UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 8, Page TT-4
October 19, 1995
TechTalk
Students connect from residence halls

     It started with about a dozen connections in the Ray Street
residence halls in the spring of 1993. Now, nearly 1,200 students have
connected their computers to the campus network. "It's exciting how
many students are choosing to take advantage of this opportunity,"
Carol Anderer, user services, said.
     "In late September and early October, we were still getting 10-15
requests a day for connections," Ed Pochomis, network and systems
services, said. "We are still seeing a steady stream of requests. We
may end up with more than 1,500 systems connected by the end of the
school year."
     Pochomis said students have connected the most from Rodney
(freshmen), Russell (honors) and the Christiana Towers complex. "But,
Pencader is catching up, too," he said. Most students requested one
connection per room, but some have asked for two connections in a
room-three in one case. "I'd estimate that about 60 percent of the
connections this semester have been new ones," Anderer said, "either
new students or returning students connecting for the first time."
     Barb Talley, computer warehouse, indicated that over 700 Ethernet
cards and adapters were sold during July, August and September. "Our
sales volume reflects the growth in students' interest in the
Internet." "This year's surge in volume reflects the fast-paced growth
of this trend," said Pochomis.
     Anderer indicated that this has been a learning process for all
concerned. "We've learned a lot this year about supporting this kind
of volume and are refining our future support efforts." Students who
have asked for assistance have been very appreciative. "One student
offered us cookies after we finished working on her system," she said.