We're getting there
"Not Enough Computers" -- We've all noticed the new terminals! The old CRT monitors--which don't fit in our spacially challenged NEC (or Boston, for that matter)--are slowly dying out. The flat screens are nice. Computer lab is great. Student lounge is much more usable. The E-mail terminals, recognizable by their anti-terrorism bomb shell and awkward keyboards are ok... I guess. Yea yea, more bandwidth would be nice too. Patience. And have faith.
There's no question NEC is concerned about providing some good technological doodads for us. Not sure who to thank but the important thing is, we're getting there! Get ready to cross off "Not Enough Computers"!
"No Ethernet Connection" -- According to rumor, well... it's only a rumor. Let's just say my hopes are up.
posted by NEC Student @ 2:16 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
My name is Simon Chang and I am the network administrator here at New England Conservatory. I am the main technical contact when it comes to systems and networks that are the communications underpinning of the Conservatory, and I work with the Help Desk and the Computer Lab manager to ensure a smooth and trouble-free computing environment for all faculty, staff, and students.
It is both encouraging and instructive to read the various comments about the state of the network, particularly pertaining to how it serves the student population. I have a few comments in response to points you'd raised:
1) Bandwidth. Currently the vast majority of the Ethernet jacks are running 10 Mbps at half-duplex. If this doesn't mean anything to you, think 1997 technology, which was roughly when the current iteration of the network was deployed. We are currently undertaking a major project to convert the jacks to 100 Mbps at full-duplex (a more acceptable 21-century technology). I came in earlier this morning (5/5/2006) to convert all jacks at our 295 Huntington Avenue location, and so far they are working out just fine. Along the way, we are also upgrading the trunk lines to gigabit fiber optics feeds. The bottom line is that there is indeed a plan in the works, and that it will take some time. But we will get there, and it will be better for everyone.
2) Kiosks. Thank you for noticing the upgrades both at the Student Lounge and at the libraries. Both the Help Desk and I had spent a lot of time making sure that these kiosks and terminals work the way they are supposed to. One major piece of the puzzle involving the terminals was a brand-new terminal server on the backend which had to be configured meticulously.
3) Computer Lab. The next time you visit the Computer Lab, make sure you thank Jenna Spears and her staff. As the Lab manager, Jenna has spent an enormous amount of time doing the things that make the Lab run more efficiently, and not all of it are immediately visible to you. All the student staff there have also given their time to help their fellow students with anything that may come up, and to ensure that your time will be spent on doing actual work.
4) Wireless. We are currently thinking about the various implications of wireless access and what that would mean to us "behind-the-scenes". We appreciate your feedback on this issue.
That's all for now. I appreciate your setting up this blog as an informal forum for discussion about NEC, and will check back in periodically. As a reminder, if you ever run into technical issues we encourage you to call extension 1235 (Help Desk) for assistance during business hours, or email us at itshelp@newenglandconservatory.edu.
SC
Post a Comment
<< Home