Computer jargon, with plenty of 0s and 1s, seems like it can only be deciphered by a computer nerd wearing thick Coke-bottle glasses. We need an army of these specialists to repair and maintain the computer systems on campus and help the bewildered college student who is unable to get the computers to work right.

Sacramento State has an entire department, Information Resource and Technology (IRT), to deal with these issues.

After doing research on the IRT website, it seems the department is very important on our campus. It specializes in the maintenance of Sac State’s technical programs and online systems.

When I hear IRT, I think of the red phone that is usually inside classrooms. The phone connects to the IRT hotline where an experienced individual (usually a student assistant) will answer and try to identify and solve problems.

In most instances, as I have witnessed, a professor loses it trying to identify what is causing the computer not to connect to the overhead projector, or why the ancient overhead machine’s bulb keeps burning out.

Some professors also have difficulty figuring out how to simply get a DVD player to work with the white screen.

So the professor gets on the red-phone hotline. The handy technician on the other end of the phone says, “we are on our way.” The class patiently waits while the professor fixes the problem. The white screen turns on and the class happily cheers and continues with the lecture. But the handy technician is nowhere to be found.

However, the IRT department is far more complex than just the red phone system on campus used for technical support.

Helen Norris has recently taken over as vice president in charge of the department.

Norris’ goal is to improve and facilitate faculty and students’ online environment while in office.

“My goal is to listen to faculty and students who are having problems with our school online systems such as registration,” Norris said.

Registration was a hassle this semester. The infamous “waiting list” system was not much help to those wishing to add classes.

There are more problems on campus dealing with technology systems than simply class registration.

The printers on campus are another issue.

When I use a computer lab, I try to log in, print and get out as quickly as possible just 10 minutes before class and what happens?

My name does not appear on the printing list.

I try to play it off and pretend I know what the problem is. I sit back on my chair trying to avoid my vein starting to pop out on my forehead.

I press print again, I go back to the printer and see, “sorry printer is out of paper.” Dang!

Despite the problems with printers and long lines in the computer labs, Sac State created an innovative idea for students who need access to computers.

This “progressive innovation” allows students to rent a laptop for three hours at a time. But before simply lending the machine, they have students sign a document that holds them fully responsible for any damages.

In the fine print, a tremendous fine is levied if the laptop is returned late.

On the positive side, students get the freedom to work anywhere on campus with a laptop and can happily avoid the lines at a computer lab.

But the system still has its glitches. The laptop’s Internet connection is limited in certain locations and usually disconnects while browsing the Internet.

The laptops’ login module is quite the tough cookie to crack. When the computer is upset, it will simply not login. It just makes beeping noises as if it were laughing sarcastically.

Finally, after the millionth time it lets me enter and allows me to do my work.

Even bringing a laptop from home doesn’t help.

Not all Macs or PCs are recognized by the wireless printers on campus. In order to get that to work, it involves a long conversation with system administrators. The conversation usually ends with the system administrator saying, “go to the nearest computer lab to print.” Dang!

I recognize that not all systems are perfect and the IRT has room for improvement. I hope somewhere in the near future the IRT makes campus computer systems easier to use with the latest technology. One day.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected]