The most exciting changes are in the Maxey Lab, which now contains 29 computers, most of them fast, new Windows 95 Pentiums. You'll notice the layout of the lab has changed too, to make the space more comfortable for professors and students to have class sessions in the lab when needed. Maxey 106 has been merged with the main lab as well; this smaller room will hold 4 computers, 2 printers, and a flatbed scanner. This equipment will be available to students even when a class is being held in the main portion of the lab.

The biggest news about the Maxey Lab is that it will be open 24 hours a day! Although consultants will only be on duty until 1:00AM on school nights, the lab will remain open to students around the clock. Final preparations are being completed now to allow anyone with a valid Whitman ID card to enter the building at night using a card swipe on the northwest stairwell door to Maxey Hall. Security devices are also being installed in the lab to protect the safety of students as well as lab equipment. Work should be done any day, so we'll let you know when the new 24/7 schedule is in effect!

Changes in other labs aren't quite as dramatic, but well worth noting: the Olin Lab has many upgraded Windows 95 Pentiums, a new flatbed scanner, several computers with Zip drives, and a new, faster laser printer. Don't forget that Olin also has high-resolution color laser printing available for $1.00/page.

Penrose Library has a new, faster laser printer that will offer much more reliable printing for Macintosh users. Ever wish you had a computer to use on the upper floors of the library, or in other areas where there are no available computers in carrels? WCTS has added 3 additional laptop computers to the checkout pool, to make a total of 6 laptops available for use within the library. You can even connect to the Internet by plugging into one of the network ports on the third floor. Check with the Circulation desk if you're interested in checking out one of these Macintosh or Windows 95 laptops.

You may also notice that the Penrose Multimedia Lab located by the periodicals in the library has changed! This room now contains 3 Windows 95 Pentiums, a flatbed scanner, and a laser printer, which will be available during all library hours. The multimedia computers and video editing equipment has now moved to Hunter Conservatory to join the many multimedia production resources located there. For more information about the resources and facilities available in Hunter, check out the whit.bits article on the new Hunter Multimedia Lab.

Many 'special use' labs also saw improvements during the summer. The Language Learning Center, located in 317 Olin, now contains upgraded computers, including G3 Power Macintoshes. The Math Lab in Olin 248 now contains all new Linux workstations.

In the Hall of Science, the Chemistry 301 Lab received upgraded Macintoshes, and now houses Windows 95 PCs as well. The Physics 201, Geology 108A and Astro Labs also received upgrades. The Division office, inside the main entrance to the Hall of Science, continues to have high-resolution color laser printing available for $1.00/page. Other whit.bits articles have additional information, including details about both general access and special use computer labs on campus.

Next time you're passing through the SUB and wish you could check your email, try the new "Email Station" located near the mailboxes. This computer won't be equipped for writing term papers or surfing the Web, but it will give you quick and easy access to your email.

Finally, as WCTS continues to expand and enhance resources and facilities for students, we are interested in hearing from you! To help us better communicate with you and your fellow students, WCTS - with input from ASWC - has created the Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC). Committee members for the 1998-99 year are Elliot Anders, Perry Garvin, Matt Lee, Brendan McMahan, Noah Piper, and Abby St. Lawrence. We will be keeping the committee informed about what we are doing and why, so that they may give us feedback and suggestions. Our goal is to provide the best resources we can in support of your education at Whitman, so if you have comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact a member of the committee, or let WCTS know directly how we're doing!