Students can now go online using their laptops without having to be near a telephone connection. The Hughes-Trigg Student Center and parts of the Fondren and Underwood Law Libraries now have a wireless card to insert into a laptop. Students are now able to browse the Internet while receiving a wireless signal.
Associate Vice President for Information and Technology Services George Chrisman said that planning for the project began last fall, but had to wait to receive proper funding in order for the installation to begin.
“We receive funding from different companies, and we are now waiting for funding to begin installations in other libraries,” Christman said.
In order to receive a signal and connect, students must have a 80211b type wireless card, which usually comes with the laptop at the time of purchase. Most new Macintosh computers include the card as well as a few PCs. If there isn’t a wireless card included at the time of purchase, students can purchase one at any computer store. Manager of User Services Abby Kenny suggested buying the card on campus.
“You can also buy the card at the Computer Corner, where it might be even less expensive than buying it anywhere else,” Kinney said.
The wireless card works just like a wireless home phone. The closer to the receiver, the better the reception. Instead of dialing a telephone number to connect or having to search a telephone connection, just click on the Internet Explorer icon, and the window will soon pop up.
Director of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Tim Moore said he likes using the card.
“I can check for movie showtimes, weather and all other types of information,” he said.
Although this system seems to be a success, there are some disadvantages and risks students take when using it.
“It is more of a concern than a risk,” Christman said. “Just as you are more susceptible to be eavesdropped when you are on your cell phone than on a house phone, this works the same way.”
Students must be careful of sending confidential information through e-mail, checking bank statements and other matters because the risk of being monitored clandestinely is greater than when using a wired connection.
Currently, students use a telephone connection if they want to get online in the library. However, the connections in libraries are sometimes clogged up by other students at times or are not functioning properly.
Many students had no idea it was possible to get online without a telephone connection, and are excited about the wireless system.
“No kidding,” junior Elizabeth Ruiz said. “That is great because now you can sit in the Commons and do work there, instead of inside a boring library.”
Installation for this wireless web system is starting in both the Hamon and Bridwell libraries. Information Technology Services also wants students to be able to connect while sitting outside in the downstairs patio of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and where the information tables are set.
“Knowing of this wireless web system is great, because now I don’t have to go to Fondren to check my e-mail if I’m in Hughes-Trigg,” junior Heather Purse said. “If I am in Fondren, I don’t have to get my telephone wire out to connect.”
Moore said all he wanted was for students to become aware of this wireless web system so it can be used.
Said Moore: “I soon hope to see reception reaching outside the student center and even in the Main Quad.”
