USAFA Cadet Computer

TheEvanCat

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2014
Messages
63
I have some questions about the computer required for use at the Academy. I'm aware you have to buy one, but is it a specific type you order or from a list of authorized models or something? Is it just issued and the money deducted from my pay? Or is it just getting whatever you like with the money?

I know there are network concerns and stuff like programs needing to run on a Windows. Speaking of which, is all that software issued as well or do we have to buy stuff like CAD for our engineering classes?
 
You don't get a choice. There's a single model you're issued and money comes from your paycheck. Essentially you receive a loan that allows you to be able to buy the computer, uniforms, and other random stuff that is issued to you. Then this loan is payed back monthly via deductions from your paycheck for the first two years.

Any specialty software you'll need for classes is available to download. You won't have to purchase a license.
 
You don't get a choice. There's a single model you're issued and money comes from your paycheck. Essentially you receive a loan that allows you to be able to buy the computer, uniforms, and other random stuff that is issued to you. Then this loan is payed back monthly via deductions from your paycheck for the first two years.

Any specialty software you'll need for classes is available to download. You won't have to purchase a license.

That simplifies a lot of things, thanks.

Do you know what computer it is exactly? I'm not expecting a supercomputer, but I don't really want to be saddled with a dinosaur that can barely boot itself up.
 
Varies every year depending on contract USAFA can land. Typically good quality laptops from current vendor line up that year (not old models) and always with docking stations and keyboards. 18 months ago it was a Fujitsu touchscreen convertible.

NOTE: Monitors and printers are not included and these are the hot items to buy for Parent's Weekend. Many local stores know this and stock up, but still often run out of many models.
 
Varies every year depending on contract USAFA can land. Typically good quality laptops from current vendor line up that year (not old models) and always with docking stations and keyboards. 18 months ago it was a Fujitsu touchscreen convertible.

NOTE: Monitors and printers are not included and these are the hot items to buy for Parent's Weekend. Many local stores know this and stock up, but still often run out of many models.

Make sure that your squadron allows the monitors. I don't think I've heard of one disallowing it, but they have the option to do so. Wait until your basic/doolie tells you its ok and then go buy one.
 
We (the class of 2018) were issued a fujitsu lifebook t series. They'll send out what type of computer you'll be issued a little bit before basic. Ours is actually very nice. 8 gB of ram, Intel I5 processor, 256 gB ssd hard drive, HD video card, and an external 512 hard drive. Along with the computer you'll be issued a computer backpack, keyboard, mouse, docking station, pretty much everything. A very nice warranty too. I think 2017 might have the same model, so you guys might get the same or you might get a new version.
 
Well at least they didn't stockpile laptops in 2005 and issue out of that. I wouldn't be surprised if the military would be doing that!
 
Well at least they didn't stockpile laptops in 2005 and issue out of that. I wouldn't be surprised if the military would be doing that!

My son still uses his issued Fujitsu laptop from USAFA as his main computer at home, and that was issued in 2007. It's really a nice computer and he likes it. When he graduated the Academy offered a service to graduates for $65 they cleaned the computer of useless programs, installed the latest versions of the OS, and optimized performance. It was like getting a brand new computer again.

Stealth_81
 
Are cadets in computer related degrees allowed to tamper with their computers, and perhaps run a linux dual boot?
... or is use of issued devices strict?
 
Are cadets in computer related degrees allowed to tamper with their computers, and perhaps run a linux dual boot?
... or is use of issued devices strict?
Look at you being all techie-geek and wanting to run linux. ;) Don't blame you.

Seeing as you're connecting to a government network and they install security software on your box, I would be shocked if they allowed you to install another operating system.:eek2:

Edit: Having said that, you can always ask. Maybe they have security software that will run under linux.
 
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My ’16 son is a Computer Engineering major and tells me that they are not allowed to make any changes to the government issued laptop.
 
I've seen in a lot of USAFA videos, cadets have desktops and laptops. Are we issued both?
 
Sure. Personally, I bought a MacBook the summer before firstie year and used that my final two semesters. Used Boot Camp to create a partition on my hard drive and had the computer folks put the USAFA-approved Windows 7 image on there. Worked well for me, but I know of many friends that still use their circa-2009 Fujitsu's today, so what you are issued will work for everything you need.
 
Sure. Personally, I bought a MacBook the summer before firstie year and used that my final two semesters. Used Boot Camp to create a partition on my hard drive and had the computer folks put the USAFA-approved Windows 7 image on there. Worked well for me, but I know of many friends that still use their circa-2009 Fujitsu's today, so what you are issued will work for everything you need.

I was gonna take my laptop, and then I realized it sucks. I'm trying to limit my big purchases so I stopped looking for a new one. I bought an XBOX One and then like a week or so after, I received my appointment and I was like darn it. Whatever USAFA provides should be good plus I'm not very tech savvy.
 
Bring it out here after a-day if your squad allows it. My friends and I normally spend the weekend playing xbox. My element leader and his roomate both have desktops, they built them both and use them for gaming.
 
Bring it out here after a-day if your squad allows it. My friends and I normally spend the weekend playing xbox. My element leader and his roomate both have desktops, they built them both and use them for gaming.

I figured we couldn't have them because we can't have TVs until senior year. Where would it go? And that sounds awesome but like I said, I'm not very tech savvy. I just try to buy already decent models
 
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