Phillip Bohl Faculty, Resources, Students

Running out of Room?

Space really is the final frontier... isn’t it?

Clearing out space on your computer’s main storage (hard drive) volume doesn’t need to be scary or difficult.

Most uses of your computer require significant “free” space on the hard drive. When you try to do something (like use ExamSoft Examplify) that requires some free space, you may run into some errors or worse, you may be blocked from using that software all together.

Here are a couple of sites that may provide you with some help in removing some of the extraneous contents of your computer’s hard drive.

For Windows Users: https://www.maketecheasier.com/recover-free-space-windows-c-drive/

For Mac Users: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206996

Hong Kha Students

Examplify – Missing Download

A small number of you experienced an issue last semester with Examplify during finals.  The problem was that after downloading an exam in Examplify, that exam did not appear in the downloaded exams. This is a known issue with the software and one that ExamSoft is working to remedy but in the meantime, we have a workaround.   

To avoid this interrupting your examination process do the following:

  1. Plan ahead: download your exam as soon as it is available and then reboot your computer.
  2. After rebooting, open Examplify, If you notice your exam is not listed under the “Downloaded” heading please contact Information Support immediately and we will give you access to an additional download. 
  3. If you notice this right before your exam you can come to the Law Library Public Services desk. But it’s much better if you plan ahead.

When you reach out for assistance, please provide us with:

  • Your first and last name
  • Phone number
  • The course and professor names related to the exam that is missing after downloading
  • The date and time of your exam

We will assist you as soon as possible to provide you with an additional download. After we modify your exam profile to permit an additional download you will need to restart your computer before you download your exam.
If you run into additional issues or have further questions please contact our Caruso School of Law Information Services team at support@law.pepperdine.edu anytime or call (310) 506-7425 during business hours. We can also meet you in person at the Harnish Law Library Public Services Desk.

Phillip Bohl Faculty, Students, The Basics

Caruso Law School Computer/Technology Recommendations

If you are just starting out at Caruso Law, or heading back to school and looking to upgrade your system, please review the below information before purchasing your new laptop!

Nearly all Pepperdine Caruso Law Students use laptops for class, exams, and homework. While laptops are not required, they can be a very valuable tool in law school.  The following recommendations take into account services and applications that are often used in conjunction with Caruso Law classes and other curricular and extra curricular activities.

The Information Services team at Caruso Law provides assistance in configuring your laptop for the network. Please think very carefully before choosing a laptop brand or other hardware/software choice outside the recommended list, as you may be limiting your potential sources of support.

As a law student your laptop computer is a key tool.  Please keep this in mind as you think about how you will use it, the software you install on it, the websites you visit with it, the files/attachments you choose to download and where you store it when you are not using it.  You will want it to be functioning at optimum levels.  Theft, drops, malware, and other untoward variables will detract from your laptop’s ability to help you succeed in law school.

Below are the minimum Computer/Technology Recommendations:

  • Internet: Strongly recommend a rock solid internet connection with a minimum 20 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up.  This exceeds the minimum requirements for synchronous Zoom sessions (the absolute minimum is 600 kbps in both directions while recommended minimum is 1.5 mbps) but note that if you share your internet connection you will need more bandwidth to ensure a reliable, continuous connection.  Also please note that the age of your hardware (router, modem, cabling, computer) will play a significant role in reliability.
  • Manufacturer/Model: Dell Latitude Series/Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air
      • NOTE: We strongly discourage the use of Microsoft Surface computers.  Microsoft Surface systems may provide some challenges with ExamSoft software, this software is used by most students to take exams at Caruso Law and is used by the California Board of Bar Examiners for the state bar exam … along with most other state jurisdictions. 
  • Display: Minimum 11” screen – for improved readability, consider 13” or larger
  • Operating System: Windows 10 /Mac OS 11 or better
  • Processor: Intel i5 processor, Apple M1 processor, or greater (Make sure your system is compatible with ExamSoft)
  • RAM: 12GB – 16GB is recommended
  • Solid State Drive (SSD): 120GB or higher
  • Integrated WiFi or WiFi adapter: Newer is often if not always better
  • Media Drives: None necessary, but it’s always good to have a few flash drives handy. Keep in mind that these don’t last forever, don’t rely upon one flash drive to keep your work safe. AND have a backup solution.  LESS DOWN TIME
  • Battery Life: 4-6 hours, much longer is much better.  MORE UP TIME.
  • Spare Laptop Charger: If you plan to bring your laptop with you, keep one for home and one for travel.  If you lose one you have a spare.  NO DOWN TIME.
  • Warranty: 3 year parts/on-site labor. LESS DOWN TIME.
  • Security Lock: Don’t ever walk away from your laptop if it isn’t secured.  LESS DOWN TIME
  • Malware Protection Software: Make sure you have Anti-Malware installed.  Use the firewall that is build into your computer’s operating system.  MORE UP TIME.
  • Personal Printer: We strongly recommend HP Printers with an extra toner cartridge.  NO DOWN TIME.

