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5.1 Law Library Computer Labs
The Law Library computer labs (rooms 2386 and 2387) have 42 networked PC workstations for use by law students. These computers have access to the Law School's Local Area Network (LAN) and the Internet. More information about the computer labs can be found in section 6.4.1 of this publication and on the Web at http://library.law.wisc.edu/services/hardware/computers/labinfo.html.
5.2 The Law School's Network
The Law School's LAN provides each user with personal file storage space, Internet tools (email, Web browsers, etc.), legal research applications (Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, HeinOnline, etc.), and learning tools. Personal files stored on the network are backed up every night and a couple versions kept (e.g. the three most recent). This is a great way to backup important files to protect against file loss and/or damage! All files are kept private and are only accessible via username and password.
5.2.1 Remote Access – backup your DATA!
The Law School LAN storage for students' files is available for remote access with additional software that is freely provided by the University’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Both Macintosh X.2 or greater and Windows XP or greater laptops can access the LAN storage and it is recommended that students use this storage to back up important academic files to prevent loss. See http://law.wisc.edu/help/for_students/remote_access.html for more access details.
5.2.2 Prohibited Files on LAN Storage
The Board of Regents requires that the email and network facilities of the University be used to fulfill the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Due to space limitations on the server, there are files that not allowed to be stored on the LAN server, including:
• AV files including, but not limited to, movies, sounds, pictures
• Executable files including, but not limited to, exe, com, dll
• Compressed files including, but not limited to, zip, tar, tgz
NOTE: Storage capacity on the server is adjusted as needed to ensure that there is more than adequate space for each semester’s notes, memos, briefs, assigned cyber readers, etc. All these can be kept in storage until graduation. Files for centers or student organizations may be requested to use alternate shared storage space on the network.
5.3 Network User Names and Passwords
You need a user name and password in order to access the network from workstations in the Law School. User names and passwords will be available starting during the fall orientation week at: http://law.wisc.edu/help/my.php If you forget your password, a staff member in the Computer Lab can re-set it for you (note: you must present a valid photo ID). Law school network user names and passwords are different from your campus-provided NetID and password (See 5.11). Your Law School network account will be terminated on August 15 for May graduates, and on March 15 for December graduates. Any files stored in your account will be deleted.
5.4 Printing
Printing is available for $.07 per page from the printer located in Computer Lab B. Printing is charged through a copy card reader for which users must purchase a copy card. Cards are available at the Copy Center on 5th floor of the Law Library. There is no charge for printing from Westlaw or Lexis/Nexis printers.
5.5 Photocopying
Two photocopiers are available in the Law Library Copy Center on the 5th floor, and one copier is available on the library’s 3rd floor. Copies are $0.10 per page. One of the copiers in the Copy Center accepts coins and bills, and all copiers accept a copy card that can be purchased from an auto card teller in the Copy Center. The Law School’s Copy Shop (Room 2246) also provides self-service copying for $0.05 per page. The Copy Shop accepts cash and checks. Non-circulating library materials must be copied using library photocopiers.
5.6 Public Access Computers
There are several computer workstations in the Law Library available to the public (i.e. no user name and password are required) for legal research purposes. More information can be found http://library.law.wisc.edu/about/information/tour/workstations.html.
5.7 Network Connections for Laptops
The Law Library has over 500 live network jacks ready for laptop use.
5.8 Wireless Networking
Wireless access to the Internet and the Law School's LAN is available throughout the Law School.
5.9 Support for Your Personal Computer
The Law Library Computer Lab and Tech Staff located in room 2270 can provide limited support for your personal laptop. For more extensive support, you can take your PC to the Division of Information Technology's walk-up support desk at 1210 W. Dayton St., room 1150B. More information can be found at http://www.doit.wisc.edu/repair/.
5.10 Resources for Student Organizations
5.10.1 Computers and Technical Support
The Student Bar Association and the Moot Court Board as well as the three registered Law School student journals (Wisconsin Law Review, Wisconsin International Law Journal, and the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender, & Society ) have office space and computers provided by the Law School. Support for these computers can be obtained through the Help@Law Technology Services department of the Law School (2-5242, help@law.wisc.edu).
5.10.2 Email Lists
All student organizations can establish an email list of members and a general contact email address for the organization. Contact help@law.wisc.edu for more information.
5.10.3 Websites
All student organizations can host a website on the Law School website if the site complies with the Law School’s basic requirements. (http://hosted.law.wisc.edu/). See also section 5.12 for information about software training, including website design.
