What’s New at Hoya Computing?

By John Steitz

Spring 2001 marks Hoya Computing’s second semester in our new office in GE-01 New North. The move from the Leavey Clock Tower less than two weeks before the start of the fall semester was definitely an adventure, but we’ve settled in and our new location should be easier to find. To better serve individuals who aren’t on campus during the day, we’re open until 6:00 pm on weekdays.

Our loan library is open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We now have more copies of loan CDs (for software site- or volume-licensed by the University) available. We also distribute copies to departmental technology representatives to loan within their departments.

Our new software Web page: http://www.georgetown.edu/uis/hoya/software.html clarifies the distinctions between downloads, loans, institutional purchases, and personal purchases of software. And new software, such as Norton AntiVirus 2001, is now available for all members of the University community to download to on-campus locations.

The Hoya Computing Repair Depot has walk-in hours Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m.—2 p.m., and again 5 p.m.—6 p.m. for the benefit of those on campus only during evening hours. Other times are available by appointment by calling (202) 687-7987. In addition to warranty repairs, we can also perform non-warranty repairs, software adjustments, and equipment upgrades. We continue to provide diagnosis and the first half-hour of repair free of charge, and our rates otherwise are below market.

Hoya Computing has negotiated with Dell Computer for new discounted notebook computer packages. GU-affiliated personnel can now purchase Dell Latitude LS, C600, and C800 notebook computer systems at up to 18% off the business retail price. These notebooks now also have Dell’s “Complete Care” in-home/in-office next business day warranty, which covers not only manufacturing defects, but also accidental damage, such as that caused by knocks, falls, and spilled liquids. This spring, Dell will re-orient its desktop computer product lines as the Intel Pentium 4 processors are integrated into production, and Hoya will provide new discount desktop computer packages for faculty, staff, and student personal purchases.

For Mac users, Hoya Computing is currently negotiating better service options, with a goal of drop-off/pick-up service in our Repair Depot. Another goal of these negotiations is to provide better and more varied Mac purchase options for members of the University community. Among the Mac software packages now available under University license are Microsoft Office 2001 and Symantec Norton 2001 Anti-Virus. We are exploring other Mac software options; suggestions from the Mac user community are welcome.

For our current operating hours, or more information about any of our services, please see our Web page http://www.georgetown.edu/uis/hoya or call (202) 687-0640.