Please visit the Minimum System Requirements page for the ExamSoft/Examplify system requirements to ensure that your system is compliant.

The Dell Latitude series is designed for a professional enterprise user and is not what you will find in a consumer-focused retail store.  We have found these systems to be very reliable and strongly recommend them to both students and faculty for their personal computing needs.  This recommendation is not meant to dissuade you from other manufacturers or even other lines of Dell computers, however, we know this line to be a great fit for a law student who needs a solid, reliable system for three years of challenging work (plus the Bar exam).

We do not recommend tablet-based systems. Nor do we recommend netbooks or Chromebooks.  You are certainly welcome to buy them but we don’t believe they will meet your needs in law school.  In fact, these systems do not work with ExamSoft Examplify at all so that should be a compelling reason to avoid the Chromebook/tablet acquisition unless you already have a serviceable laptop that meets the ExamSoft minimum requirements. Essentially, you can bring any device you want to law school. However, if you want to take exams and keep pace with the challenges of law school, you should purchase a high-quality, business class laptop, not a cheap off-brand version found on sale at a big box retailer. Remember, you want a system that is reliable and will last you through completing the BAR exam. You don’t want a machine that may crash in the middle of an exam!

MacBook ProThe Pepperdine University Computer Store (an online referral site) offers generous discounts to Pepperdine University students on software (MS Office is no cost to Pepperdine students and employees) and hardware. These discounts are often more than the typical education discounts that you will find online. The Computer Store can be accessed 24/7 online.

For purchasing as an enrolled Pepperdine student, please visit the Pepperdine University IT Department’s discounts for students web page or call Pepperdine University Tech Central at (310) 506-4811.

Please note that using a computer on the University network requires that you agree to the University Computer and Network Usage policy.

Kenneth Cox The Basics

A Guide to Personal Data Backup

In order to migrate your data off of Pepperdine sponsored data storage services, you will need to have some place to store all of your files. This article will serve as an overview of data backup solutions to keeping your data safe and secure in one place.

Common ways to back-up data include the following:

  • Flash or physical drive
  • Online backup services
  • Online cloud storage (like Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive or Apple iCloud)

Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks in the areas of price, ease of use, security, and storage capacity.

Backup Option Comparison

Below is a basic comparison of data backup solutions. These are categorized by paid cloud backup services (I-Drive, etc.) at the top of the list, a physical drive option (flash drive, and lastly cloud storage services (Google Drive, etc.) at the bottom of the list.

ServiceCost /yrEncryption Remote AccessibilityStorage CapacityAdditional Features
I-Drive$79.50 ($59.62 for first year)Private encryption key availableFiles accessable from multiple devices 5 TBMobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data 
Carbonite$58.99Basic encrypted cloud dataFiles accessable from multiple devices UnlimitedAvailable integrated anti virus software for extra cost
Backblaze$70Private encryption key availableFiles accessable from multiple devices UnlimitedMobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data 
Flash DriveFixed Cost, $20-$80NANAHowever much you want to buy
Google Drive$19.99, $29.99, $99.99Basic encryptionAccessible from any device on your Google account100GB for $19.99, 200GB for $29.99, 2TB for $99.99Integration with Google suite applications
iCloud$11.88, $35.88, $119.88Basic encryptionAccessable across Apple devices and online 50GB for $11.88, 200GB for $35.88, 2TB for $119.88Integration with Apple products and services like iPhone photos
One Drive (Microsoft)$19.99, $69.99Basic encryptionAccessable from any device on microsoft account100GB for $19.99, 1TB for $69.991TB option includes Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, etc.)

