by Rebecca Simmons
of The Post

(U-WIRE) ATHENS, Ohio - Freshmen might find it easier to make themselves at home this year when they find a state-of-the-art Gateway computer alongside their beds when they move in Fall Quarter. Ohio University has spent almost $3 million already to make this year's freshmen some of the most privileged students in the country. The project, which is well on its way to completion, was initiated just three months ago when OU President Robert Glidden announced plans to make OU the first public university in the state to provide computers in residence hall rooms.

"Computers are an essential part of education," said Christina Ooten, director of information technology for auxiliary services. "By putting computers in dorm rooms, we are going to give students an environment that they can't get anywhere else. As a result, they are going to graduate with a head start."

Freshmen also will benefit from innovative technology provided by Computer Network Services. Files automatically will be backed up on the network server "home" drive, allowing students to access their work from any computer on campus.

"If a students computer crashes, they can go next door or to a computer lab and access their files," said Thomas Reed, CNS director.

CNS also is doubling the speed of the network by 10-fold and increasing capacity of OAK, Reed said.

If students have a problem with their new PC, they won't have to look far for technical support. The CNS help desk will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 11 p.m. on weekends. When students call with a problem, technicians will be able to look at a student's screen through "remote control computer capability" and make solving problems quicker and easier, Reed said.

Although it is anticipating questions and problems, CNS has been "extremely successful in attracting qualified technicians," Reed said.

"Students need to understand that this whole program is new to us, too, and it's not going to be perfect at first," Ooten said. "We are willing to work with students to smooth out any problems that do occur."

In order to teach students about the computers, a tutorial video will run about 10 times a day on CATVision during the first few weeks of school. Students also will receive a "quick guide" that includes basic information on the computers. Online help and tutorials will be available through Microsoft software.

The computers will include a Microsoft Suite, including Office 2000, an Exec mail program, Windows 98 and the Netapps Suite that includes Netscape and OAK. OU spent an extra $500,000 to provide students with high-quality LED laser printers. Also, things such as extension cords and Ethernet hubs for students who bring their own computer will be provided at no extra cost.

OU chose Gateway because it was able to fill the requirements OU requested.

"The process of selection was very rigorous, impartial and thorough," Ooten said. "In terms of our requirements, Gateway was the company that best fit OU's needs."

OU plans to equip the remainder of the residence halls with the computers next summer and focus on upperclass computer requirements.

"This is just the first step in a long process," Ooten said.

"I think that students will be very happy with the new computers," Reed said. "They are fast, quite powerful, and we are providing a support program that is more than adequate."

Sophomore Aaron Minor agreed.

"I think it's a great idea," he said. "Now freshmen won't have to go out and buy a computer."