Upon superficial examination, it seems that the University of Chicago has been plagued with computer problems for the past six months. Beginning with last spring’s e-mail crashes, the problems have been mounting: non-secure Telnet access, the webmail breakdown earlier this quarter, and the struggling Chalk system all indicate prolonged and unresolved difficulties. To hear some frustrated campus users tell things (pardon the pun), NSIT has fiddled while ROM burned. To understate just a bit, the University’s computer networks have been hard-pressed to meet rising demand.

But the Maroon would caution those quick to criticize NSIT. Some problems simply cannot be avoided: the massive increase in webmail use, for instance, cannot be blamed on NSIT. The computer-savvy entering class has put more stress on the various campus facilities than anyone could have anticipated. Similarly, the deficiencies in the Chalk systems can’t be blamed on anyone; Chalk is just the latest victim of its own success.

Recent services from NSIT such as Chalk and webmail are completely new to the computing scene at the U of C. The Chalk system is newer to campus than many current students. While NSIT works to meet our expectations, the worth of their innovation remains. Current students should feel lucky to have these resources during their time at the University and should remain patient as NSIT establishes them for future classes.