CAMPUS/AREA UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Tuesday, September 10, 1996 3A Computer thieves steal chips Software can be protected from computer crooks By Bradley Brooks Kansan staff writer The art of stealing computers is being upgraded. While manufacturers constantly update design and software, computer thieves are changing their methods as well. "People are getting smart enough to know that the components of a computer are what they need, not the whole machine," said Todd Sparks, electronics technician for the engineering maintenance department. Jeff Bangert, graphics supervisor of academic computing, discovered Wednesday that a Pentium 133 computer chip had been stolen out of a machine at his office in the computer center. "I was removing the sound card and noticed 'Oops, the CPU is missing," Bangert said. "It was a bit of a shock." Although the CPU, which includes the vital three-inch-long, square chip stolen from Bangert's computer, may not be the object of the average thief's desire, those with computer knowledge know its importance. "In a real sense, the chip is the computer." Banzert said. Sparks said that without a chip, like the one stolen from Bangert, a computer is useless. "You can't even start your machine — your computer is dead," Sparks said. "Pound for pound, memory is more valuable than gold." Sparks said the Engineering Maintenance department secured most of the computers on campus, and there were two basic ways to safeguard a computer. The owner can either use fiberoptic cables that set off alarms or one can physically lock the machine, he said. "Fiberoptic cables keep people from getting into the case and getting easy access," Sparks said. The department runs fiberoptic cables through holes drilled in the computers. Some systems are wired to set off alarms at the KUPD. Others have loud sirens that sound if a wire is cut. Sparks said that fiber optics were cost-efficient if used for more than 15 machines, but that physically locking the machines made sense for any number less than 15. "I come in, drill holes in the machines, and use steel cable and a paddle lock. That ensures people won't walk off with the stuff," Sparks said. The Engineering Maintenance department provides this security for KU computers, but not for students' private machines. "For less than $100, a person can secure a $2,000 computer," LeClair said. Jim LeClair, manager at Advanced Computer Services, Inc., 840 Connecticut St., Suite B, said that his store could provide that security for students. Security kits, which range in price from $34 to $49, can be purchased and installed by an owner. There are various kits, but most contain hinges to screw into a computer, and a steel cable to run through the hinges and around a stationary object, such as a table. "I think that $50 is a small price to pay for a little security," LeClair said. ON THE RECORD A KU student's CDs were stolen from her car, and her glove box was damaged between 12:30 and 6:30 a.m. Friday in the 1600 block of Police Drive, Lawrence police reported. The items and the damage were estimated at $360. A KU student's mountain bike was stolen between 1:45 and 2 a.m. Saturday from a house in the 1900 block of Stewart Avenue, Lawrence police said. The bike was valued at $1000. A KU student's stereo was stolen between 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday from a car in the 1000 block of Emery Road, Lawrence police said. The stereo was valued at $280. A KU faculty member's car was scratched at 1:15 a.m. in the 1300 block of Indiana, KU police said. Damage was estimated at $50. A KU staff member's parking permit was stolen between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday from a car in Lot 90 south of Robinson Center, KU police said. The permit was valued at $55. A KU student's wallet, driver's license, bank card, social security card, gas card, KUID and bus pass were stolen at 3:15 p.m. Thursday between Wescore Hall and McColum Hall, KU police said. The items were valued at $100. A KU student's parking permit was stolen between 3 p.m. Aug. 29 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday from a car in Lot 105 southwest of McCollum, KU police said. The permit was valued at $55. A KU student's parking permit was stolen between 11 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday from a car in Lot 72 east of the Burge Union, KU police said. The permit was valued at $55. Keeping faith in college can be a tough challenge By Megan Jordan Kansan staff writer She could be an exception. Ashlee Eils, Leawood freshman, has never felt uncomfortable as a Christian at the University of Kansas. "I wouldn't call it Christian-friendly," said Ken Demarest, professor of engineering. "There's certainly no vendetta against Christians at KU. But I would say it's a tough place if you are a freshman and announce yourself to be a Christian." Demarest said faculty members often could be intimidating when religious issues were addressed in class. "I'm not saying it's a Nazi state or anything, but some professors do have an axe to grind," he said. Clay Belcher, associate professor of architectural engineering, organized the event, which was aimed at giving freshmen Insight on how to live as Christians in a Demarest spoke at a KU Christian freshman orientation on Saturday. The program, sponsored by several Christian organizations, KU staff and Lawrence evangelical pastors, was the first of its kind at the University. "There's certainly no vendetta against Christians at KU. But I would say it's a tough place if you are a freshman and announce yourself to be a Christian." Ken Demarest Professor of engineering university environment. ships with roommates, parents and new friend and how to approach sexual pressures. Topics the 35 students learned about included how to find a new church; how to handle relation- "It itels students get connected with other students who share their faith and values," Belcher said about the orientation. Belcher said a majority of students had to fight to keep their faith in college. "Most elements of the University have an anti-supernatural perspective," he said. "Anyone who thinks God exists is going to be assailed by this message from all sides." Belcher said he and his colleagues wanted to show students that Christianity was not anti-intellectual and that there were professors on campus that share their faith. Demarest said temptations and freedoms in college presented other reasons students might find it difficult to continue their Christian faith. No matter the reason, Belcher said he would like to see more students carry their religious beliefs to college. "Any student that comes to campus and falls away from God is a concern to me," he said. By Dave Breitenstein Kansan staff writer Bio recycling is a one-man job The myth about recycling is that one person does not make a difference. But in the case of Dale Simmons and the Biostore, that one person is all the difference. Simmons, office specialist at the biology department storage, manages the Biostore, 3027 Haworth, and coordinates recycling efforts in the biology department. The Biostore recycles office paper, magazines, catalogs plastic foam, phone books, newspaper and corrugated cardboard. "Anyone who wants something can come down here and take it," he said. "People just grab what they want and reuse it." The Biostore's main function is to supply products such as latex gloves and beakers to research laboratories. If a laboratory needs a product, lab workers come into the store and charge it to their grant, Simmons said. There are more than 1,300 items in stock. "We supply not only biology, but other departments as well," he said. "Chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and entomology all come to us." Simmons said he received $175,000 from the University this year to spend on supplies and any profit is reinvested by adding to the surplus of supplies. Although Simmons receives money to pay for the Biosstore's expenses, he said he received no financial support for the recycling program. Simmons said the department had turned down his requests for starting a recycling program. All recycling efforts are performed by Simmons and four part-time student workers at the Biostore. Biostore employees take unused recyclable items to the Wal-Mart recycling center at 3300 Iowa St. but there is no extra money, said Kandi White, business manager of the biology department. "I wish the department would say that recycling is a worthwhile project and finally allocate time and money for us," Simmons said. "We don't have the resources or personnel to operate a recycling program," she said. John Head / KANSAN The Biostore, 3027 Haworth, provides supplies to the biology labs and coordinates a recycling program. She said the department did pursue low-key recycling. Individual offices recycled office paper and aluminum cans, she said, but recycling should be the University's focus — not each department's. Mike Russell, director of the department of environmental health and safety, said most departments supported recycling, but individual offices did not see it as an expenditure they should pay for. Russell said administration allocated a set amount of money to each department, which then disbursted that money to various expenses. By the time the issue of recycling comes up, there is no money left, he said. "Good recycling programs have been accomplished by people like Dale Simmons taking the time to recycle," Russell said. "Dale does it out of the goodness of his heart and out of concern for the environment." Everything. 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