0
LAWRENCE IOURNAL-WORLD
KU EDITION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1996 3B
University keeping pace with growing demand for computer services
Students taking advantage of getting online
- The number of students accessing e-mail and the Internet through KU's computer network continues to grow.
BY MICHAEL DEKKER
JOURNAL-WORLD WRITER
Kansas University's Computer Center, the hub of its information superhighway, is bringing the electronic world to an increasing number of new students.
"Students really aren't limited to the local campus anymore" for research and information sources, said Wes Hubert, assistant director of academic computing services.
Rick Gostautas. left. of the Kansas University Computer Center, qives Rhonda Stein some answers as she uses one of the computers at the center.
RICHARD GWIN/JOURNAL-WORLD PHOTO
The information superhigh-
way "has created new opportunities in accessing information that people would not have otherwise," he said.
The Computer Center, located west of Illinois Street on Sunnyside Avenue, houses computer equipment that
allows students and faculty to use e-mail and the Internet.
Student accounts are free when used at various KU facilities.
A $30 fee is assessed for students who sign up for an account used from their homes.
In the last three years, the number of students using accounts for access to the Internet has risen dramatically — from about 1,000 in 1993 to 14,000 this year, Hubert said.
"Students really aren't limited to the local campus anymore" for research and information sources.
KU bought new equipment for the network in 1990 and again in 1993.
Although exact figures weren't available, he said the KU network probably receives "easily thousands" of hits, or users, per day.
The account gives students full access to e-mail and the Internet.
"Falcon" is the name of the system where the accounts are kept, he said.
"Use of the network has been increasing steadily ever since we first connected," he said.
"We've had a couple of major upgrades since then," Hubert said. "We've had to continually add on access power."
— Wes Hubert, assistant director of academic computing services
This summer, KU added a new system, called Eagle, which will provide similar services.
If you're new to the Internet or email, Hubert recommends that you enroll in one of many classes offered at the center.
"Coming to
some of the workshops we teach at the beginning of the semester would be a good way to come up to speed quickly without having to spend a lot of time," he said.
In the one-time classes, which run from one to three hours depending on subject matter, students "will be able to get the information that they will be able to apply immediately in how to
use the network," he said.
The rooms of Ellsworth and McCollum residence halls also have been wired for access to the network, he said. This summer, rooms in all scholarship halls also should be wired.
The center has about 50 computers that students can use. Other computers are located in Watson Library, Strong Hall and other academic buildings.
KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway has made wiring the campus and providing student access to computers a major
"It's part of an ongoing process," Hubert said.
goal in the next few years.
This spring, the newest major computer lab is scheduled to open in Budig Hall. That facility should have about 150 computers for students, Hubert said.
E-mail use growing on campus
- KU students are discovering the hottest, cheapest way to communicate; e-mail.
BY MAGGIE MOHRFELD SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL-WORLD
Amanda Romek talks to her friends in Colorado every day.
The Kansas University freshman doesn't pick up the phone and never writes letters. She uses her computer to send electronic mail, better known as e-mail.
Being able on a daily basis without the high cost of long distance is something Romek just loves.
"It's better than waiting days for letters to come by mail, and you don't need as many stamps," said Romek, o. Denver.
EARL RICHARDSON/JOURNAL-WORLD PHOTO
E-mail is similar to sending regular mail except it is done on a computer. This makes the process quicker, cheaper and easier for students. It's almost considered a necessity for the average college student.
"I never went to all the trouble of getting an account until one of my classes required it.But since then I've become an e-mail junkie."
— Jenny
Wiedeke,
Evergreen, Colo.,
junior
"I never went to all the trouble of getting an account until one of my classes required it," said Jenny Wiedeke, Evergreen, Colo., junior. "But since then I've become an e-mail junkle."
Jerry Niebaum, executive director of Kansas University Information Technology and an advocate of e-mail, thinks students would be quicker to embrace the method of communication if faculty did more to promote it.
Even though e-mail has been around for more than 15 years, many students have just started to take advantage of it.
gy Services, said that students' response to e-mail has been slower at KU than other universities because it has not been required and promoted enough by faculty.
Jerry Niebaum, executive director of KU Information Technolo-
about e-mail through friends who attend other universities.
Anne Kreimer, Blue Springs,
Mo., freshman, said, "My friend
kept bugging me to get an
account, which is the only reason
I finally did."
E-mail as a way of communication is gaining popularity every day.
Many students at KU heard
"We have doubled the number of accounts since last year," Niebaum said.
E-mail is available for free to KU students, faculty and staff. To get an account, go to the Computer Center anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Follow the instructions you are given to activate an account and direct any questions to the helpers in the center.
"Anything we can do to improve communication relations will improve society as a whole."
E-mail will benefit society because it allows easier ways of communication, he said.
.
If you want to use your account from a home computer, a modern and telephone line will be needed. This is called a terminal server account and will require a cost of $30 per year. This fee can be paid in the business office of the computer center.
PEOPLE read
Classified!
Call 832-2222
to place your ad.
LAWRENCE
IOURNAL-WORLD
910 Kentucky • 749-4499
GOING CYBER
Kansas University students, faculty and staff are eligible for free e-mail accounts.
just go to the Computer Center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays and ask to set up an account.
Accounts are free unless used from home. Then there's a $30 fee.
COPY CO MORE THAN JUST A COPY CENTER
Two Locations:
1401 West 23rd Street 832-2679
Next to Streetside Records
3300 15th Street, Suite B7 841-6969
At the corner of 15th and Kasold
BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS
Be prepared.
Think before you act!
And you thought your books were a heavy load.
Planned Parenthood of Mid-Missouri and Eastern Kansas
Birth control • Pregnancy testing • STD testing & treatment
1420 Kasold Drive, Suite C Lawrence, KS (913) 832-0281
PENTIUM 133
- Intel Pentium 133mhz processor
- 1.6GB Hard Disk
- 1.44MB Floppy Disk
- Windows '95
- 16MB RAM
- 64BIT 1 MB Video Card
- Mouse
- Windows '95 Compatible Keyboard
- 8X CD-ROM, 16-BIT Sound, Speakers
- 14" SVGA .28mm Dot Pitch Monitor
- Supra 28.8 Fax/Data Modem, speakers
- Supra 28.8 Fax/Data Modem
- Supra 28.8 Fax/Data Modem
- One Year On-Site Warranty
$1,839.95 Financing available!
Jayhawk Bookstore
at the top of Naismith Hill! 1420 Crescent Road (913)843-3826 Free Storeside Parking Open Everyday