Gadgets and gizmos make up a hefty chunk of the average student’s budget, from those pesky graphing calculators you need to make it through Math 95 to the software you might need as a Cinema Studies major with an interest in documentary production. Here’s a guide to some of the tech — functional and recreational — you’ll need during your time here and some resources.
Laptop
A luxury less than a decade ago, the laptop is now perhaps the most essential item a college student could own before starting school. Sure, there are a plethora of UO tech-oriented organizations and services which enable students without their own computer to succeed — however, limitless computer access allows for more academic freedom, as well as the ability to connect effortlessly with friends and family.
External Hard Drive
External hard drives are a must if you own a laptop. Depending on the size, they can allow you to backup your entire computer. They are also portable and thus easy to take to class if you need to give a presentation or to a friend’s house if you want to share files. Unfortunately, theft and accidents happen on campus and so it is always better to play it safe and backup your files — there is nothing worse than not only losing your expensive laptop but all of your files and documents as well.
Free software alternatives
You’ve likely grown up with Microsoft Word and know how to weave your way through the program in order to pump out an essay four hours before it’s due. But Microsoft Office software doesn’t come cheap, and Google offers a free solution to the student who can’t afford the word processor and its spreadsheet-creating cousin. If you create a Google account, many of Word’s and Excel’s basic features are a mere click away. You can even download them as .docx and .xls files.
Clubs and activities to look out for
The UO has a bevy of official and unofficial student groups that cater to inner tech nerds, from the University Film Organization to Think.Play, a club that meets to critically analyze video games and hosts two-hour play sessions every other week. There’s a League of Legends league to look out for and groups of students regularly carpool up to Corvallis for the Civil War LAN in May. Each of these groups and activities can easily be found on Facebook.
IS Hardware Repair
The UO Hardware Repair shop offers extensive computer hardware support and repair services for students with complicated tech issues. The Hardware Repair Shop is in its third decade of operation and only hires professional and knowledgeable technicians. It’s an Apple-authorized Level 1 service center, can perform non-warranty repairs on all desktop and laptop models, and are able to implement modifications and upgrades on nearly any computer. The IS Hardware Repair Shop is located in 151 McKenzie Hall and operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
DuckLife is the Emerald’s magazine for incoming freshmen, made available during IntroDucktion. This story has been reprinted from the magazine in its original form.