Faster processors, new displays, additional RAM and CD burners–these are some of the improvements brought by new computers installed at the Information Commons in recent weeks. More than $140,000 in student computer fees were allocated for the replacement of more than 100 computers at the Commons. The last comprehensive replacement of computers was in 1999.
The new computers arrived just in time to take advantage of a recent network rewiring project at Hardin. Connection speeds are potentially 10 times faster than they were six months ago as a result of an upgrade to fast Ethernet to each desktop (100 MB/sec. data transfer speed).
Each computer features a 1.7 MHz Intel Pentium 4 processor. Every computer in the facility now sports a CD-RW drive, and blank media is available for purchase at either of the Commons service desks. A majority of the new computers feature 500 MB of RAM and 20 GB harddrives. The exception is the Commons West classroom, which features 1 GB of RAM in each computer and 80 GB harddrives.
The West classroom also offers a choice of operating system at startup: Windows 2000 or Linux.
New 15" flat panel displays are available in all open areas of the facility, while 19" CRT monitors are located in the two classrooms.
For more information about the functions and features of the new computers, please send your questions by e-mail to info-commons@uiowa.edu.
