During the Spring semester, Simmons Technology will be working on a pilot program to virtualize some public access computers in the library and other select locations throughout campus. Virtualization is a process by which all of the tasks that normally run on a single, stand-alone computer are shifted to a powerful, centralized computer called a server.

There are several advantages to virtualization. It allows you to access the same resources by logging into any computer, reduces the traditional issues that slow down stand-alone computers, and provides us with real-time stats so we can keep all of our public access computers online and functioning at a high level twenty-four hours a day. This means that virtualized computers should have reduced login times and improved performance compared to the computers that are currently in use.

From a practical standpoint, this change should not have a negative impact on your ability to use public computers at Simmons. The login screen will look slightly different, but you will still use your Simmons username and password to access the computer. Once you’re logged in, the desktop should look the same as it does now, and you’ll have access to the same software you currently use, as well as your storage space on the Y drive.

We’ll be sending out periodic updates about this project during the Spring semester, but if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Service Desk.