5.11 Email, Dial-up Internet, and Web Portal Access
5.11.1 Obtaining and Activating Your NetID
The University of Wisconsin's Division of Information Technology (DoIT) provides all students, faculty, and staff with a “NetID,” which provides access to a free email account, free dial-up Internet connectivity, and the My-UW Madison web portal. To activate your NetID, use a Web browser to go to my.wisc.edu click “Activate your NetID,” and follow the online instructions.
5.11.2 Accessing Your Email
Your email address will be in the format: netID@wisc.edu
UW email accounts can be accessed either via web or via an email client. Any IMAP-compatible mail reader program can be used to access your email, although the Law School recommends using Thunderbird 2.x or higher (See http://www.mozilla.org). For setup instructions for Thunderbird, see http://kb.wisc.edu/library/page.php?id=16375 . Wiscmail, the University’s Web-based email client, can be accessed at: http://wiscmail.wisc.edu.
5.11.3 Accessing the My UW-Madison Web portal
The Web portal provides an array of personalized services for students. From any Web browser, you can access email and use a campus-wide calendar system to schedule meetings and appointments. You can use My UW-Madison to enroll in classes, monitor the status of your financial aid application, review your course grid, and check on library fines or holds. You can access the portal at http://my.wisc.edu.
5.11.4 Forwarding Mail to Another Account
You also may forward your UW email account to another account and retrieve your mail from there. To do that, logon to the WiscWorld website at https://www.mynetid.wisc.edu/modify and select "Modify Account." After you enter your email user name and password, you can establish mail forwarding.
5.11.5 Law School Email Lists
The Law School maintains an email list of all law students for dissemination of administrative information. In many cases, information is circulated only via email so it is important for you to check your email frequently. These messages will be sent to your University email address. To see which email lists are you are on, visit http://law.wisc.edu/help/my.php.
5.12 Software Training for Students
The UW’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has free training for students that covers databases, word processing, spread sheets, Web design, graphics, and more. For information, see their website at http://www.wisc.edu/sts. Personalized training is available for the Law School’s many legal databases. See http://library.law.wisc.edu/eresources/ for a list of resources. For more information, contact Jenny Zook, Reference and Instructional Services Librarian, at zook@wisc.edu.
5.13 Technology Policies
The University of Wisconsin's Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Information Technology apply to Law School users. By accessing the Law School's LAN or by using any Law School- or University-owned computing equipment, users implicitly agree to adhere to the following guidelines:
5.13.1 Electronic Mail and Networks
The Board of Regents requires that the email and network facilities of the University be used to fulfill the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. All users must use computing equipment, software, and network access in a manner consistent with appropriate University codes of conduct and applicable statutes of the Wisconsin Criminal Code. You are the only person authorized to use your account. DoIT personnel will not seek out violators of these policies; however, violations that are brought to DoIT's attention will be handled through existing disciplinary, grievance, and hearing procedures. To report possible violations, email abuse@wisc.edu. Rules for appropriate use at the UW include:
• Use good passwords for email
• Don't share your email or network account
• Don't send or forward spam email
5.13.2 Software Use
The UW-Madison licenses computer software from vendors and developers, although it does not normally own the software or related documentation. Unless specifically authorized by the vendor or developer, no one has the right to copy this software or documentation. The University does not require, request, or condone unauthorized copying or use of computer software. Everyone shall use software only in accord with the applicable license agreement, and only on University equipment. Violations of this policy are to be reported to the department chair, dean/division head, or the chancellor's office and DoIT. According to U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software may be subject to civil damages (of as much as $100,000) and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Anyone who knowingly or willfully makes, acquires, or uses unauthorized copies of computer software is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, consistent with the appropriate Wisconsin Administrative Code.
5.13.3 Guidelines for Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources
Access to electronic mail, the Internet, databases, computers and other information technology (IT) resources is essential to the mission of the UW-Madison (to create, integrate, transfer and apply knowledge), and the achievement of excellence requires their effective use by all faculty, staff and students.
Use of information technology must be consistent with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. Each member of the University community is expected to protect the integrity of these resources and to know and adhere to University rules, regulations and guidelines for their appropriate use. Violation of University rules governing appropriate use of IT resources will be reported and may result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution. Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of University facilities also apply to the use of IT resources. For details please see the full text at UW-Madison Responsible Use of Information Technology Policy.
“Rough work, iconoclasm, but the only way to get at the truth.” Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
