Computers fill the Twin Towers computer lab on move-in weekend as they wait to be equipped with ethernet cards. Photo by Martha Snyder

Computing services keeps students connected

Moving into the dorms, buying books and finding the right classrooms cause enough stress for students without the problem of finding and using computers.

Marshall has plans to make computer access easier.

New computers have been installed in the e-Post Office in the Memorial Student Center.

The terminals allow students to sign on to a computer and check their e-mail.

According to Les Preece, associate director of computing services, the e-Post Office helps to alleviate problems of overcrowding in the other computer labs in Gullickson Hall, the John Deaver Drinko Library, Corbly Hall, Smith Hall, Harris Hall and Twin Towers East and West.

Students who bring computers from home face the problem of getting networked Internet access.

During move-in weekend, five employees from Computing Services helped install more than 180 ethernet cards in students' computers.

Ethernet cards are high speed modem cards that are attached to private line services.

The cards allow users to log onto the Internet faster than with a normal modem.

Their speed is anywhere from 10 to 100 MB, whereas a regular modem's connection is limited to 56 KB.

The price of the cards, which can be installed at any time, went down from $60 to $20, making it easier for students to use the Internet on campus, Preece said.

If students need any help with their computers, they can bring them to the Drinko Library. If a student is unable to carry the computer, the computer center will provide a dolly, Preece said.

"We want students to use their computers here, " Preece said.

"Sixty percent of students in the nation have a personal computer. Last year, 40 percent of Marshall students owned their own computer. We hope to get that number up to 50 percent this year."