Rockhurst Sentinel

Media Credit: Jessica Palko The new WYSE computers have pushed some Rockhurst students to the brink of ... (page loading). Hold on, this could take a while.

Are you tired of Rockhurst’s computer system freezing and printers that hardly work? Well, I sure am, and I do not intend to continue using such systems that rarely work properly.

I often find myself in a computer lab with the Internet Explorer going and also a Word document open when, all of a sudden, the computer freezes. I get frustrated and anxious on what will happen next. Will the computer unfreeze in five minutes so I can save my work? Or will I have to shut down the computer and lose all my information? I sit there for a while, deciding if I should be patient or if I should freak out and break the screen.

Tragically, this is not a rare occasion. I walk into the computer labs hoping that the facilities will work in the proper way they are supposed to. Nearing the end of the semester, I have finally cracked the code to a smooth computer experience – run only one program open at a time.

Being at a university, you would think we would be able to have computers capable of running web browsers and word documents simultaneously, but folks, this is Rockhurst. Which brings me to the question – why did we switch to these WYSE hard drives instead of those original hard drives of years past?

The higher-ups in the Rockhurst community say it’s because they wanted to go green. Trust me, I am all about a healthier environment, but I do not see all the advantages of this smaller box.

As for the printers, it’s the same old story – either jammed, out of ink or out of paper. I never expect a printer to work when I need it to; I tend to run from building to building before class to see what printer is working from day to day.

Another problem which needs attention is the internet connection within the dorms. Many rooms are not cable of a wireless connection, so students have to use the cable to connect to the wall. These problems make it difficult for students to be able to use resources necessary in higher education. Computers and printers are essential tools in today’s colleges and universities.

We are able to use the phones that connect to the Helpdesk, but when I have tried using this method I experienced more complications. The Helpdesk said there would be a person to check my room connection within three days; unfortunately, help did not come until two weeks later.

Rockhurst has around 3,000 students, compared to the University of Missouri which has around 28,000. The University of Missouri which has almost nine times the amount of students and is able to keep the computers running smoothly, according to some of my friends that attend Mizzou. Our network system can barely provide enough suitable technology for our small community.

I hope we the students will help in what ever way we can to ensure efficient and working technology. Once again, technology is crucial in today’s world, and I look forward to what Rockhurst will do to improve this situation.

On the other hand, at least we have what we have, and we should take full advantage of it.

Good luck on Finals and have a great break!

Article Tools