on years of experience. Your preferences and budget may steer you outside of these recommendations. Your salesperson can help you identify a computer meeting the appropriate balance of these recommendations and your personal preferences.
Hardware
Manufacturer
Any IBM compatible computers
Any Apple notebook computers
CPU
1.3 GHz or higher processor clock speed
Memory
2 GB or more
Hard Drive
80 GB or more
Battery
3 hours or more
Warranty
3 year parts/labor onsite service or more
Technical Support
24x7 phone support
Wired Network Adapter
Any make or model
Wireless Network Adapter
Any 802.11b/g/n-compatible Ethernet card
Modem
Any make or model.
Insurance
We recommend you insure your computer
Security
Cable locks are available from the Columbia University Security Department and most computer vendors.
Software
Operating System
Windows XP Professional | Vista Business | or Mac OSX Tiger
These considerations are completely up to your individual preferences.
Weight
Type of Pointing Device
Sound Quality
CD-ROM vs. CD-RW vs. DVD
[1] MS Word and Corel WordPerfect are both used extensively at the Law School. You will encounter documents in both formats and are strongly advised to avoid converting documents between formats; hence we recommend you install both programs on your computer. Both are available at the Columbia University Bookstore at academic discount.
[2] This software or its equivalent can be obtained this fall from the IT Department at no charge.
Operating system software runs the basic functions of a computer. Operating Systems control the user interface, instructs the computer on how to interact with internal and external peripherals, and handles networking with other computers. It's important to have the appropriate operating system factory-installed on your system. That way, you are assured that the components and drivers are tested for compatibility and installed correctly.
The Information Technology department at Columbia Law School provides connectivity support for English-language versions of Windows XP Professional | Vista Business | and Mac OSX. Connectivity support is limited to direct Ethernet connections to the Law School network and modem connections to the University's dial-up modem pool.
NOTE: CLS-IT welcomes all types of student-owned notebook computers and operating systems (Windows family, Mac, Unix, Linux, etc), and such computers are not, in any way, prevented from connecting and fully utilizing the CLS network.
Manuals for Windows XP Professional and Mac OSX are available. There are two configuration manuals available, one for Windows XP Professional and another for Mac OSX . Select the one applicable to your computer operating system. These manuals open in Adobe Acrobat. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader installed, download a free copy from Adobe.
Remote access to your "G" & "H" drives using VPN.(Virtual Private Networking)
Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are designed to allow a computer (most commonly, laptops) outside of a given network to behave as if it were physically located within the network.
The main advantage of a VPN is that the remote computer can access network resources, such as printers and shared drives, in real-time and in a manner similar to being in the office. For Columbia Law School clients, this means that you can access your files, directly, allowing you to make modifications to files in real-time.
The advantage of a VPN over existing FTP and web- based file transfer methods (where files must be downloaded, modified, and then uploaded back to the server) is clear. In addition, you may send jobs to print to the office network printers from wherever you can connect to the Law School VPN.
Please click on the PDF(s) below for configuration details.
Remote access to your "G" & "H" drives using a web browser
You can securely download the contents of your network drives by using any web browser. You can also upload files from a remote computer to the CLS network file system. To use this service, please click here, and login using your Law School username and password combination.
The web interface is intuitive; however, if you would like to learn more about this service please click on the help button on the menu bar or contact the Helpdesk
The FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer a copy of a file from a remote computer (for example, the Columbia Law School Network) to a local computer (for example, your home PC). Similarly, you may use FTP to transfer a copy of a file from a local computer (for example, your home PC) to a remote computer (for example, the Columbia Law School). This service is available on the Law School Network so that faculty and administrators can transfer files to and from home.
The Law School's FTP Server supports S-FTP. You can configure your FTP client with the following settings:
Dial-up Access to Columbia Dial-up access is available for your laptop through Columbia University. Detailed information and instructions are available on CUIT's webpage. Information on creating a new connection on your computer and configuring to access your network can be found in the configuration manuals.
THE INSTALLATION OF
SofTest Version 8.8
IS MANDATORY FOR ALL LAPTOP EXAMINEES
IMPORTANT:SofTest is NOT compatible with any Macintosh operating system nor may it be used with PC emulation software.
Users with Apple's Mac OSX v10.5 (Leopard) laptops can run SofTest in Windows XP or Vista installed via Apple's Boot Camp. In addition, SofTest does NOT support non-English versions of Windows.
