ITS upgrades computer labs

August 25, 2005 —

As is the case with each new academic year, the staff at Information Technology Services has upgraded the technology around SVSU.

This year, 200 new microcomputers were added to several labs throughout campus, including SE 127, SE 145, SE 135, and SE 206. A new high-end PC lab was added to ES 220 and a new high-end Mac lab was added to ES 112. A second mobile lab was also added to the Biology Department.

"We regularly upgrade student computer labs on an approximate four-year cycle," said Ken Schindler, executive director of ITS. "This is part of a University commitment to keep current computer technology in our classrooms and open computer labs."

Once lab computers are replaced, the old computers are used to upgrade office workstations and kiosks.

"In the end, when the migrations have ended, we hold a lottery where students can sign up to buy a working, used computer for $25," Schindler said.

Computers in P 212, A 207, and C 141 were also upgraded by adding new memory, better used computers, and changing operating systems or reconfiguring layout.

But ITS did more than simply upgrade computer labs over the summer break.

"We also upgraded classroom technology in several classrooms," Schindler added.

The Marble Lecture Hall in W 215 received a new projection system, which is beneficial because it is the largest classroom on campus. The Smart Podiums in SE 126 and C 224, basic systems in A 102, A 112, A 120, and B 206, prototype mini-podium in W 226, and touch panel in C 141 all received upgrades as well.

After experimenting during the Winter 2005 semester, ITS also added several wireless Internet hotspots around campus for the upcoming academic year. Zahnow Library, Einstein's Food Court, Java City, and Study Nook already have live hot spots, as well as the Apple Slice, Atrium, and student lounges in the Regional Education Center. The SE 275 student study lounge, Alumni Lounge, and the Student Organization offices in C 118-C 125 will have live hotspots by October 1.

During the summer, ITS launched version 1.5 of My.svsu.edu, which is a "portal" that allows students to customize their SVSU home page. It helps students by allowing them to include information on the home page that is only relevant to their daily activities, allowing them easier access to things like Netstorage, Cardinal Direct, and CardMail. Ultimately, it frees up the SVSU home page for pure marketing purposes.

"We are also doing some things to upgrade overall network and user security this fall," Schindler said. "We will be trying to educate everyone on the use of secure file transfter techniques."