Sleek black machines have invaded the computer labs since the Office of Information Technology replaced nearly 500 computers over the summer.
The stylish cases are not the only thing that makes these computers preferable to the off-white variety.
Supplied by Dell, they are packed with 933 MHz Pentium III processors, 256 MB RAM, a zip 250 drive and a CDRW/DVD combination drive that not only reads and records compact discs, but also lets you watch DVD movies on the new 17-inch monitors.
“This year we basically replaced about one-fourth,” said Mark Bragg, director of client support services.
The new computers were made possible by funds provided by the technology access fee paid by every ETSU student.
The TAF Committee looks at the funds collected, and follows guidelines set down by the Tennessee Board of Regents to decide how the money should be spent.
The TAF Committee has made an ongoing commitment that the computers will never be older than three years, in order to ensure that students will be able to use the newest technology.
One improvement students should be aware of is that now they can access their private drive from all over campus on the new computers, not just those in the Culp Center lab.
“The labs are just one of the more popular services on campus,” Bragg said.

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