Students hurrying between classes, anxious to check their e-mail or the latest breaking news, now have access to 15 additional "quick connect" computers in the hallway outside Lockwood Library, similar to those available in the bottom floor of the Undergraduate Library. The computers, funded by the technology portion of the comprehensive fee, are a further step to meet the high demand for campus computer access.
The computers are the result of a decision made by the IT Public Sites Management Group to put retired computers back into use for low-level processing.
"These computers are old equipment that contain no hard drives. They run on a server on which all the processing is done," said Linda Kingsbury, associate director for student access in academic services. "This was a great way to use our old equipment. These computers have browsers and e-mail capabilities, which is what the computers at UB are most used for."
"Lockwood is a big traffic area and that's what we were looking at as a factor. Also, we had to have a wide enough hallway to comply to fire regulations."
The computers do not offer the option to print, but that does not seem to bother the students who use them. Jennifer Neuman, a junior psychology major, frequents the Lockwood quick-connect stations.
"I like the idea of the computers being there. I am constantly checking my e-mail and I like that I don't have to wait in line in the library. Sometimes I only have 10 minutes between classes and can't waste time," she said. "I wish the computers weren't so old, at least they seem slower than most to me. I think it would be advantageous to have newer computers with more than just browsers and e-mail capabilities."
Laura Campbell, a sophomore who has yet to decide on a major, voiced a similar complaint. "I honestly have never had a desire to use them because I heard they are slow," she said.
Other students applauded the addition of the computing sites, and urged administrators to continue to place them around campus.
"I like being able to walk right up to the computers and use them," said Richard Scamarone, a junior business major. "To me they seem quick and efficient. I think there should be more of them. Possible locations for more could be in the basement of Capen and on the second floor of Lockwood."
The IT Public Sites Management agrees that more computers are necessary. The group has already brainstormed possible locations including the Natural Sciences Complex and the Student Union. The issues of space, money and flexibility are problematic to the addition of more terminals, however.
Although the technology fee adds up quickly, only a small percentage of the fee goes toward creating additional express stations. The technology fee funds a wide variety of services, many of which are not as visible at the quick-connect stations around campus.
In the beginning of the summer, more full-service computers will be added around campus and the IT Public Sites Management group hopes to add more express machines to meet the demand of UB students and faculty in the future.
