The ACM envisions a small computer lab, consisting of 10-15 computers, serving as a test bed for hardware and software alternatives to the typical Windows/Intel platform.

Our main focus will be on a new breed of UNIX Operating Systems, such as Linux, that have been generating a great deal of press and excitement within the software industry during the last few years.

Of course, we will focus on much more than just UNIX Operating Systems. We also would like to put on display a wide range of powerful emerging technologies that may soon become widespread in the computer industry in the coming years. This includes:

• Applications, such as StarOffice, a relatively new office application suite that could potentially provide a low cost alternative for students and school districts.
• Exciting new hardware devices, such as cutting edge computer peripherals and non-Intel computers systems.
• Implementation of modern networking solutions such as network-wide user accounts (NIS), virtual home directories (NFS), and increased security techniques (kerberos, ssh, etc.).

The ACM will focus on educating the public about the resources that will be available. We will encourage students to give our computer lab a try so that they will see the benefits and differences that it offers. The ACM will present scheduled workshops where interested people can listen to presentations, experiment with our resources, and receive one-on-one help from our members.

We request a small space to house the belongings and needs of our members who will monitor and maintain the computer lab.

1. Why do we need this computer lab?

Following are just a few of the reasons that MU needs this computer lab:

1. The computer lab will serve as a vital resource in the COE’s pursuit of finding new and improved ways to teach students. The computer lab will display cutting edge software and hardware solutions that will potentially demonstrate ways of doing things that were not at first evident on the typical Windows/Intel platform. For example, someone a few years ago took the time to investigate the alternative Silicon Graphics computer model and found that they provided a superior solution to the Windows/Intel platform for the mathematics department’s needs.
2. The computer lab will prepare MU to adapt to the rapidly changing technology scene by giving our campus a first-hand look at future trends and technologies. It will provide a solid base of experienced users and working systems that can serve as a model for campus-wide technology solutions in the years to come.
3. Our proposed computer lab will be a great aid to some on campus who are already implementing some of the technologies that we intend to use. For example, the student server (students.missouri.edu) is currently running a Linux Operating System. The ACM and the proposed computer lab will be able to help the administrators of the student server and others in their effort to make MU a better place with these technologies.
4. All students will be able to use this computer lab just like any other computer lab on campus, providing them with their usual technology needs while at the same time exposing them to new technologies that they have not seen elsewhere on campus.
5. The students and faculty in the CECS department will especially benefit from this unique environment. Our computer lab will allow these individuals to test their programs on our systems in areas such as performance and compatibility to see how they compare to results obtained using the typical campus resources. Many of these individuals have either experimented with or have heard about many of the technologies that we plan to implement. Our computer lab will give them the opportunity to further investigate the advantages and disadvantages involved.
6. There is a very large demand on campus for the technologies and services our proposed computer lab will provide. This is evident by the rapid growth we have seen in membership within our organization, which is quickly approaching a total of 100 members, many of them holding faculty positions on campus.
7. The computer lab will improve the image of MU and the COE. Our computer lab will contribute to the strong prestige our University holds as a research institution. Also, it will extend the COE’s record of being open to new technologies and adapting these technologies for new, productive, and innovative uses.