Welcome to the University of Illinois, a birthplace of the computer and the birthplace of Mosaic. Computers are everywhere on campus, connected by a high speed fiber optic network called UIUCnet. The three main types of computer sites are:
CCSO sites--in the Illini Union, Undergrad Library, and many other sites...There are three main kinds of computers--IBM, MACs, and Workstations--available across campus at many sites. It is likely you will find yourself at each of these types of computers during your studies.
URH sites--Allen Hall, ISR.....
College sites--College of Engineering, College of Agriculture....
There is a wide range of available software: word processing(Wordperfect, MS Word), electronic conferencing(First Class, Pacer Forum), spreadsheets(Lotus 1-2-3, MS Excel), Stats packages, web browsers(Netscape, Mosaic), and more.
You can expect the role of computers in your regular coursework to grow very quickly. There will be many assignments, group projects, and even exams that your professors will have you use computers for. It is to your benefit to learn how to use computers for your coursework efficiently early in your studies.
Like any kind of learning, your understanding will grow with practice. Your "portfolio" of software skills will grow as you learn new "apps" in the classroom and on your own.
There are, in short, choices to be made and exploration to undertake. In this guide, we don't make the decisions for you, but rather try to help you undertand the resources available and choices to be made. Enjoy the luxury of being at one of the best places in the world to take advantage of computers.
Your grasp of networking, your knowledge of software will serve you well in your virtual future.
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