Why You May Need a Backup

Getting a backup drive for your files all has to do with assessing your need to protect your data and access your data remotely from the backup. Potential hazards to your data security that may warrant getting a drive include:

  • Viruses and malware that could corrupt, take or delete your data
  • Stolen or damaged computer
  • Corrupted files or accidentally deleted files

Good Practices for Data Backup Maintenance

Wherever you have your data backed up, it is important to make sure you follow some steps to maintain your backup system.

  • Backup Schedules; Set a regular interval to back up your data manually, or set your backup service to update data at a regular time interval. Additionally some services, either automatically or by your choice, will back-up data continuously every time you edit it.
  • Separate your backups – If you are storing your data on physical drives, it may be best to keep your primary device and your backup as disconnected as possible when not updating your files in order to minimize the risk of spreading malware or viruses that could corrupt your data on the backup drive.

If you have any questions about the information in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.

Phillip Bohl Students

Graduation and Email

Hurray! You’ve graduated (or will soon graduate) from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law! The last thing on your mind is your Pepperdine Email account, but there are some things you need to know…

NOTE: You may have heard that Pepperdine had a service through the Alumni office that provided a Pepperdine Alumni branded email account for life from Google. This service has recently changed a bit in that it will not include the entire Google Suite.

  • The following information applies to all students graduating from any program at Pepperdine: Student email accounts, WaveNet, and other network-related resources are governed by university policy and managed by the university IT department. Student email accounts, WaveNet access, printing, Zoom, etc. will be deactivated 90 days after the date of the commencement ceremony.  That’s the actual graduation ceremony, not your official graduation date (that will be printed on your diploma). Note that in Spring 2020, the graduation ceremony was delayed by the COVID-19 Pandemic until Spring 2021 but those graduating in Spring 2020 still have a May 2020 graduation date on their diplomas.
  • Recent graduates will receive automated notifications in their student email inboxes 90, 60 and 30 days before account deactivation.  
  • After graduation a process starts that begins with your status changing from student to alumnus.  This process involves a file transfer that takes place sometimes several days (up to four weeks) after graduation.  Sure, you have the diploma but the system doesn’t recognize you as an alumnus until that file is transferred from the student system to the alumni system. Typically this takes place about a month after the date of your graduation.  That’s when all the automated stuff starts up.
  • On the fifteenth day of the month immediately after your graduation date you will get an email to your student email account.  This is a reminder message to encourage you to move out of your student email account and other Google-based services hosted for you by Pepperdine.
  • Note again, that student email accounts are disabled 90 days after the student’s commencement date (the day of the graduation ceremony).
  • Once an account is deactivated the data/emails in that account it is not recoverable.
email

You will want to use a personal email address going forward. We recommend that you use something professional, perhaps you already have such a personal email address. If you don’t, we recommend creating an email account on Google’s Gmail service.

If you plan to migrate your email from your Pepperdine Google email account to a personal gmail account you will want to ensure that you have a personal gmail account set up first. Then review these instructions all the way to the end before moving forward with the migration.

Part of this process should include your migration of the data from your Pepperdine Google Drive to your personal drive space. If you are migrating to another Google account, keep in mind that you may run into space limits on your targeted storage system.

Resources from Pepperdine’s IT department on this topic:

Account Changes When Transitioning from Student to Alumni Status
https://community.pepperdine.edu/it/alumni/
Transfer or Download Your Google Workspace Data(for new graduates)https://community.pepperdine.edu/it/alumni/email/datatransfer.htm

Alumni Email
https://community.pepperdine.edu/it/alumni/email/

After your student email address expires, no mail will be received at your student address. To make a smooth transition, we recommend:

  1. Set up your new personal (and professional) email address immediately when you get that email noted above.
  2. Forward your mail in Wavenet to a new email address — that new personal gmail address or another one you prefer. (Note that forwarding will only work up until your student email account is suspended.)
  3. Set up an out-of-office message in your Pepperdine Student Email (accessed through Wavenet) account informing all your contacts of your graduation and of your new email address. Log into Wavenet click on Options, and then update your Out of Office Assistant.
Hong Kha Students

