LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Windows 95, Penn Style

To the Editor: Shortly after arriving on campus, I received the news that I would go unsupported by Penn in my efforts to network. I spent many hours trying to unravel the mystery behind the way that Windows 95 works with the Penn Network. The ultimate reality was that connecting to the network here is very simple, and the computing power that has been opened up to me is definitely the best I have seen. So far, I have exchanged files, chatted and worked on a group project over the network, all of which were done more simply and efficiently than with the old system. Rather than having to go through the ordeal of using FTP or Telnet, I just need to click an icon now. I am even networked with my roommate. We have unlimited file sharing within our group. In a couple instances, my roommate has been able to use my hard drive when he did not have the capacity that he needed on his. Windows 95 even allows users to play videos and listen to sound files on the PCs of others. DCCS has provided us with a powerful environment so far. I am just confused as to why they would suddenly accept mediocrity. In the world of computers, there is no such thing as a vacation, and school is back in session. Mark Chiacchiari Wharton and Engineering '98 n To the Editor: I am one of those people who were shocked to find out the University is not supporting Windows 95 due to the risk of bugs and because "there are no features?that add critical value?" They must know something that the rest of the computer industry does not. Everyone else loves it. DCCS also claims, "No large organization is looking to support the current version of Windows 95." Way to go Penn. There really is no reason to be a technological leader. Jason Sturman Wharton and Engineering '97 A Solution For PennDOT To the Editor: Before the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation goes out and pisses away millions of taxpayer's dollars to pay a panel of its "experts" to try to figure out why on earth so many cars come tearing into University City on Walnut Street at raceway speeds, I would like to offer a (gasp!) simple explanation. As anyone who has ever driven from 30th Street to 38th Street on Walnut has noticed, the sequential timing of the traffic signals along this corridor is such that the only way a driver can make it past 38th Street without getting stopped by a red light is if he or she drives at least 55 miles per hour for the entire length; go any slower and you miss the next green light. Don't believe me? Try it! Signs warning drivers and pedestrians of potential danger will do nothing. We have two crosswalks that attempt, with signs, flashing lights and road markings, to enforce the legal right-of-way for pedestrians across 33rd and 34th streets. Drivers, without even having the incentive to speed that they have on Walnut Street, usually disregard these crosswalks and the pedestrian's legal right-of-way. Why would they care about a sign on Walnut Street asking them if they would please slow down? Further west on Walnut Street the lights are timed to accommodate traffic moving at a stately 30 miles per hour, and this is the speed that all cars use to navigate this section. Inspired by a great stroke of genius, I would suggest to PennDOT that the lights along Walnut Street be re-timed so that, as on other parts of Walnut Street, drivers will be forced by the sequential timing of the traffic signals to travel at a safe speed. But then, I suppose, this would be too simple and inexpensive a remedy. Oh well, since I'm not politically connected, why should PennDOT listen to me, anyway? It just seems to me as if the problem is so simple, and the solution so obvious. Why have numerous people had to suffer injuries, and the traffic officials stand by and do nothing effective? Erik Midtskogen Architecture graduate student Missing In Action To the Editor: It is with great humor that I recount your Summer Pennsylvanian stories about the University's concern that the color and style of the newly constructed security kiosk match the adjacent Art Institute at 36th and Sansom. Curiously absent from the articles was the idea that the money might be better used to staff the kiosk rather than have it pleasantly blend in with its surroundings. Last week I had the rear tire of my bicycle stolen on the bicycle racks right beyond the kiosk. Someone in clear view must have unscrewed the tire and then walked away with it through the very wide and open parking lots adjoining the Graduate Towers. Less than six months ago I had my car stolen at 33rd and Walnut while I enjoyed some early evening recreation at Hutchinson Gymnasium. The car did turn up a few days later -- no tires, no front hood, no salvage value. After speaking to other recent grads, they tell me I've been lucky. I hope during your stay at Penn ye beamed luckier? Bryan Glass Law '95