Computing Information and Technology (CIT) is testing a new iprint program that would allow students to order prints from personal computers with Windows XP or Vista.
The printouts can be picked up later at one of the nine release stations, including the Capen and Lockwood Cybraries on North Campus and the Health Sciences Library.
The iprint anywhere pilot program, however, is not truly limitless.
Apple computers will not be able to access the service. In addition, the service is not yet available within ResNet, which includes computers connected in the residence halls and on-campus apartments. Prints can only be ordered from off-campus computers with UB Virtual Private Network (UBVPN) or from UBWireless-connected computers in Goodyear Hall, according to the CIT Web site.
The limitations are due to security issues with the plug-in network and UBWireless, said Richard Lesniak, director of academic services for CIT.
"This version that we're using is something that we put together here [at UB] with technology we have," Lesniak said.
The pilot program has not yet been perfected and users may experience some difficulties such as errors when printing an odd number of pages, according to the CIT Web site. Unplanned or unannounced outages of service may occur.
The pick up later feature of the program is also not yet in service. Students must visit a release station within 24 hours of placing the order to retrieve their documents, according to CIT.
Next year's version of the program will enable users to print directly from personal computers without having to release the print job.
Lesniak said the idea of being able to order prints and picking them up later appealed to students that participated in the fall IT survey on MyUB, which led to the iprint anywhere program's creation.
Students have mixed feelings about the way the idea has been implemented for the pilot program.
"It would be a lot more efficient than dealing with thumb-drives and e-mailing...it's a waste of time," said Danielle Lynch, a freshman exercise science major.
Courtney McPhail, a sophomore business major, agrees that iprint anywhere could ease the stress of using the University's printing services.
"It would be convenient and less stressful since you can print and pick it up later," McPhail said.
On the other hand, Eileen Maher, a freshman exercise science major, thinks a downside of the program is the fact that it does not accommodate Apple computers.
"I was disappointed that it isn't for Mac," Maher said. "I have a Mac and if I could use [the service], I would."
Hannah Miller, a sophomore communication major, does not use printing services now and probably will not begin with the initiation of iprint anywhere.
"I personally don't think I would use it, I don't really use the [printing] services anyway," Miller said.
Lesniak believes that making printing mobile with iprint anywhere can make the process more efficient, especially during the cybraries' busiest hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
"We're trying to encourage students' use of mobile computers," Lesniak said.
Right now, over 70 percent of students at UB own laptop computers, but only 40 percent say that they regularly take their laptops to campus, according to Lesniak.
Other changes for next semester include the addition of a color printing option. Color prints will be available for an increased cost from one cybrary location on North Campus, and one on South Campus, Lesniak said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
