By Abner Bruno

With the addition of Future Tech Services on campus, students can eliminate the hassle of bringing computers off-campus if a problem occurs.

Future Tech is a repair center located outside of the Hammer Lab that is not directly run by the University. Instead, the remote technicians have been hired by the University to handle computer repairs for students, faculty and employees.

“If the machine is under warranty there is no fee for the service,” Laurie Harvey, director for Computing Services, said. “If the machine needs hardware repair and is out of warranty they will give you a quote and the student or faculty member can decide whether on not that’s what they want to spend.”

If not under warranty, charges start at $25 and then vary on the particular services and parts needed, Loretta Becht, a Future Tech technician, said.

Future Tech differs from Student Computing Services in that ResNet helps students with all software application and Internet connection problems, Daniel Ramirez, ResNet coordinator, said. Students are only allowed one free repair that involves software or virus repair, but Internet repair is unlimited.

The idea of a service like Future Tech was introduced nearly two years ago when students requested a more convenient way to deal with issues without bringing computers back to the store.

Becht said the office was moved from McEwen Hall to the office near Hammer Lab this semester and she has seen a popular response.

Still, not many students know about this service.

“I didn’t realize that this was a new service being offered here,” Danielle Arena, a TV/Video major, said. “This service is a great thing to have because many students living on campus either don’t know the area or don’t have a car on campus, so this makes life much easier for them when they need help.”

(Chronicle Staff Photo)