97-09-12 Students Have Varying Computer Needs

STUDENTS WILL HAVE VARYING COMPUTER NEEDS AT OHIO STATE

     COLUMBUS -- Students and parents can find plenty of
advice about computer purchases at The Ohio State
University.

     University Technology Services (UTS) notes that the
basic need for most students is a computer that can run
word-processing software for written assignments.  Beyond
that, Internet access is more and more crucial for students
who, for example, want to receive grades from the University
Registrar via e-mail or who need to surf the World Wide Web
for a class project.

     The university offers technology services for students
living on and off campus. 

     HomeNet enables students living off campus to connect
to campus computing services from home.  It includes e-mail,
World Wide Web and news reading capabilities, as well as
related network services, for Windows and Macintosh.

     For the most efficient use of HomeNet, a computer must
meet the following minimum requirements:

     Windows (IBM and compatibles)
     -- 486 or better processor (a Pentium processor is the
     recommended purchase)
     -- Windows 3.1 or later and DOS 6.2 or later
     -- 6 megabytes (Mb) of memory
     -- 14 Mb free hard disk space (complete package)

     Macintosh
     -- any model that can run System 7.1 or later (a Power
     PC processor is the recommended purchase)
     -- 8 Mb of memory
     -- 11 Mb free hard disk space (complete package)

     HomeNet also requires a modem.  UTS recommends a
14,400-bps or faster external modem.  UTS advises against
internal modems for HomeNet use because they can cause
hardware conflicts and difficulty in configuration and may
not support all of the service’s needs.

     ResNet has been designed for use in residence halls
that are wired to the campus network.  Computers running
ResNet do not need a modem, but must have Ethernet (high-
speed connection) adapter cards installed and must meet the
same requirements as HomeNet’s.  ResNet is available in
Baker Hall, Bradley Hall, Houck House, Jones Tower, Lincoln
Tower, Paterson Hall, Stradley Hall and Taylor Tower.  The
service requires a service contract.  For information, call
292-8648.

     Computer Consultation in Room 516 of the Baker Systems
Engineering Building, 1971 Neil Ave., offers assistance for
those seeking advice about what kind of equipment to buy. 
Consumers also may experiment with models in the office,
which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     For those students who do not own a computer, UTS
operates many public computing sites on campus, offering
Windows and Macintosh computers, popular software, Internet
access, laser printers, scanners and CD-ROMs.  A UTS Guide
to Services is updated quarterly and made available in UTS
customer service areas and public computing sites.

                              #

Contact:  Bob Kalal, University Technology Services, (614)
292-6888.


[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Fri, 12 Sep 1997 16:32:55 -0400 (EDT)]
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