By ELLIOT HARRIS

Staff Writer

Before the spring quarter began, the general student computer lab in the College of Administration and Business building received new computers.

The new equipment was funded by the Student Technology Fee Board. A technology fee is mandatory for students, and the Board decides what area needs the money most.

Darrell Eddy, the college’s information technology specialist, submitted a proposal to the STFB on behalf of the CAB requesting the upgrade.

“Our older CAB computers were purchased with funds awarded through a state grant and have served the students well,” Eddy said in a recent press release.

“However, this upgrade was proposed to meet the technology needs of CAB students. Since many of the students do not own personal computers, the lab provides the systems needed for students to complete their coursework.”

Eddy said the computers that were replaced were about four years old, and it was time for an upgrade.

“Computer technology changes rapidly and we wanted something new,” Eddy said. “That’s why I sent the proposal to the Board.”

Eddy said this proposal is not the first sent to the STFB, but it is the first to be accepted, and he is thankful.

“Many proposals are rejected, because there are a lot of requests," Eddy said. "[The Board] makes judgments based on what is needed most and I am grateful because we needed it.”

Eddy’s proposal included a funding request for Dell computers. He said he chose the brand of computers several years ago as CAB’s standard system due to their reliability and service.

Eddy said Dell was chosen for several reasons including economies of scale, reliability and lower cost of ownership.

According to a recent press release, the CAB’s older computers, purchased with a three-year warranty, resulted in no out-of-pocket expense for the first three years. Additional memory and hard drive storage was added to the computers in 2002 to extend the usefulness of the computers. These older computers will be distributed throughout the campus.

In a press release, Eddy said “overall, students have been very positive” about the addition of the new computer system, “and I would like to thank the STFB for the award and, ultimately, the students for funding of the university technology program.”

Jennifer Lewis, a junior marketing major and a lab monitor, was surprised to find the new computers upon returning from the winter break.

“I think they’re great,” Lewis said. “I’m glad we have new technology. It’s nice to have Windows XP and more desk space.”

Jessica Marsh, a sophomore marketing major, is also happy to see the replacement.

“I think it’s a nice upgrade," Marsh said. "It lets me know that Tech is really concerned about the students’ needs by helping us keep up with changing technology."