2008/2009 Divinity School Library Guide to Computing

Computers are a vital part of the academic environment of the Divinity School and Duke University. Computers are used for class registration, library research, and communication within the Divinity School. In addition, a number of Divinity faculty regularly create course webpages that may require you to electronically exchange or submit papers, download assignments, and communicate electronically with your classmates.

What computers do you have for student use?

The Divinity School Library has twelve public research terminals with access to hundreds of catalogs and databases available from our webpage. The Divinity School Library computer classroom offers students ten networked computers, a laser printer, and a laptop connection for printing. In addition, Duke University maintains several 24-hour-a-day computing labs equipped with Macintoshes, Windows, and Linux PCs.

What kind of computer do I need ?

Owning a computer is not a requirement for attending the Divinity School but is highly recommended. To use a computer for your work at the Divinity School, you need one that will be robust enough to handle the current versions of email, web browsing, and word processing applications. A number of students purchase portable computers (notebooks, PDA, or tablets) to take notes in class, use Duke's wireless network, and work in a variety of locations. Some students decide (or discover) that they would prefer not to keep up with a portable computer while on campus and instead combine use of a home computer with publicly available computers on campus.

You may purchase computer hardware and software through any computer vendor of your choice. The Duke Technology Advantage Program lets you purchase a laptop or desktop computer through the university with various hardware and software discounts. And because Duke sponsors the program, you get full service and support on campus including a 3 to 4 year extended warranty. This program is available through the Duke University Computer Store located in lower level of the Bryan Center. The Duke Computer Store requires a Duke Unique ID for computer purchase. Please call the Admissions Office (888-GO-2-DUKE) if you do not know your Unique ID.

If you intend to use your own computer for all of your work at the Divinity School, you must have reliable access to the Internet. Students living off-campus are strongly encouraged to sign on with a commercial Internet service provider (for more information, visit Duke's remote access web page). If you own a laptop or live on campus, you can connect to the Internet directly through wireless access available in the Divinity School and most campus locations. Duke email accounts with a 100MB limit and file storage of up to 5 GB are automatically provided to Duke students, faculty and staff free of charge. Printing is also currently free (within a generous semester quota) – your computer can be configured to  print directly to a queue system called ePrint through OIT-provided software.

The Office of Information Technology Help Desk provides assistance via telephone (919-684-2200), e-mail (help@oit.duke.edu), an appointment service, and a customer service desk located on the lower level of the Perkins Library. Popular internet and anti-virus software applications are available free to all Duke students from http://www.oit.duke.edu/comp-print/software/index.html