On this campus where computers likely outnumber students, it is hard to imagine life without desktop PCs in most dorm rooms. Thirty-five years ago this week, The Student reported that the College had doubled the size of its computer fleet-from one to two. The new machine, an IBM 1401, was intended to work alongside an IBM 1130, purchased only weeks before.

"This new machine, smaller and simpler than the 1130 ... will be used almost exclusively for administrative work, leaving the 1130 for the more complicated problems of students and faculty," reported The Student.

Dunnington was quick to point out that the computer could be used for students and professors outside of mathematical disciplines. He explained that the computers could analyze literary style and write music, The Student reported.

The computer was available for student use 56 hours per week when it was installed, but George Dunnington, the director of the computer center, said that he wished to make the computer center open to students at any hour.

Despite Dunnington's comments promoting self-instruction as the most effective method of learning to use the new computer, many students and faculty members had signed up for instructional courses on the new IBM.

The computer room was run by students who had been trained to use the machine. Students would be allowed to use the machine on their own only after finishing three training courses. Additional training classes were scheduled throughout the semester to meet student demand.