University's wireless systems streamline into one network

BY Elizabeth Lefall

Fresno State’s Madden Library has undergone a technological face-lift.

The library will offer 50 new Dell laptop computers for library use as of Monday, Feb. 2. Each computer will have complete wireless access and full access to Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint. Students can check out the computers at the circulation desk for up to two hours with a student ID.

“ Several changes occurring this semester will make the library more accessible and functional to students,” said Dave Tyckoson, Henry Madden Library Director of Public Services.

The university’s two wireless access systems—the “Bulldog” and “WLAN” networks—have been integrated into one network.

Tyckoson said Jan. 28 marked the campus’ official transfer to one wireless network. Students can now access the information on the Bulldog Wireless Network anywhere within more than 100 “red zones” or network areas located around campus.

Within the next few weeks, library computer workstations will be reconfigured. In response to student demand, 25 workstations will be set up as campus and library databases only. The goal is to provide easier access to students wanting to research, read campus email and use Blackboard. All remaining workstations will continue to offer complete Internet access.

Wireless printing will also be available this semester. Students can print from the Bulldog network anywhere within the campus red zones. Print jobs will be sent to the same stations that are used by library computers.

Students were pleased with the technological advances.

“I think the laptops will be great because there’s always a shortage of computers and the freedom to work anywhere in the library will be nice,” junior mass communications and journalism major Ali Alwazzan said.

Junior liberal studies major Corinna Gonzalez said she thought the new set up was a pretty cool idea considering the heavy use of ‘mycsufresno.’ “No more waiting 10-20 minutes to get access to a computer when someone is just surfing the Internet,” she said.

Bulldog red zones are listed at www.csufresno.edu/its/wireless/bulldog.html

Library wireless zones can be found at www.lib.csufresno.edu/LibraryInformation/Wireless.html