The Amherst Chirp

Every four to five years, Amherst College IT makes big changes in its various facilities. Due to the fact that computers become outdated almost immediately after they enter homes and offices, IT attempts to stay on the cutting-edge of technology by making sure that Amherst’s computers can run the newest software.

Today, I had the chance to take part in the revamping of the A-Level’s computer systems. Fancying the old, clunky Dell monitors unfortunate eyesores, IT decided to replace the unsightly equipment with the wide screen loveliness posted above.

IT also brought in new mice, keyboard, headphones, and Dell Optiplexes – but Amherst students wont be staring at those come next semester, obviously.

Click the jump for more details.

Even while off, the new monitors are visually stunning. Indeed, they are so attractive to viewers that our usually trustworthy custodians were stricken with the sudden urge to embrace and attempt to steal them. This, of course, was all in jest, but it does give you a sense for the first thought that crosses one’s mind as one sees the new monitors.

The monitors also feature the rather uncelebrated feature of being able to be turned vertically. If IT implements the software properly, I see this as becoming a very popular feature among students. Though initially questionable in its utility, the ability to turn the computer monitors sideways enables students to have their Word documents take up a full vertical screen. This, in turn, should make paper-writing somewhat easier, if not more enjoyable.

The computers themselves will – thankfully – not feature Windows Vista. IT is not ready for it, nor are most students in particular need of its various wonderful features. On the bright side, however, Firefox 2 will be (finally) installed by IT on Amherst computers.

A-Level should be back up and running by Monday. Students should look forward to using the new monitors come next semester.