1996-1997 Academic Catalog

10 Computer Information Network Computer Information Network The College recognizes that students must live and work in a society where computers and computer networks are an essential part of eve1yday life. To equip students to function effectively in this environment, Cedarville has developed and launched CedarNet, the campus-wide computer information network. Utilizing hardware and initial technical support provided by IBM, this network promises to revolutionize the way the students receive, send, manipulate, and process information. Benefits Students using the network can: • take notes and write papers more efficiently • make written assignments look better and communicate more effectively • communicate electronically with their professors, friends, and classmates, or others around the world • manage, display, and analyze data by using data base, statistical, and spreadsheet software • complete special assignments which make specific use ofnetwork features • search library holdings for personal and class research projects, papers, or presentations, even when the libraiy is closed • enhance personal Bible study • create illustrations for class, personal, or ministrypresentations • master course content or skills through individual, self-paced study • learn skills which will help them do better as a student and obtain a better job upon graduation Equipment The network features 486SX, 486DX or Pentium microcomputers with a 3.5 floppy disk drive, 8 MB RAM, a hard disk drive, SVGA color monitor, and MIDI capable sound board. In addition, each networked resi– dence hall room contains an inkjet printer or a 24-pin dot matrix near letter quality printer. All laboratories offer laser printers for high quality, final drafts. The library computer laboratory features a flat-bed scanner for scanning color images and a color printer for printing color documents, overheads, and 35mm slides. Access Access is the key to any effective information system. The network is designed to provide both the hardware and software that members of the college family need to obtain and use information. All students living in a residence hall benefit from 24- hour access to the network. To enable students to take fmiher advantage of the network, public laboratories, with a total of 100 stations, are conveniently open to the students. Off-campus students utilize modem access. Software CedarNet features 175 software packages including: COBOL C++ for Windows FORTRAN FoxPro, dBASE IV, Paradox (data bases) Gopher (Internet) Harvard Graphics Hot Metal LOGOS (Bible research) LOTUS 1-2-3 Microsoft Project Minitab Netscape (Internet Browser) News (Reuters/AP) On-line Bible On-line library catalog and periodical access PaintShop Pro Pagemaker (desktop publishing) Pascal Quattro Pro for Windows (spreadsheets) SPSS (statistics) Toolbook, Delphi (visual programming and hypertext) WordPerfect GroupWise (e-mail) WordPerfect Presentations WordPerfect for Windows (word processing) New software is added regularly. Faculty also specify or produce their own software for specific courses or projects. Training Most users will be able to learn the network on their own via tutorials and help-screens which explain how to use the programs. Computer assistants in laboratories are available whenever the labs are open. Faculty using specialized software typically orient students in their respective classes. Students find that the best way to utilize the network is to learn how to use it.