The glow of high-resolution screens now lights up the Wiegand computer lab, where eight new iMacs replaced the 26 PCs previously available in the Knorr Student Union.
While Wiegand was once known for its shoddy Internet connectivity and unreliable printers, it now boasts computers well-equipped for hard-working students.
“I’m just hoping that people will be happy that there are computers there that will be faster and more responsive,” said Information Technology Services Generalist Tom Phillips.
According to Phillips, the school made the decision to upgrade the computers in early June, and the machines arrived in August.
Speed is not their only asset. These Macs are equipped with a software called Boot Camp, which allows both Apple and PC operating systems to run.
“It’s obviously a newer lab, so it’s got fresh equipment with good specs,” Phillips said. “This is a dual boot, so you can upload both Mac and Windows, which helps students who may need both.”
Phillips also spoke of improvements made to classrooms in the basement of Strosacker Science Building, where dated machines were also replaced.
Senior Aaron Schreck, who frequents Wiegand, said many students are unaware of the recent update.
“Because it’s this early on in the semester, I think a lot of people don’t know they’re here,” Schreck said.
Before purchasing the new technology, Phillips conducted a study and found that Wiegand is underused, prompting the department to reduce the number of computers by 60 percent when switching to Macs.
The college recycled the PCs, according to ITS Supervisor James Bowen.
Now without an excess of malfunctioning, out-of-date computers, Wiegand has a lot to offer.
“I think they’re amazing,” Schreck said. “The old computers were totally unusable — these ones are incredibly fast.”
