There are only a few computers available in the library at 9 rue Malher where our offices and classrooms are.
These computers have access to the Internet, if you need to get on. However, if you bring your own computer, you will not be able to "hook-up" anywhere in the building, so bring your battery.
It is possible for you to have your own e-mail connection, but that requires that you bring a computer to Paris. If you are interested in doing that, please read "Getting Online in Europe". There is no requirement of a computer for any academic activity on the summer program. No machine with a memory can be used in the exams. You also must obtain your class professor's approval to bring a computer into class to use.
If you wish to bring your computer, please read this checklist of things to check out before you leave. Checklist for your computer
As one 2007 Paris student, who did not bring her computer, stated, "I must say that I have mixed feelings about the issue. I am glad that I didn't bring one for the simple fact that I didn't have to carry it, but having one has definately come in handy. The apartment that we rented wound up having internet so that's wonderful. However, they do not allow laptops in internet cafes (since 9/11) and I am aware of at least one girl in the program who had a difficult time finding an apartment with internet. In sum, I guess it depends on if you are willing to carry it or live without it.
The school has internet that we can use, but the keyboards are layed out differently and I understand that some of the websites that are more interactive do not work."
So the decision to bring your computer is really up to you.
Click here for - for Paris Cyber Cafe's
For a better guide: if the phone or fax numbers start with 331-4 or 331-5 this means they are located in Paris.
if the phone or fax numbers start with 331-3 this means they are located in one of the suburbs of Paris
Also, AT and T, MCI, AOL, and Compuserve have locations in France. Check with one of these providers for a possible list of locations.
Mr Jean-Pierre HUC at 204 Rue de la Croix-Nivert, 011-331-45-57-08-57 phone; fax 44-26-48-06, 15th Arrondisment, will print out your computer disks.
Here is an article from FRANCE TODAY, regarding laptops in France:
Electronic Nomads - Taking your laptop to France: the Tao of e-mail on the road.
E-mail is either the tool of the devil or the instrument of salvation. It can allow you to communicate with your office or friends while on the road or as members of InternetAnonymous will testify - totally overtake your "vacation."
If you are taking your laptop to Europe, here are some of the rules. Before you can even open your PC, you'll need adapters . The power jack requires an adapter for the power cord. Most hardware stores in the US sell for under $1 a plastic part that allows you to plug into French electrical outlets. For elsewhere in Europe, you need more adapters. But don't lose hope: with only 7 power adapters you've got the whole planet covered. One source is TeleAdapt in California (see below). Their EuroPack kit has the 5 adapters for Western Europe.
Then you'll need the phone adapter, since each European country also has a different phone connection. Radio Shack has a pack of 3 phone jacks for France, the U.K. and Germany (about $20). Or buy the package of 16 adapters for the whole of Western Europe through a company like TeleAdapt, or even the World Pack with its 38 adapters.
If you have any problems while in Paris or have forgotten the adapters, your best bet is to go to FNAC-Micro (see below), the consumer electronics chain store, at their Left Bank location. I suspect they have adapters for Mongolia or Papua New Guinea. There's a FNAC-Micro in La Defense, the business district near Neuilly.
Anothere source is Surcouf (see below), the largest computer store in Paris, with its 250 vendors. According to a recent visitor, Mr Cable at stand 10 is your best best in case of connnection problems. They'll even make a custom cable for you. If you laptop starts acting up, try Surcouf's portable repair stand, La Clinique du Portable. But remember, prices are 20% - 40% higher than in the US.
Next, you need an access number. Each of the big online services will provide you with one. But be careful - make sure you have the access number for the city closest to where you are staying. Otherwise, you may end up with a Paris number while you're checking your e-mail from the Cote d'Azur, and get hit with a charge for a French long distance call, plus a surcharge from AOL (American On Line).
To access the local number if you are on AOL, you need it's latest version, 3.0. Then go to "Keyword" and type International Access: France. You'll find a list of French cities where AOL has an access number.
For Compuserve, go to - Go Phones on the menu list and it will display the list of all the access numbers in the area you want.
If you have a local server, it's a little tricker to access your e-mail. Many of these companies only have local access numbers. "One way around that is to find a friend in France who has access to the Internet, and then grab your mail," explains a spokesperson for a San Francisco-bases Sirius, "or to set up a temporary Internet account."
Or simply leave your PC at home and enjoy your trip.
HOOK UP
TeleAdapt Tel: 408-965-1400, Fax: 408-965-1414, e-mail: teleadapt@aol.com
FNAC-Micro 71 blvd St Germain, 7 Arrondissement; Metro: St Michel; Tel: 011-331-44-41-31-50; in La Defense: 2, pl de la Defense, Sortie 6, CNIT; Metro: La Defense; Tel: 011-331-46-92-29-41
Surcouf 139 av Daumesnil, 12 Arrondissement; Metro: Gare de Lyon or Reuilly-Diderot; Tel: 011-331-52-33-20-00; Fax: 011-331-53-33-21-01."