What is a SEASnet Account?
A SEASnet lab account provides access to the SEASnet computer labs and software that is only available to engineering students. A SEASnet account is different from a UCLA LOGON ID that is available to all UCLA students and is needed for accessing some applications in UCLA Digital Toolkit. Both accounts are important for engineering students.
What Type of Computer Do I Need?
SEASnet believes that the type of computer an engineering student wishes to use is a personal choice. Rather than making specific recommendations, we provide information and guidelines so each student can make an informed decision based on individual preferences.
The instructional computing facility (SEASnet) has been tasked with providing students the software they will need in order to complete their coursework. Students will have 24/7 remote access to both Linux and Windows servers. SEASnet also provides 4 walk-in student labs open varying hours 7 days a week during the quarter, with extended hours 8th-10th week.
SEASnet labs are Windows-based since the majority of software used by engineering courses runs on Windows. While the bulk of our computing experience is with Windows, we do assist users who prefer to work on Mac OS X. Mac users have many options for running Windows software (e.g., Parallels, Fusion, and Remote Desktop connections to a SEASnet server). We do caution students in fields like mechanical engineering that they may not be satisfied with the performance of graphics-intensive applications on a Mac machine running Windows.
UCLA Computer Store also has some recommendations on computers.
No matter what type of machine you choose to purchase, we do recommend that engineers never skimp on memory, processor speed, and disk space. Also, depending on how much work you plan to do on your machine, you may want to consider a larger screen.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at help@seas.ucla.edu if you have additional questions or concerns.