Cookeville High School - Cookeville, Tennessee

Library computer lab gets a new batch of iMacs

Jonathan Uhles, Charger Staff

Recently, while walking to third block, I passed by the second floor computer lab which connects to the school library. I couldn’t help but notice a large group of my peers congregating outside the entrance to the lab. Being the curious person I am, I hurried to drop off my pile of books, so I could go back for a closer look.

Peering into the lab, I realized the school had bought several new but strange computers. Looking across the room I saw 30 flat screens that seemed to float in air with the help of a thin silver tube, which was attached to a white base. The round glass-looking balls (speakers) located on each side of the base were directly behind the keyboard. In truth, the setup looked more like a smiling face than an expensive piece of technology.

I was completely amazed by the new computers, as were many other students as the crowd began to grow. By this point the men working on the computers realized what was happening outside, so they closed the door, denying us access to their work and depriving other students from seeing the new computers.

Luckily, I had a bit of an advantage. Being on the Charger staff gave me an excellent opportunity to learn more about the school’s new lab and pass it on to the student body. So - here’s the scoop.

The new computers are the most recent creation of Apple Computers. The company states, “Four years ago we introduced the first iMac. It challenged the way people used computers. It changed the way people looked at technology. Some people even said it changed the world. Six million iMacs later, we’re doing it again.” With that introduction to the world, the company introduced the new and definitely improved iMac.

The new iMacs come equipped with a stunning 15-inch LCD flat screen that’s brighter, sharper, and easier on the eyes. In addition, the new screens are adjustable, so it changes positon, instead of the user adjusting to the screen.

For the technical whiz, the computers utilize an ultra-compact base which houses “the fastests iMac ever, with a Pentium-crushing 800MHz G4 processor that blazes through the most demanding applications.” In other words, the next time you have to use the internet, as soon as you click, you’ll be there!

Finally, the new iMacs are equipped with a crash-proof and secure UNIX-based operating system. That means, you don’t have to worry about losing that paper you’ve worked on for hours should the computer decide to “die without notice.”

This new lab, which is composed of 30 computers, isn’t full of perks just for students. The new system includes a special module, which allows the teacher to stay in complete control of the class. The main computer links the teacher with all computers through a system called Network Assistant, which allows the person in control to “lock” the computers and observe exactly what each student is doing and in what program.

With technology increasing literally at the speed of light, it’s interesting to see what new devices the coming years will lend to the world. One thing is sure: Cookeville High School is leading the way into a world of new technologies as the 21st century classroom becomes a reality before our eyes.

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