Ridley Hall, Cambridge

Life at Ridley: Computing Facilities

Computing Facilities

Most students come to Ridley with their own computer (there is a current trend to prefer laptops for portability and to save space), but for those who do not, there are two Apple Mac computers in the library for general use. Both computers allow access to the internet and have word processing software and the Online Bible installed.

In addition, the University of Cambridge has several locations where workstations (Mac and PC) are available for student use. They are connected to the internet, as well as to a laser printer; there is a charge for the latter. For more information, see the University's web page.

The University provides many computing resources; for more information see their home page.

Network Connection

Every room in Ridley has an ethernet port, which when activated by our Computer Officer, allows connection to Cambridge University's Data Network. Connection to the network allows access to e-mail, the web, and thus to the library catalogues of the University, the Divinity Faculty, Ridley and the Federation. Essentially, the University becomes our Internet Service Provider via a high speed optical link. For this privilege, Ridley pays an annual fee to the University. Ridley also incurs the costs of maintaining and administering our network.

In return, students who wish to use the network pay a small charge per term for connection and unlimited usage; there is no further charge from Ridley. This fee is very good value, especially for a high speed connection. Because of limited resources, Ridley Hall cannot troubleshoot computers, but does ensure that the ethernet port will be properly activated; it is up to the user to make his or her own computer work with the network. To assist in that, at least one student per year serves as a computer 'deacon'.

It is normally possible for sabbatical guests to be allowed to connect to the network; administration normally takes two to three days to arrange this, so advance notice to the College Administrator is helpful.

All network users must agree to abide by the University regulations and guidelines for use of the Internet.