Westlaw: Drafting Assistant

To add a Table of Authorities to your Appellate Brief, it is recommended that you use Westlaw’s Draft Assistant tool. The tool will insert a TOA by picking up cases and numbering in your brief. Of course, you also have the option to insert a TOA manually, and you can learn those instructions through the Harnish Law Library’s Word Formatting Page

  1. Log in to lawschool.thomasreuters.com
  2. In the top tab that indicates “Westlaw, TWEN…” click the drop-down arrow. Then click Drafting Assistant Essential.

3. You will be able to upload a word document. Upload your COMPLETED appellate brief. If it is not fully completed, the numbering and cases will be incorrect.

4. After uploading your brief, choose “TOA Builder” from the left-hand tool column.

5. Under the TOA builder you will have the option to add a citation range, and then to “run” the TOA builder.

6. Once the process has run, and you have selected where your TOA should be placed, select “Finish” and save your new document.

7. With your new appellate brief, carefully go through your citations and cases to ensure that the TOA builder assigned pages correctly. Also, check to make sure that spaces between periods are correct based on the local classroom rules you received for double- or single-spaces after periods. The TOA builder will not fix spacing automatically.

Note: If there’s an issue with the Word document that is downloaded from the TOA builder, then you can simply copy and paste the TOA itself into the version of the document the partners have been working on. 

If you have any questions about the information in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.

Hong Kha Students

View Your Unofficial Transcript

Your unofficial transcript details cumulative credits and classes taken at Pepperdine, as well as credits from different programs and grades for each class. Some job or post-grad applications even require this document. Please follow the steps below to learn how to access your unofficial transcript.

  1. Go to wavenet.pepperdine.edu and log in using your Pepperdine credentials.
  2. Next, click on Academics in the left column.

3. Then click on View Unofficial Transcripts.

4. A dialogue box will appear, prompting you to click on the link. This will allow you to view your transcript, and email a copy to your school email.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the content covered in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.

Hong Kha Faculty

Reduce Background Noise in Zoom

This guide will show you how to reduce background noise in Zoom, so that your audio will come through crisp and uninhibited for your audience.

Option 1: In the Meeting

If you are already in the Zoom meeting and notice that you are picking up a lot of background noise, click on the small arrow next to your microphone in the bottom left corner. This will open audio settings. Click on Audio Settings.

Option 2: Before the Meeting

Open the Zoom application on your current computer. Since this setting deals with the audio on the computer you are using, you will need to change this setting for different computers and desktops you use.

Next, click on the gear icon at the top right corner of your application. This will take you into your settings.

Once in Settings: Suppress Background Noise

In the Audio tab, there is an option to suppress background noise. The default is Auto, but you may choose High to suppress even loud noises such as typing and dog barks.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the content covered in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.

Hong Kha Students

Set Up Automatic Zoom Recording in Courses

The automatic recording feature, found in the setting for your Zoom meetings, is the preferred method for lecture capture at Caruso School of Law.

Follow the instructions below to set up automatic recordings for your Zoom meetings.

  1. Navigate to  zoom.pepperdine.edu and then log in to your account. Click on Meetings in the left-hand column. Either click on a previously scheduled meeting to alter it to include automatic recording or if you are creating one from scratch, click Schedule Meeting.

2. Ensure all of the information for the meeting is filled in, then scroll down to the Meeting Options section. Select Automatically Record and In the Cloud.

Please remember to make that change for all occurrences of the meeting, which is automatic if your meetings are automatically recurring.

3. Click Save and you are good to go!

Notes

  • If you would like to come on to Zoom a few minutes before class begins, simply Pause the recording once you enter class and resume when class begins.
  • Unpaused, the recording will continue until it is manually paused or stopped, or you end class, even if you run over scheduled time.
  • Panapto will automatically back up your Zoom recordings. Zoom’s retention period is 6 months and Panapto’s is 5 years. It’s mostly used as an archive. 

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the content covered in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.