As part of the computer provision, 300 new notebook computers
have been purchased for loan to students for on-campus use.
These new machines, featuring Pentium M 1.4GHz (Centrino)
CPU, 256MB RAM, built-in wireless LAN card, light weight (5.4lb
w/ battery), and ease of use, were put into service on 29
December 2003. These machines are secured by advanced anti-virus
software and the Recover Genius 3.55 utility so that they
are virus-free and the operating environment can be recovered
instantaneously when re-booted. In addition, essential software
applications, such as Microsoft Office, commonly used plug-ins,
secure remote access and file transfer utilities, popular
Chinese input tools, and Kingsoft instant translation software,
have been pre-installed on the local hard disk for general
use.
To increase
utilization and to reduce wear and tear of the machines, loaned-out
notebook computers have to be returned on the same day. A
new Web-based booking system, Computer Reservation System,
has been developed for students to book machines online so
that unnecessary long queues and disappointments can be avoided.
For fair of use, a scoring system is embedded in the booking
system to accumulate scores resulted from reservations, cancellations,
late returns, violation of rules, and so on. Based on the
accumulated scores, students will be automatically placed
into different privilege groups and hence, assumed different
priorities to compete for the loan.
A special
counter with three service points has been set up in the Computing
Services Centre (CSC) to provide this service. During peak
periods, additional counters (such as the other end of the
Service Counter and the Hard Copy Service) may be set up to
ease the congestion if necessary.
In conclusion,
the Mobile Computer Service has been designed to give students
the convenience and flexibility to access the campus network
and the Internet, facilitating their learning and academic
activities.
Details
of the Mobile Computer Service, including regulations and
procedures, scoring system, privilege groups and others, can
be found at http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/services/mcs.htm.