Laptops and Wireless

What are the advantages to a laptop?

The portability means a student can take their laptop with them to class and work or play during breaks between classes without having to go back to the dorms. They can take them to the Library or Student Learning Center if they need to do research, or if their roommate is asleep. They can also easily take it home on the weekends. Laptops also save a great deal of desk space, and are more organized than desktop systems.

What are the disadvantages to a laptop?

Their portability means they can be easy and expensive targets of theft. While we have an incredibly low rate of computer theft on campus, this statistic is likely to rise as more people buy laptops. If you purchase one, make sure you know how to secure them to your desk and never leave them unattended outside of your room. Housing does not provide security cables for laptops and does not allow any permanent changes to their desks, including mounting a security cable. There are types that can loop around desk legs like small bicycle chains. Laptops are also a good deal more expensive and often not as powerful as desktops. In the case of the average student though, a laptop will meet any needs they develop.

Connecting to PAWS

All you need to do to connect to PAWS is have a wireless network card (NIC) installed and open a web browser, such as Internet Explorer. You will need to enter your UGA myID at the login page and you should then be online. MyIDs are given at Orientation and are used for most UGA services. Please see our Wireless Page for more information on PAWS and other mobility services in Athens.