SCS Updates

Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:16:10 -0500

The iMac computers in CLS-0002, CLS-2108, and B-104 have been upgraded to Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). Apple’s current operating system provides numerous enhancements which include a true 64-bit foundation and increased efficiency when running on computers with multiple CPU cores. This means that applications will be able to run more quickly and make better use of the computer’s resources.

Printing in the Fall

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:12:56 -0500

Four HP Laserjet 9040 printers have been installed in CLS-0002. These high-capacity printers are capable of printing up to 40 pages per minute and can print the first page in as quickly as 8 seconds. The 9040-series printers have already been in use in the B-103 computer labs and have demonstrated their durability and reliability.

Beginning with the Fall 2008 semester, there will be a 1,000 page limit that will reset at the beginning of each following semester.

Our computer lab data show that 94% of Northeastern students print less than 1,000 pages per semester, so this change will affect less than 6% of the lab clients. For those that do exceed the printing limit, it will cost 9 cents per printed page for a double-sided print job (or 18 cents for a page printed on two sides) and 10 cents per page for a single-sided print job. When required, printing costs will be deducted from the student I.D. card. Money can be added to I.D. cards at all student lounge/vending areas in every building on campus, plus on the 2nd floor of the Ronald Williams Library.

For website tutorials on how to print, visit www.neiu.edu/~scs and select the Tutorials link. To view print usage statistics, visit www.neiu.edu/~scs and select the Computer Lab Information link.

Mac OS X 10.5.3 upgrade

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:45:31 -0500

11 iMac computers in CLS-0002 have been upgraded to Mac OS X 10.5.3. Benefits of this upgrade include full 64-bit compatibility and better utilization of multiple-core CPUs. The user-interface is virtually identical to Mac OS X 10.4 with the exception that files will be downloaded to the “Downloads” folder rather than the user’s “Desktop”.

This configuration is being tested to gather data and feedback. Comments are welcomed at the Student Computing Services’ suggestion box.

New SCS website

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:38:06 -0500

New Student Computing Website
Student Computing Services has revamped our website for easier navigation. You can find information about the campus’ computer resources, online tutorials, frequently-asked questions, and links to download helpful software.

If your questions cannot be answered by our website, please feel free to contact one of our lab assistants working in the computer facilities, send an e-mail to scs@neiu.edu or stop by Building B-107.

Google Earth 4.3

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:36:21 -0500

Google Earth has been upgraded to version 4.3. New features include more realistic 3-D renderings of skyscrapers as well as the ability to view astronomical phenomena. Google Earth is a free software for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux and can be downloaded at:

http://earth.google.com