Laptops, WiFi, and other 21st century things

NargleSlayer

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2012
Messages
49
So I am aware that cadets are issued laptops and that there is WiFi in the dorms... Can only the issued laptops connect to the wifi? Or can I bring my laptop and do some sort of security clearance thing for my macbook so it can eventually be allowed on the network?

Can I download applications or software like Spotify or Google Chrome?

If the wifi is down or laggy, does the library have a solid amount of computers with internet access?

Last question, where do cadets study most and do y'all find the library quiet and useful?

Thanks.
 
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So I am aware that cadets are issued laptops and that there is WiFi in the dorms... Can only the issued laptops connect to the wifi? Or can I bring my laptop and do some sort of security clearance thing for my macbook so it can eventually be allowed on the network?
First of all, the wifi in the dorms is extremely limited. Unless you live in Vandenberg Hall, you're going to have a bad time. Secondly, yes, you can have your entire macbook's drive formatted and they will install their own image of OSX that you will have to use. You will also have to get a card reader that you will have to keep with your macbook in order to use it. (Kind of annoying to carry around if you ask me.)

Can I download applications or software like Spotify or Google Chrome?
You may download them, but the Spotify player client is blocked by the government network. The only way to use Spotify here is to A. pay a monthly bill to a wireless carrier for a hotspot device or on your phone, or B. use the online Spotify player.

If the wifi is down or laggy, does the library have a solid amount of computers with internet access?
The library has a few computers, but are only for looking up books. There are no computers available for personal use. If the wifi goes down, everyone suffers.

Last question, where do cadets study most and do y'all find the library quiet and useful?
Everyone has their preferred places to study. Some study in their rooms, empty classrooms, or in the library. It's all personal preference. I like the library a lot because it's quiet and sometimes I'll run into friends from other squadrons there. But I can assure you that the library is a lifesaver freshman year. :smile:

Any other questions let me know!
 
First of all, the wifi in the dorms is extremely limited. Unless you live in Vandenberg Hall, you're going to have a bad time. Secondly, yes, you can have your entire macbook's drive formatted and they will install their own image of OSX that you will have to use. You will also have to get a card reader that you will have to keep with your macbook in order to use it. (Kind of annoying to carry around if you ask me.)

Ok. I'll leave my macbook at home and decide winter break if I want to bring it or not.

You may download them, but the Spotify player client is blocked by the government network. The only way to use Spotify here is to A. pay a monthly bill to a wireless carrier for a hotspot device or on your phone, or B. use the online Spotify player.

*the biggest sigh ever* Is it worth it to pay for a hotspot? Is the Spotify web player laggy?

The library has a few computers, but are only for looking up books. There are no computers available for personal use. If the wifi goes down, everyone suffers.

I've heard rumors of Sijan and it's wifi.. as well as the network as a whole at USAFA being unpredictable sometimes *prays to the squadron gods*

Everyone has their preferred places to study. Some study in their rooms, empty classrooms, or in the library. It's all personal preference. I like the library a lot because it's quiet and sometimes I'll run into friends from other squadrons there. But I can assure you that the library is a lifesaver freshman year. :smile:

Any other questions let me know!

Cool! Thanks. If I have any more questions I'll PM you.
 
*the biggest sigh ever* Is it worth it to pay for a hotspot? Is the Spotify web player laggy?
Your paycheck is going to be $0 - $100 a month until around November, and a hotspot costs $50 a month for minimal service and that's not counting the $250 device itself. I personally don't think it's worth it.

As for the Spotify web player, it works on and off, but I stopped using it altogether. I just use iTunes now.

I've heard rumors of Sijan and it's wifi.. as well as the network as a whole at USAFA being unpredictable sometimes *prays to the squadron gods*
Haha yes it's unpredictable. The majority of the time it works, and when it goes down, they try to get it up as fast as possible. At peak hours Netflix will take a while to load, but other than that it's decent speed.
 
Don't be too hard on Sijan! I totally get wifi in my room!



.... if I'm standing on my trunk, or have my laptop about 18" above my pillow. ;)
 
Those are literally the locations I get wifi in my room.

Some parts of Sijan actually have wifi, but mostly I just use the wired connection. It's a little inconvenient if I want to, say, "study on my bed" (read: "take a nap"), but that probably just makes me more productive, in all honesty. Every room has enough wired connections for all of the occupants to use at their desks.
 
Seems odd that an Institution that focuses so much on academics would have less than stellar WiFi in this day and age on the whole of Campus area, including the Bldgs. Is is due to the mountains and elevation? Guess we'll have to invest in a long ethernet cord!
 
Seems odd that an Institution that focuses so much on academics would have less than stellar WiFi in this day and age on the whole of Campus area, including the Bldgs. Is is due to the mountains and elevation? Guess we'll have to invest in a long ethernet cord!

Guess that's what happens when you try to power a network with solar panels ;)

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Routers?

Can we plug the Ethernet into a personal router? In order to have improved usafa wireless in our rooms?
 
That seems unproductive. Just use the ethernet port in your room...don't plan on having good wifi in your room, but generally the quality of internet if you use the ethernet is fine.
 
Can we plug the Ethernet into a personal router? In order to have improved usafa wireless in our rooms?

I understand your question, and to be honest I'm not sure. It's an interesting idea. I'm not sure comm squad would allow it.
 
I understand your question, and to be honest I'm not sure. It's an interesting idea. I'm not sure comm squad would allow it.

I would expect there could be security issues with using your own wireless router. At best I would think they would want to configure it themselves if they allow it at all.
 
I believe it was the end of 2012 that routers were disallowed by the comm squadron. DD had one and had to disconnect it somewhere around that time. When it was allowed it was great, she could use her Macbook on it while she had CQ. I know they are paying for better wifi, but I don't think it has been installed yet. 2014 was dismayed with this since they were paying and it wasn't any better than what they had their doolie year!
 
Those are literally the locations I get wifi in my room.

Some parts of Sijan actually have wifi, but mostly I just use the wired connection. It's a little inconvenient if I want to, say, "study on my bed" (read: "take a nap"), but that probably just makes me more productive, in all honesty. Every room has enough wired connections for all of the occupants to use at their desks.

Oh if they have wired connection than that's no problem. Slower internet (if that's what the ethernet provides) is better than no internet.

Thanks for the insight.
 
The wired Internet is typically significantly faster, actually. Even if you're somewhere with decent wifi.

Also, whoever mentioned buying an Ethernet cable -- you'll get issued one that's plenty long. When I do care enough to stretch it out, I can move around a little in the room. :)
 
They are considering installing a new wifi in the forms but they are talking about $30 a month. Pretty pricey for a cadet.


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The wired Internet is typically significantly faster, actually. Even if you're somewhere with decent wifi.

Also, whoever mentioned buying an Ethernet cable -- you'll get issued one that's plenty long. When I do care enough to stretch it out, I can move around a little in the room. :)

That makes me feel better!
 
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