Hardware

< TechFAQ

Where are the pods and when are they open? Oh, and what does Pod mean?

 * The Pod map (live, showing availability of machines)
 * The Pod Schedule

POD has nothing to do with computers. Evidently, POD is an engineering term for an area. The engineering building is divided into areas called PODs and denoted by a letter for example A POD. The original Binghamton computer room was in the G POD. Since the entire G area (POD) was used as the computer room it was referred to the Computer POD. Of course with modifications the "Computer POD" extended beyound the limits of the G POD. The name has been further extended to other computer areas that are not organized in to "PODs"

The "POD" in the main floor of the Library is officially referred to as the Information Commons.

Are there any special computer purchase plans for BU faculty, staff and students?
The University has relationships with several vendors. Faculty, staff and students are eligible for educational pricing for personal purchases from Dell, Apple and Red Barn.

Where can I borrow a laptop?

 * Educational Communications Center - http://www.ecc.binghamton.edu/av/avequip.html#laptop
 * The Library circulation desks lend them for use within the Libraries.
 * The Graduate School has laptops to loan for use at conferences and field work.

My hard drive crashed, can anyone help me?
If the computer is owned by the University, you may bring it to the Help Desk for repair. Personally-owned machines should be referred to the vendor.

What equipment is installed in my classroom?
Information on classroom technologies is available at Educational Communications Center's web site: http://www.ecc.binghamton.edu/classroom.php

Where can I learn to use classroom technologies?
There are short videos at the Educational Communications Center's web site: http://www.ecc.binghamton.edu/classroom.php. You may also call AV Services (777-5505) and request someone show you the technologies you are interested in.

I bought a new computer; can I recycle my old one?
There is at least one recycler in town.  The Computer Warehouse 6 Emma Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 607-231-7615; fax: 607-231-6450 http://www.thecomputerwarehouse.net  For a larger list of NYS computer (and other electronic) recyclers try here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/9085.html Contact area churchs and primary schools; sometimes they will take 'newer' computers. Use the paper yellow pages or http://binghamton.areaconnect.com.

Links of interest regarding computer recycling (with a mention of Binghamton, NY). This is provided as advice only and in no way does Binghamton University endorse or specifically direct to a favored recycler. Make an informed choice!
 * http://www.gobroomecounty.com/solidwaste/recyclingfaq
 * http://www.erevival.net/computer_electronics_recycling_disposal_new_york.html
 * http://www.recycle.net/computer/index.html

Old equipment owned by the university may also be dropped off at the Computer Center for disposal. Hard drives will be reformatted. Parts will be scavenged, if useable. All disposable equipment is packaged by pallet and sold.