Randolph Community College
Upgrades Computer Hardware,
Software for Fall 2007

ASHEBORO (August 3, 2007)

Students entering Randolph Community College this fall will have several new advantages thanks to numerous updates made to computer hardware, software and other learning aids completed in the last few months.

Randolph Community College has purchased 164 new computers running the Windows VISTA platform, added Office 2007 software, upgraded the College's bandwidth for Internet and e-mail access, purchased new servers for several areas, and adopted new security measures, according to Tara Williams, director of computer services and system administrator for RCC. Many of the upgrades have been completed, but the Computer Services support staff will be working between the summer and fall semesters to complete installations in several computer labs.

The College has spent over $136,000 for hardware purchases and around $42,000 for software in general labs and offices alone, in addition to upgrading instructional equipment in many areas.

Williams said they replaced older computers with Dell Optiplex 745 Small Form Factor computers. "We chose those because they are a little smaller to free up some desk space for classes such as English, accounting and office systems," she noted. The machines have 80GB hard drives with Pentium D processors, 17-inch flat panel screens, and run the VISTA Business operating system.

In addition, most student computer labs, faculty and staff offices have been upgraded to run Microsoft Office 2007 Professional software. Rebecca Davis, RCC Help Desk coordinator, has been conducting training classes for faculty and staff this summer on the new software, which Davis termed as "a lot more user friendly." In addition, the North Asheboro Center, which is used for Basic Skills classes, was given a total facelift, said Williams, with 12 new computers and new furniture.

The older computers, which were coming out of warranty, were reallocated to some faculty/staff offices, maintenance and support staff who were using even older machines.

Several Apple Macintosh computers were replaced in the photography and design labs, according to Matt Dixon, network administrator and Apple technician. He said they also replaced a leased server system in the design lab with a local server that will allow the photography, graphic design and interior design programs to swap files and will ultimately save the College about $60,000 in leasing fees.

Williams noted that RCC has renewed its commitment to Campus Cruiser, an educational portal software for colleges and universities which gives RCC students access to a free e-mail account, class and campus announcements, a place to connect to instructors and classmates, and the ability to register and buy books online. In addition, a new online learning tool has been added for fall, SMARTHINKING, a free around-the-clock tutoring service providing real-time assistance in math, chemistry, bilingual math, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, economics, finance, accounting, and statistics. Writing support is also provided through the online writing lab.

Randolph has updated several backside systems, including new Novell servers for the instructional labs and for administration. The college also upgraded the bandwidth available for Internet and e-mail systems, moving from a T1 line to a 10MG line, and is adding separate Internet access through TimeWarner Cable for student wireless and the public areas of the library.

Security and backup measures were also addressed. "We now have a disaster recovery system in place," said Williams, so a fully functional server is ready to use for important student data systems if something happens to the first server. "We have adopted a security baseline for the North Carolina Community College System, and RCC has implemented that baseline," Williams said.

RCC's fall registration will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Students should contact the Information Center, 336-633-0200, prior to those dates to complete an admissions application and other essential paperwork.