UCLA Engineering: UCLA Engineer Fall 2002

New Student Computing Lab Opens

Students in the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science will enjoy an enhanced engineering education in SEASnet's newest computing lab - the biggest and best equipped SEASnet computing facility to date.

Located in 2664 Boelter Hall, the new lab has 53 seats available to engineering students. Microsoft Research, a computing research organization within Microsoft Corporation, donated all of the computer equipment for the lab, including two additional machines for lab assistants. The machines are Dell Optiplex GX240 1.7GHz computers with 15-inch flat panel screens, running the Windows XP operating system, a donation of more than $70,000 in hardware alone. Microsoft Research has been actively involved with the School since 1998, and donates both hardware and software to SEASnet.

Computer Resource Manager Julie Austin notes, "The XP domain server is connected to the School's network via a gigabit fiber interface with gigabit connectivity directly to the lab across the backbone - a first for SEASnet. The connection, coupled with the speed of the computers, makes this the fastest lab in the School."

With the monitors mounted on moveable arms, the lab offers engineering students increased workspace, as well.

SEASnet also established a new centralized Help Desk area, located just outside of the facility that provides on-site assistance to students using the new lab. Creating a centralized Help Desk also ensures that students will always be able to find lab help, even on weekends and off-hours.

All of the SEASnet computing facilities will be upgrading to the XP operating system over the summer. In addition, Visual Studio.Net will be running in all of the labs this fall to meet the needs of students enrolling in CS 31 - Introduction to Computer Science.

"The UC-mandated increase in enrollment has impacted SEASnet's ability to meet the computing demands of students in the School, and we are grateful to Microsoft for their commitment to enhancing our students' educational experience," says Interim Dean Vijay K. Dhir.

Providing computer access to all students is a priority for the School, which purchased the engineering software, the furniture, and monitor arms, and covered the renovation costs.

Initially, all seats in the lab will be available for individual student use. Eventually a portion of the lab may be used for classes in the School.