Have
you ever wanted to surf the web outside, under a tree? Well now you
can.
EPCC is wireless at each campus providing students and faculty internet
access anywhere at any time.
EPCC
student Perla Maynez is able to access the internet from the courtyard
between the C and B buildings.
Photo by Jarred Cynor
The
Information Technology Center made this new wireless project a reality
in January. According to Fabiola Rubio, CIO/Vice President of Information
Technology, high-speed wireless internet access is now an actuality
at all the EPCC campuses and at the Administrative Services Center.
This new cutting-edge technology will be provided to students and
staff with supercharged wireless service. "We've had positive
feedback from the students and faculty," said Rubio. "We
haven't had any glitches and the process has been very adequate,"
said Rubio.
Funding for this project came from a nominal fee of $50, which is
included in every student's tuition, as the Information Technology
fee.
"It is great because I have 2 hours between classes and it enables
me to do all my homework," said Perla Maynez, a full-time student.
"The new wireless technology is very useful because I don't have
to go to the computer lab or library to access the internet. I get
a great deal of work done," said Maynez.
"The fee does not bother me because they are putting our money
to good use and finding new innovating technology that we need,"
said Maynez.
"Wireless technology is very useful because if I have an assignment
in class, right after class I can start on it," said Oscar Villialobos,
a part-time student. "I don't have to wait in line at the computer
lab and I can get a head start on my work," said Villalobos.
"I don't mind at all to pay a nominal fee at the beginning of
the semester. I know my money is being used for a good cause like
finding resources and new technology that will benefit us as students,"
said Villalobos.
According to Cheryl Bowman, the steps to accessing the wireless internet
on your laptop are simple. First, Power up your laptop and open your
browser. Next, accept the security certificate for the encryption
software.
Using the authentication module, type the words: EPCC User Data base.
The system will ask for a username and password. Users must first
read and accept the Acceptable User Policy to obtain this access.
"If there are any access points that students or faculty are
having trouble with or are having poor reception for, they are strongly
encouraged to contact the Information Technology help desk,"
said Rubio. The number for the help desk is 831-6440. "It has
been unbelievable, because we have not had any complaints," said
Rubio.