You are required to install the updated version of SofTest (v 8.8) even if you had installed an earlier version in a prior term.
To uninstall an earlier version of SofTest: 1. Click Start 2. Click Control Panel 3. Click Add/Remove Programs 4. Select the Examsoft software from the list. 5. Click the add/remove button. 6. Follow the steps in add/remove wizard.
5 steps to fully prepare for your laptop-based examination:
STEP ONE: Read the following instructions from Registration Services
Laptop examinees are NOT required to sign-up since we expect the majority of students to take exams on a laptop. Instead, we are asking students planning to hand write their exams to notify Registration Services of their decision by e-mail.
Laptop examinees MUST arrive at the exam room at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam to allow for pre-exam announcements and instructions.EXAMS WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY.
You MUST provide your own laptop for the exam. The Law School does not provide laptop computers.
We no longer require floppy disks for laptop exams. Instead, you will be downloading the exam file and then uploading your answers via the Internet.
There is no fee to students for using the SofTest software.
In order to download the software, you will need to log in to the ExamSoft website. Use your Law School Username as your Student ID and the last 6 digits of your PID number (aka CU ID number) as your password. If you don't remember your PID, you can find it by logging on to Student Services Online. Select any of the options and then select "Show my name and personal data" under "Viewing Options." Click on "Update View" to see your PID.
We urge you to spend some time practicing with the software so that you are comfortable with it. Please make sure to take the Mock Exam to familiarize yourself with SofTest prior to your exam as there will be no opportunity to practice once you are in the examination room. EXAMS WILL START ON TIME, and students who are not prepared to take the exam on a laptop will have to hand-write their exam.
If your computer freezes during an exam, you MUST notify a proctor immediately. You will be compensated for any time lost in recovering your exam. Do NOT restart your computer without a proctor present. If your computer cannot be restarted within 15 minutes, you will have to hand-write the rest of your exam.
General Information about SofTest
SofTest, from ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc, is an exam software that blocks access to all other applications while it is running. Hence, you will need to print out any information residing on your hard drive (e.g., outline, notes, etc.) that you may be permitted to use during an open book exam.
SofTest serves as a simplified word processor similar to Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect. It provides features such as cut, copy & paste (within the SofTest document) as well as spell check. It also provides the ability to undo up to 50 previous actions.
To prevent loss of work, SofTest automatically saves, backs-up and encrypts your work for you every minute.
STEP TWO: Read the Softest requirements
You are responsible for meeting all requirements on this page. If you do not meet the requirements (which could cause the software not to work on exam day), you will be asked to leave the room to hand-write the exam with the rest of the class. This is necessary so that there is minimal commotion and disruption to other test takers.
1. Your laptop must meet the following minimum specifications:
PC System Requirements:
CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
RAM = 1 GB
Drives = 50 MB of free space
Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP or 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista
Software = Internet Browser
Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload
AOL Users - Version 6.0 or higher required
Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher
Apple Macintosh Users:
Users with Apple's Mac OSX v10.5 (Leopard) laptops can run SofTest in Windows XP or Vista installed via Apple's Boot Camp.
Note: You MUST register your ethernet card on Lawnet in order to access the Internet through the CLS network. You will need Internet connection in the exam room to upload your answer file at the end of the exam. If you have not already done so, click here for instructions on how to register your ethernet card.
2. Laptop exams are only offered for classes with essay-type exams 3. You must arrive at the exam with the software already installed on your laptop. Bring your power cord and anything else you may need for your laptop to function for the duration of the exam. 4. You must test the software before the exam day. Testing will help ensure your laptop will work fine on exam day. There will be no practice session at the start of the exam, and there will be no technical support at the exam. Testing the software is covered in Step Four of this procedure.
5. You MUST download your exam files prior to arriving in the exam room. Otherwise, you may have to handwrite your exam. 6. If you have material on your computer that you intend to use during an open-book exam, you must print it out beforehand. You will be unable to access any programs or files on your computer during the exam.
On the Day of the Exam
1. Exams locations will be announced by Registration Services. 2. You MUST arrive at the exam room at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam to allow for pre-exam announcements and instructions. EXAMS WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY. 3.You MUST bring your power cable AND your network cable. (As a safety measure, we urge you to bring a network cable even if you have wireless connection..)
