Campus Bytes! PAGE 8A WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1997
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KAN
TECHNOLOGY • INTERNET • SOFTWARE • ONLINE ISSUES
Dial-in accounts still easy to access
By Melody Ard
Kansan staff writer
Contrary to what some students believed, the University Computer Center did not change its policy for dial-in and Ethernet account hookups.
Erinn Barcomb, Wichita sophomore, said she had the understanding that she would have to bring her central processing unit (CPU) to the Computer Center to get Ethernet hooked up.
However, John Punch, Computer Center employee, said Ethernet and dial-in accounts always are available and that students rarely have to bring in their machines.
Punch said the easiest way to sign up for the service was to access the Computer Center's Website. In fact, Punch said, the students never have to go to the center at all.
students can access the Web site from any online computer or go to any of the computer centers." Punch said. "We don't even have to have software to do it, but it makes it easier."
Punch said it was necessary for owners to bring their CPUs to the center only as a last resort.
"I don't know where they would get the idea that we had to install it for them," Punch said. "The only reason that they would need to bring in the computer is if we couldn't solve the problem over the phone."
Another problem students may have with their e-mail accounts, whether they have on-campus or dial-in accounts, is a forgotten password.
However, Theresa Bateson, information technology consultant, said the problem wasn't permanent.
"If students forget their passwords, they need to bring their KUID to the office." Bateson said. "The system doesn't tell us what the password was for security reasons, so they must choose a new one."
DIAL-IN ACCOUNTS
Computer services require beating crowds
By Chad Bettes
Kansan staff writer
Many professors at the University of Kansas are requiring students to conduct research, check e-mail and retrieve course schedules — all online. Because of these and other advances in academic technology, demand for computers on campus is high.
Academic computing services was offering assistance and several options for getting course work done on time, said Wes Hubert, associate director of the department.
Students must plan ahead to ensure availability and to minimize frustration, Hubert said. There are peak times when campus computers are used. Peak times at most computer labs were between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Hubert said.
Jerrell Herod, Lawrence sophomore, searches for information on a computer in Watson library. Online demands have increased in the past years. Photo by Graham K. Johnson/KANSAN
"We've seen a decline this semester in evening use," Silkey said. "We're running 33 to 40 percent capacity at night."
Sue Silkey, lab manager for the Budig Hall and Computer Center labs, the University's two largest computer centers, confirmed that evenings were the best time to get computer time right now.
Silkey and Hubert said historically the demand for computers grows as the semester progresses, so extra planning
was required as more students log on to complete papers and other research.
Another tip for beating the crowds is to try various computer centers around campus, Hubert said. There are about 800 to 900 computers for students, 371 of them are available to all students.
The Budig Hall and Computer Center labs account for 171 computers, said Silkey. Computers also are located in more than 25 alternate locations such as libraries and residence halls.
Some computer labs are restricted to students in specific departments and programs. For example, the computers in Marvin Hall are available for use by architecture students.
Tara Kelly, Overland Park sophomore, said she already had experienced wait times this semester in the Budig lab. She had been successful in finding computers available at a computer lab on the fourth floor of Wescoe.
"I don't think as many people know about it." she said.
Kelly said she had a personal computer at her sorority house but it had been malfunctioning. She also likes the convenience of using the computer centers while on campus.
William Crowe, vice chancellor for information services, estimated that 80
percent of students have computer access at their residences, but, as that number grows, he has not seen the need for on-campus computers diminishing.
He said the University was looking to provide "connecting points" in the future, where students with portable computers would be able to plug into a power supply and the University network.
Provost David Shulenburger has called for all incoming students to have home computer access by 1999. Crowe said that was a guideline, not a requirement, at this
time. University deans will meet this fall to decide how to implement the policy.
Meanwhile, plans are being made for additional computer capabilities on campus. The $3-per-credit-hour technology fee will provide funding for computer infrastructure and improvements, Crowe said.
Hubert encouraged students to take advantage of dial-in computer accounts for convenience at home. Dial-in accounts allow the user to access the Internet and other KU resources via modem. About 8,000 people already have accounts.
Employee shortage stalls multimedia renovations
Students and faculty will have access to better teaching tools in classrooms around campus this semester as soon as the University completes some remodeling.
However, recent losses in Facilities Operations' employees and the beginning of fall classes was affecting the project's pace, said Robert Porter, associate director of Facilities Operations.
Rooms in Strong, Learned, Budig.
Blake, Marvin, Dole and Fraser halls are being remodeled to enhance use of computer equipment, Porter said.
He said that all scheduled classroom renovations should be completed by the end of the semester.
difference for the instructor.
Porter said that the modifications were slight but that they would make a
"Employees have left, and we haven't found replacements for the numerous vacancies," Porter said.
The multimedia modifications include improvement of overhead projectors and more complex projection cameras through wiring reconfiguration and the addition of light switches. The changes are part of a three-year Facilities Operations "Crumbling Classrooms" project, now in its second year; aimed at maximizing and enhancing University space for academic and office purposes.
Murphy Hall classrooms renovated this summer will have new air conditioners to replace the temporary ones within the next two weeks. Some renovations are running behind schedule as well, and instructors have had to find other rooms in which to conduct classes.
"We're just trying to get students in the classrooms." Porter said.
— Nadia Mustafa
Get Plugged In ATTEND THE 1998 BUSINESS CAREER FAIR All Majors Welcome!
KANSAS UNION BALLROOM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dust off your resume and free the moths from that suit in the back of your closet. In today's business world, networking is everything. The Business Career Fair can provide you with the opportunity to meet influential businesspeople and gain information about companies from across the country. Take this important first step toward finding the job you've always wanted!
- Distribute your resume
- Visit with company representatives
- Explore opportunities in business
- Browse company displays and literature
- Learn about salaries, benefits,and opportunities for advancement
- Match your career goals with available jobs
Career Fair maps, detailing company locations and current opportunities, are available in our office. Sponsored by the Business Career Services Center, 125 Summerfield Hall.
Call for more information!!!
(785) 864-5591
The University Of Kansas School of Business
Reading the Kansan and drinking Budweiser products responsibly could make you famous. N T R O D U C I N
Check out Bud Night this Thursday at the Yacht Club