University of Minnesota

Institute of Technology

Minutes of ITICC Meeting

December 14, 2000

3:40 p.m., 435 Physics

John Baxter (Math), Dan Boley (CSciE), Tom Chase (ME), Tracey DeLaney (Astro),

Tina Garrett (Math), Michael Greminger (ME), Andrew Hamann (ITSB), Peter Hudleston

(IT Stud Aff), Phil Kachelmyer (ADCS), Jerry Larson (ADCS), Larry LeMay (ADCS),

Dan MacEwan (Chem), Kent Mein (CSE&ITlabs), Roger Rusack (Phys),

Tom Shield (AEM), Karen Swanberg (Geol)

1) Status reports from CSci and ADCS

No reports of problems. Jerry Larson informed the committee that Dan Bance was leaving the area and his position with ADCS and IT Labs. Bance noted some of the changes he has observed in the time he has been working for IT Labs. The use of Windows has increased greatly, and the workload for management of the Windows machines has correspondingly increased. Added support may be needed, although the dropping of Macs may have simplified the job. The next version of Windows should make life easier for the labs and system support.

On behalf of the committee, Hudleston thanked Dan for his work for IT Labs.

2) Results of Computer Survey

Hudleston presented partial results of the computer survey he had conducted a few weeks previously. The survey had been out by e-mail to all IT undergraduates. The return rate was about 15%. Results have been tabulated for about a third of those responding. When fully tabulated they will be out on the web site. Key results noted so far:

a) The labs in EE/Csi receive the most use, that in CE the least. 25% of those responding (mostly freshmen) reported not using the labs at all. Most seniors reported using the labs.

b) Reported use of Lind 24 is suspect: many students confused this with Lind 26 (the ADCS lab across the corridor)

c) The UNIX machines and the Windows machine receive about equal use.

d) About a third of the respondents reported having to wait to get on a machine, at least some of the time. This was true for every lab.

e) About a forth reported having to quit at closing time, and would have stayed on if the labs had remained open.

f) About 90% of those responding have their own computer, mostly a new (less than 3 yrs old) desk top. 17% have lap tops.

2) Other Business

None.