For those actively using the Waterman Computer lab facilities during the 
semester, we're planning some upgrades this summer that you should be 
aware of.  The Bailey-Howe lab will also see a few summer changes.  


+ In the main lab area at Waterman, we are planning some very interesting 
and useful improvements.  The big change will be in the actual layout and 
arrangement of the lab.  We're trying to create a better working 
atmosphere for all clients with the use of larger workstation areas, 
with a physical arrangement that promotes some collaborative efforts if 
the need arises.

+ All of the older Macintosh units are going to be replaced with Power PC 
machines.  Each will have a CDROM and 16 Megabytes of memory.  In 
addition, the present units in the Macintosh "T" lab will also be 
upgraded to this same Power PC model, and have the additional video 
memory to accommodate imaging needs.

+ The remaining older PS/2 units are also going to be replaced with newer 
models.  These should be nearly identical in function to the existing 
suite of IBM 66 MHz machines presently in the lab.

+ Finally, we're considering the installation of several "X" window terminals
in both the main lab and possibly the ARF.  X-windowing technology has become
increasingly popular on campus, and these terminals will let a wider audience
gain exposure to this important technology. 

Of course, there will be a few software changes as well.  The obvious 
change will be the implementation of system 7.5 for the Macintosh units.  
We have a few upgrades that will greatly benefit from these newer Macs.  

Note that while all of the activity will create occasional service
disruptions in the main area of Waterman, there are not going to be any
interruptions for the teaching labs!  Any changes that do effect these labs
will be timed to avoid *any* interruptions for teaching purposes.  The
DOS/Windows lab, "Q", remains as it presently is for this year. 


There will also be some additions and changes to the Bailey-Howe lab that 
will make things run a bit more smoothly.

+ We're upgrading the memory in all of the DOS/Windows units to 8 Megabytes. 
This will ensure that the basic Windows applications available in Waterman
should run in this lab as well. 

+ We're looking at the placement of a color scanner and a color printer 
in this lab.  Both are potentially useful to users there.  A grading 
scanner is also a possibility.

+ The Centris Macintoshes from the "T" Lab in Waterman will likely 
displace a number of the LCIII units there.

Some relocation of existing stations and the addition of a few more 
stations will round out the changes in this lab.  No major interruptions 
in service are expected.


I'd like to hear suggestions and comments from any of you as regards these
improvements.  As the summer moves along, I'll be posting more to Lab News. 
In the meantime, if you're interested in the presently proposed floor plans
for either lab, I'm happy to go over them with you.  Stop by and I can
outline the changes in greater detail.  My office is adjacent to the 
Waterman Lab: 113N.

	David Houston
	CIT Client Services Coordinator