242 Horace Mann
345 Macy (hours, hardware, software, policies, fees)
Instructional Media Lab in 265 Macy
iDesign
Russell

Teachers College has two general access computer labs with high-end PowerMacs and PC compatible computers. Use of the labs is free for anyone with a valid Teachers College ID.

345 Macy is primarily a computer classroom, however, when there are no classes or workshops scheduled, students may use this lab. Please see the classroom schedule.

A wide variety of applications and services are available including word processing, desktop publishing, graphics software, digital video editing, and statistical analysis software. Also, the labs provide Macintosh and PC platforms, laser printing, color laser printing, OCR and graphical scanners, Zip drives, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives, and CD recording equipment. Not all services, hardware, and software are available in every lab.

For suggestions or questions about Teachers College computer lab services email labs@exchange.tc.columbia.edu

top of page

Hardware

Software*

Lab Policies

1. What are the Teachers College microcomputer labs’ hours? The hours depend on the time of year, as well as any special holidays that may occur. For update to hours, please see: 242 Horace Mann 345 Macy

2. What is the TC's policy on food and drink? In order to protect the equipment, no food or drink is allowed in any area of the labs. Please dispose of your food or drink before entering the computer labs. If you are found eating or drinking in the lab, your privileges may be revoked for the rest of the semester.

3. What is the TC's policy on noise and talking? The computer labs are not a quiet work area. In other words, patrons can talk to consultants and others in the lab, as long as they keep their voices at a low level and the conversations are related to work in progress. Patrons discussing items unrelated to the lab or schoolwork may be asked to talk in a library break area so as not to disturb other lab patrons. What about music? Music should only be played through headphones, which can be checked out from the consultant's desk. Even with headphones, music can be so loud as to leak out of the earpieces and disturb others.

4. Can I reserve a computer when the lab is busy? TC does not reserve computers for patrons, instead operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Is there a waiting list? During busy times, the consultants maintain a waiting list for patrons. Patrons should wait in the hall until a computer becomes available and a consultant notifies you.

6. Why do I have to show my ID when using the lab? We ask patrons display their IDs for two reasons:
1. To ensure that patrons using computers are valid students, faculty, and staff of TC.
2. To keep track of usage at the various campus labs. This information is then used to assist future funding decisions, including which labs will receive additional workstations.

7. Can I use the lab without my ID? No.

8. Can I play games on the computers? In policy, no. In practice, if the lab is not busy and no one is waiting for a computer, you may be able to use a workstation for games. Of course, make sure the sound is off so as not to disturb others. And don't ask for help from the consultants!

9. Can I install programs on the personal programs on the computers? In policy no. In practice, if you are properly licensed for software you may install it on the microcomputers, however, it may and will be erased at any time. Also, do not ask consultants for help regarding programs that the College does not support.

10. Can the consultants train me how to use a specific program or explain how to finish a College assignment? Consultants are trained to provide help to lab users. They are able to help you start your applications, offer help with printing, restarting computers and applications that are "frozen", etc. They can provide general information on Windows and Macintosh. Consultants are not trained to debug programs, analyze output, install software, teach software, etc.

Lab fees

top of page