4. You should have already tested the software on your laptop. 5. There will be no practice session at the start of the exam. 6. No technical support will be available at the exam. If your laptop is not prepared, or you experience technical problems, you will be asked to leave the room to hand-write the exam with the rest of the class. 7. If you feel for any reason uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the software, your laptop, or these policies, please take the traditional hand-written exam. 8. IMPORTANT!! You must set the volume on your laptop to MUTE otherwise it will disrupt other test takers.
Click the yellow speaker icon next to the clock in the lower right corner of your screen
Click Mute
If you don't see the icon:
Click Start | Settings | Control Panel
Double-click Multimedia
Click "Show Volume control on Taskbar"
Click OK
Return to step 8 above
If you still cannot set the volume to MUTE, please visit the Helpdesk
STEP THREE: Read and follow the installation instructions
We will be using an updated version (v 8.8) of SofTest this term.
1. Visit www.examsoft.com/columbialaw
2. Click the "Exam Takers" tab at the bottom of the page
3. Log in using your Law School Username as your Student ID and the last 6 digits of your PID number (aka CU ID number) as your password. (If you don't remember your PID, you can find it by logging on to Student Services Online. Select any of the options and then select "Show my name and personal data" under "Viewing Options." Click on "Update View" to see your PID.)
4. Download and install SofTest.
5. If your Internet connection is already established, register SofTest using the Student ID and password referred to above.
If your Internet connection is not already established (typical on dial up or DSL connections):
Click "OK" to reboot your computer
After rebooting, the SofTest "Complete Registration" window will appear
Establish an Internet connection
Enter your Student ID and password then click "Register"
6. Upon completion of registration, you should receive a message window, and later an email message, confirming registration. We strongly suggest that you take a "Mock Exam" at least once before your first exam to familiarize yourself with the software (see instructions below).
STEP FOUR: Download Exam Files (Internet connection is required for this step)
NOTE: You MUST download the exam file for each of the proctored exams you are taking on to your laptop BEFORE arriving in the exam room.
1. Double-click on the SofTest icon on your Windows Desktop. "The SofTest Launcher" window should appear.
2. Click on "Download Exam Files."
3. Enter your Student ID and password (referred to above) and click on "Next."
4. Select all the course exam files on the list as well as the mock exam "Mock_Exam_S06.xmz" and click on "Download."
Note: The course exam file(s) MUST be downloaded only on to the laptop you will be using for your exam. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE COURSE EXAM FILES.
5. After downloading your exam file(s), click on "Close."
Note: NO COMPENSATORY TIME will be given to those who download their exam files in the exam room. EXAMS WILL START ON TIME. In addition, if you have difficulty connecting to the internet while attempting to download your exam file in the exam room, you will have to handwrite your exam as the proctors will be unable to provide you with technical assistance.
STEP FIVE: Practice using the software
Take the Mock Exam (assuming you have already downloaded "Mock_Exam_S06.xmz" in Step 4 above)
1. Double click on the SofTest icon.
2. Click on "Launch SofTest."
3. Click on the "Exam File Location" drop-down list and select "Mock_Exam_S06.xmz."
4. Type in any 3 digit number and click on "Begin Exam." Note: An exam password is not required for the mock exam. However, an exam password will be required for your actual exam. The password will be revealed by your proctor on the day of the exam. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE COURSE EXAM FILES.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the exam. Note: This is a secure exam so that, as in a real exam, you will not be able to access your hard drive or the Internet during the exam.
6. When finished, exit the Mock Exam by selecting "File" then "Exit" and follow the instructions.
7. After your computer reboots, SofTest will auto-upload your mock answer file if you are connected to the Internet. Otherwise, you will be given another opportunity to upload your answer file the next time you connect to the Internet.
You may also practice using the software before your exam day by following the steps below.
1. Launch SofTest 2. Click "Practice" button. 3. Follow instructions offered by the program
SofTest is basically a word-processor. You will type into it as you would type into any standard word processor. It is the computing equivalent of a blue-book.
The software is available for download only, not on floppy disk or CDROM.
Technical Support: By telephone at 866-429-8889. Email support@examsoft.com, or visit ExamSoft's FAQ page.
Notebook Connectivity Support: Please note that the IT Department troubleshoots connectivity problems to the CLS network only. For all other issues contact your vendor.
Need to rent a Windows laptop?
We suggest you search for "Computer Rental" on a local search engine such as newyork.citysearch.com or ny.yahoo.com or www.nytoday.com.
