By Rachel Young,
Staff Writer

When there is time to kill between classes or serious work on major assignments, the computer labs come in handy.

When looking up information, checking email, or just playing games and chatting, have you ever wondered if someone was able to see what websites you were visiting? Students login using their username and password, afterall. The stranger sitting next to you is reason enough to censor your viewing. And it might be your conscience talking or gut feeling to search the net wisely. But do we really need to worry about someone following our online tracks?

Matt Falenski, Seton Hill University’s network and PC coordinator, spoke on the privacy over Seton Hill’s network. Falenski explained that no web sites, bookmarks, documents or cookies are tracked from the on-campus computer labs.

Many residents own computers on-campus. The local network has had viruses and minor hacker problems, and some students fear a lack of privacy in their own rooms.

But again, website visits are not tracked anywhere on campus. Your personal computer use is just that – for your eyes only.

“We are able to see what domains are being visited, but it’s not traceable to a single PC or person,” Falenski assures.

The network sometimes gets congested and pages take longer to load; even the Seton Hill University homepage.

“I find it quite aggravating sometimes how slowly the Internet will work in the computer labs,” says Sophomore Carmen Marotta.

“Sometimes the computer lab rooms are full, but even when you get a seat, it doesn’t ensure efficiency,” said graduate student Donna Bernstein. She also remarks, “The rooms in Lynch have too many computers and one printer. Sometimes it takes an hour to print something, but we run out of paper!”

But will she still use the computers here? “I’ll use them if all the parts are there,” she laughs.

Missing keys, wires, and mice are common frustrations. A computer was even reported stolen from the second floor Maura lab.

To dispel any myths about our beloved computer lab on first floor Lowe, Falenski explained that the room will be the office for a new athletic director.

“When the athletics complex is built and the coaches have offices there, I’m sure that the lab will be put back into Lowe,” said Falenski.

There will be more computers on campus, likely to follow the rise of student population. Now knowing campus computers aren’t tracked, resume viewing your silly flash cartoons without paranoia.

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