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Computing labs get upgrade

By Joseph Kleinsasser

Keeping up with rapid changes in technology takes money. For fiscal year 1999, the state of Kansas is helping Wichita State and the other regents universities keep pace with a two-for-one dollar match. Currently, the state contributes $2 per credit hour for every $1 per credit hour being contributed by students.

So far, WSU has spent about $120,000 on upgrading university computing labs in Jabara Hall. This is the first part of a two-year upgrade with roughly half the improvements already completed.

The equipment upgrades are significant. Since the beginning of the fall semester, 35 Pentium 350 Mhz computers, each with 128 megabytes of memory and a variety of software, have been installed.

Another upgrade includes the installation of seven Macintosh G3 266 Mhz computers, each with 128 megabytes of memory and software. In addition, two optical scanners, one for Mac and one for PC users, have been installed.

The new computers have replaced several models of older computers and mainframe terminals. The older computers were too slow to be effectively used for Web applications, according to Carroll Gunter, manager of academic computing.

The two labs in 120 and 122 Jabara Hall presently house 77 computers. The labs are open to WSU faculty, staff and students on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours are 7 a.m.-midnight Mondays through Thursdays; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1-8 p.m. Sundays.

Inside WSU is published by the Office of University Communications for Wichita State University faculty and staff on Fridays - with an exclusive online version every other Friday - during the fall and spring semesters. Items to be considered for publication should be sent to campus box 62 or amy.geiszler-jones@wichita.edu 10 days before publication.

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