Questions
- What types of computer labs are there at Bowdoin?
- What is the difference between a public, departmental, and teaching lab?
- Is this computer lab open to everyone or restricted to a specific department?
- Who manages and maintains the computers in a campus lab?
- How often are lab computers replaced or upgraded?
- What is a research lab or a specialized/instrument lab?
- Which labs are on an automatic replacement cycle and which require a CAP request?
- Can software be installed on lab computers, and who decides what is installed?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students who use or manage computer labs on campus. It defines the categories of computer labs and how each is managed, funded, and replaced.
- Who: Anyone using or responsible for a campus computer lab
- What: macOS and Windows computer labs managed by Information Technology or by individual departments and faculty
Resolution
Computer labs at Bowdoin have been called various names over the years, often varying from person to person and department to department. The categories below define each type of lab on campus, along with how it is managed and replaced.
Public Computer Lab
- Description: Managed and maintained by Information Technology, accessible to anyone on campus, and generally open late nights and on weekends. These labs are primarily macOS-based, with some Windows computers available.
- Management: Managed by Information Technology, which handles the operating system version, software security, and installed applications. Major software components are upgraded annually, usually in the summer, with weekly patches and updates.
- Replacement: Automatically on a 4–5 year replacement cycle with no intervention or request needed.
- Examples: Formerly Kanbar Hall, Room 101; Hawthorne-Longfellow, Main Floor.
Departmental Computer Lab
- Description: Managed by Information Technology but used primarily by a specific department. These labs may be used for teaching by the department, and access is usually restricted to department majors or students in specific courses. They include both macOS-based and Windows-based computers.
- Management: Managed by Information Technology, which handles the operating system version, software security, and installed applications. Major software components are upgraded annually, usually in the summer, with weekly patches and updates.
- Replacement: Automatically on a 4–5 year replacement cycle with no intervention or request needed.
- Examples: Edwards Art Center, Room 115 (Digital Media Lab).
Teaching Lab
- Description: Managed by Information Technology and used specifically for teaching purposes. Access outside of class time is generally not permitted without department permission. These labs include both macOS-based and Windows-based computers.
- Management: Managed and maintained by Information Technology, which handles the operating system version, software security, and installed applications. Lab instructors may also install software or perform specialized updates as needed. Major software components are upgraded annually, usually in the summer, with weekly patches and updates.
- Replacement: Automatically on a 4–5 year replacement cycle with no intervention or request needed.
- Examples: Druckenmiller Hall, Room 38B; Hatch Science Library, Room 207; Searles Science Building, Room 216.
Research Lab
- Description: Managed by the department or by individual faculty or lab instructors. Information Technology sets up the computer initially, but the lab owner maintains the software. These labs are not open to the general public and are used almost exclusively for research. They include both macOS-based and Windows-based computers.
- Management: Managed by a faculty member or lab instructor. Software updates are managed centrally through Information Technology, but requests can be made to omit certain computers from software management for technical reasons.
- Replacement: Not on an automatic replacement cycle. Replacement requests must be made through the annual CAP process.
- Examples: Druckenmiller Hall.
Specialized or Instrument Labs
- Description: Use specific equipment or serve specific purposes, ranging from scientific equipment to audio recording. These labs include both macOS-based and Windows-based computers.
- Management: Management varies. Information Technology often performs the general setup of computers or consults on their setup. Vendors may supply computers with equipment, and IT alters configurations to meet security requirements. While standard software update schedules are encouraged, requests can be made to alter the schedule as needed.
- Replacement: Not on an automatic replacement cycle. Replacement requests must be made through the annual CAP process or other funding sources.
- Examples: Hawthorne-Longfellow, Recording Studio; Roux Center, Scanning Electron Microscope Lab.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.