Software Support

General Support: In general, the Division of Legal Computing is responsible for all authorized computer software present on our PCs and networks as well as the network software itself. That being said, there are many levels of support that apply and the rules of support arise from how we organize our software access, the complexity of the software and limitations of staffing and personnel.

Core Software: To put it simply, the Division of Legal Computing is responsible for the "presence" of core software on the network and PCs, but not the actual operation of it. This means that if a user can access the software and it comes up in its default configuration, that's where the Division's responsibility ends. However, we do offer user support in Wordperfect and Word, Lotus Notes and general Windows and network use through our computer lab helpdesk (x8017). But please remember that it is impossible for us to know everything about a piece of software so be patient. Reference materials for our programs are available in the computer lab as well as free hotlines to Lexis and Westlaw via phone and the Internet.

Further, the Division is only responsible for the initial installation of core software on our PCs and network. All user-adjustable settings are the responsibility of the user. This includes but is not limited to all user settings inside Wordperfect, Word, Netscape, Lotus, Access, Excel and any other program. Further, the DLC is not responsible for any access over the Internet. Access to the Internet is routed though Seton Hall University main campus and if lines are down or slow the Division will work to restore them but we are limited in what we can do. Also, since the Internet exists outside the law school, we cannot be responsible for any material or access to any material outside our control.

Non-Core Software: Department Specific Software or Local Software:
Many users use software packages in their daily work that are beyond the core software offered by the law school. As a policy the Division of Legal Computing is NOT responsible for the workings of ANY of these types of software, even if they are stored on network servers. The Division is only responsible for the ability of the network or station to run the program (or in the case of the mainframe to bring the user to the front door). The inner workings of the programs are beyond the scope of the services the Division can provide and in fact, the only way the Division could know the working of these programs would be for them to know the inner workings of each department at the law school. That task is far too large for the Division in its present configuration and not in synch with the department's main purpose.