Editorial:
New server offers hope for Webmail

Life could not be better when technology works like it’s supposed to. Sure, on occasion these tools are allowed a hiccup or sniffle, causing glitches or even a malfunction. However, it seems the slow Internet connection speed on campus and trouble accessing Webmail have grown to be more than simple nuisances. It is even worse on the Princeton campus, where many classrooms are not even hooked up to the Internet. The Office of Information Technologies (OIT) has been working diligently to solve these issues, which were caused by a recent influx of spam. Yet, there are still bumps to smooth out and the emotions of upset students to resolve.

With just weeks to go until classes end, the latest round of technical difficulties could not have come at a more stressful time. It’s that point in the semester where students are fighting to maintain sanity, while being inundated with papers to write.

A student wanting to get ahead with course work over the Thanksgiving break and submit homework had no luck. It may not have seemed like it, but OIT worked hard over the vacation to fix the glitches. However, unforeseen problems caused the server to go down and left students without access to Webmail. This was not the “thanks” we wanted to tackle as we enjoyed the mashed potatoes and turkey.

OIT’s mistake in all of this was a lack of communication with faculty about the technical issues students have faced. A notice was not sent out to professors until Wednesday, Nov. 29, making them aware of the difficulties students have had to stomach. It may not be enough to cause indigestion, but OIT’s late notice is puzzling since the problems have been ongoing. Instead, students and faculty were left with little notice and in turn quickly became distressed. OIT’s explanations on the access page of Webmail did provide some information about its status. However, it was not enough. For days, a note to students from OIT only acknowledged it was aware of the problem and working to find a solution.

Students and faculty are dependent on having Webmail as a channel open for communication. This follows in the footsteps of the University’s decision to make Webmail the official form of communication. Yet, the unpredictability of Webmail as of late has undermined the effectiveness of this policy. A note from OIT directed to students states, “OIT has recently taken a number of actions in order to improve access to student e-mail.” In fact, OIT prompts individuals still facing problems with Webmail or the Internet to call its office.

Fortunately, the road ahead looks promising as a new server will be installed over the winter break. In the end, this will alleviate the strain on Webmail. But, one suggestion for students riddled with difficulties is to sign up for a free e-mail service such as Yahoo or Hotmail. This second account can serve as an avenue where students can receive e-mails for giveaways and other non-school-related matters. Doing this will reduce the spam and pressure on Rider’s server. It never hurts to have a backup, and having another e-mail service is a simple way of avoiding any unnecessary stress.

Just remember how easy the ever-changing technology has made it for us. Only a short time ago, students had to save their work on bulky floppy discs and turn in that term paper the old-fashioned way, by going to class. Luckily, with the click of a button, our work is done.