Take Mock exam, (preferably on the law school network)
Download your exam files
Relax, be happy and best of luck on exams
Don't know how to do any of these? Please visit us at our Helpdesk support center in Jerome Greene Hall, room 731 anytime between the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm and we would be more than happy to assist you.
1. Can I take my final exam(s) on my own notebook computer?
The Law School offers students the option of taking in-class proctored final exams (essay-type only) on their own laptop computers. As an alternative, students may choose to handwrite their exams. If you plan to handwrite your exam(s), please notify Registration Services of your decision by e-mail.
2. Who chooses the exam software?
Registration Services determines which exam software students will use.
3. Can I take the final exam on my Mac computer?
Yes, but... ExamSoft currently does not support Mac computers. To be able to take the exam on your own computer you must own an IBM compatible notebook computer running either Microsoft Windows XP or an intel based Mac with Apple's Boot Camp.
4. Will the exam software work as expected for my hardware/software configuration?
Understandably, there will be more variations of notebook computers running the exam software than ExamSoft can test. Therefore, it is impossible for ExamSoft to predict with certainty if the exam software will work as expected for your specific hardware/software configuration. Nonetheless, ExamSoft offers full technical support for SoftTest version 8.8. If you experience a technical problem with SoftTest Version 8.8 from ExamSoft, please contact ExamSoft's technical support at 866-429-8889 or support@examsoft.com.
5. Are there any known problems with SoftTest Version 8.8 from ExamSoft?
ExamSoft reports that, overall, SoftTest version 8.8 works as expected.
6. What exactly are the potential risks of installing/running the exam software on my computer?
A myriad of possible minor problems may occur when running SoftTest. Here are some of the random problems experienced by CLS students in the past when using previous version of Softest.
1. The software froze during spell checks
2. The software froze when the screensaver was activated
3. The exam floppy disk was not recognized
4. Various floppy disk errors
And a more serious problem, but at a very small rate (about 1% of the students):
5. Inability to restart the notebook computer in Windows mode after running the SoftTest exam software.
That means the students who experienced such a problem were unable to reach any files or run any programs stored in their computers. This problem reportedly rendered the students' notebook computers useless until they received technical support from the vendor. In most cases the software provider was able to walk the students through a successful resolution. However, there were cases when the student had no choice but to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system (total loss of files, software, and configurations). Such incidents proved to be most stressful to students during the exam period. If you experience such a problem, you are advised to immediately contact ExamSoft's technical support at 866-429-8889 or support@examsoft.com
7. What type of technical support can I expect from the Helpdesk?
The IT-Helpdesk supports connectivity to the Columbia Law School network only. For all other computer technical issues, you are advised to contact your vendor/software provider. ExamSoft is responsible for all technical support for SoftTest. If you experience a technical problem with SoftTest from ExamSoft, please contact ExamSoft's technical support at 866-429-8889 or support@examsoft.com.
8. What are the Helpdesk recommendations if I decide to take the exam(s) on my computer?
a. Make sure to visit the "Laptop Exams" website posted at http://www.law.columbia.edu/law_school/info_tech/Notebook#4124 for the latest information on: The official exam-software for Spring 2009, the School's policy regarding computer-aided exams. b. Make sure to (at least) backup your most important files before installing the exam-software. If you opt for a more significant backup, software products such as Norton Ghost 2002 may prove extremely useful - it provides high-performance utilities for fast and safe system upgrading, backup, and recovery. Such software may be available at the Columbia bookstore for academic pricing. c. Download and install the exam-software earlier rather than later. d. Practice with the exam-software as much as possible:
...so you feel comfortable with the software,
...so you can identify potential technical problems and fix them in a timely manner,
...so you can decide earlier, rather than later, if taking the exam on your own computer is right for you. e. Make sure to know where to go for technical support if you run into problems:
ExamSoft is responsible for all technical support for SoftTest. If you experience a technical problem with SoftTest from ExamSoft, please contact ExamSoft's technical support at 866-429-8889 or support@examsoft.com f. Relax, enjoy the experience, and good luck on your exam(s).
Exams given in the past five years by faculty members currently teaching the course are available in electronic format on the student network. Some exams are also available for some foundation courses.
The Information Technology Helpdesk at Columbia Law School maintains the Notebook Support Policy outlined below. In brief, we provide support for problematic connections between notebook computers and the Law School network. Within this framework, we support a core set of hardware and software related to network connectivity. 
