Collegio Online

Issue date: 8/23/07 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Aaron Anders/Collegio

Students with computer problems now have some official help from PSU. The Office of Information Systems (OIS) has created a group called Gorilla Geeks to aid students with computer related issues.
Barbara Herbert, assistant director of campus services, says that when PSU implemented its wireless network, a weakness emerged. Many students using laptops experienced problems with viruses and various other complications that demanded professional help.
"The computer is part of education and PSU recognizes that," said Herbert. "Now there is a central location on campus for the students (to get help)."
Seven of the twelve student employees in OIS are now Gorilla Geeks.
One of them, Colton Montgomery, sophomore in commercial graphics, is known as a "catch-all geek" around the office. Some of his duties include operating a switchboard, repairing computers, and dealing directly with customers.
"When new students come here, they need to get their GUS PIN numbers," Montgomery said. "Then they lose them and come back for a new one. We help them and other students with anything they need help with."
The Gorilla Geeks are located at 109 Whitesitt Hall and offer services ranging from 10-point inspections to hardware and software diagnostics. Some of the services must be paid for and range from $5 to $35.
Jeff Schooley, manager of the Gorilla Geeks, reminds students to stay calm if they suspect their computer has a virus.
"It's usually not as bad as you think; sometimes we can retrieve lost data if it is that severe of a problem," Schooley said. "Don't panic, just bring it to us."
The office of information systems is keeping stats to determine what other services will be needed in the future.
"We will observe what the needs are and respond to that," said Herbert.
The Geeks are available until from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Incoming freshmen are reminded to bring picture I.D. when registering for GUS.
For more information, go to www.pittstate.edu/geeks, or call 235-4600.

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