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Computer labs at Bowdoin have been called various names throughout the years, often varying from person to person and department to department. This article aims to define each type of computer lab on campus.
Public Computer Lab
Description:
A public computer lab is managed and maintained by Information Technology, accessible to anyone on campus, and generally open late nights and on weekends. These labs are often funded by IT and are primarily macOS-based, with some Windows-based computers available.
Management:
Public computer labs are managed by Information Technology. IT 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:
Public computer labs are 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:
Departmental computer labs are 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 specific course students. They include both macOS-based and Windows-based computers.
Management:
Departmental computer labs are managed by Information Technology. IT 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:
Departmental computer labs are 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:
Teaching labs are 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:
Teaching labs are managed and maintained by Information Technology. IT 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:
Teaching labs are 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:
Research labs are managed by the department or individual faculty or lab instructors. IT 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:
Research labs are 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:
Research lab computers are not on an automatic replacement cycle. Replacement requests must be made through the annual CAP process.
Examples:
- Druckenmiller Hall, Rooms
Specialized Labs or Instrument Labs
Description:
Specialized labs 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:
Specialized lab computers are 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.