By By Tejal Patel and Margaret Hawryluk

University students can now set their laptops free as wireless Internet access has been expanded on campus.

Previously available in the library, computer labs and certain classrooms, wireless access is now available in the Arena and all common areas of residence halls, including lounges and areas outside of the halls, such as the courtyards in Netherlands, Laurie Harvey, director for student computing services, help desk and information technology, said.

Wireless access can also be acquired in the football stadium, Roosevelt Quad and outside of Memorial Hall. In the future, wireless will also be in Weed, Adams and Brower Halls and in the admissions office.

Many students have found this helpful.

“It’s very convenient for me because I didn’t have to buy an Ethernet cable hub, and can now use my laptop and my desktop with Internet capabilities without having to switch the Ethernet cable,” Alex Ehrlich, a freshman said.

Harvey said in order to access the wireless connection, laptops must be “wireless ready” with a card that has either been previously installed or can be purchased.

“I have to say it’s a good idea and it’s definitely a benefit because sometimes I can’t concentrate when my roommate has the T.V. on, but sometimes its better not to have it because I get easily distracted by it,” Jackie Brunner, a resident of Leiden in Netherlands North, said.

The spread of wireless hot spots is an advantage for students who want to be able to work in places other than their dorm room, but don’t want to trek all the way to the library.

“It’s convenient because you don’t have to leave the complex to get wireless connections,” Linh Thoi, a freshman English major, said.

However, not all students find wireless to be advantageous.

“What would be the purpose of wireless when you have your room?” Lauren Kaye, a resident of Bill of Right, said. “It’s cool outside, though.”

Harvey said the department is waiting to install wireless in all residential rooms as wireless Internet connections are still much slower than wired ports.

“We’re waiting before we do the rest of campus for the next generation of wireless,” she said. “Wireless comes in different flavors.”

Student technology fees, which are included in fees paid to the University, funded the expansion and students themselves provided the idea for the change.

“We have a student computing advisory committee that began when the tech fees were introduced,” Harvey said.

The student group meets twice a semester and consists of student volunteers who provide input in what types of changes regarding computing they would like to see on campus.

Changes brought about by the committee have been a network upgrade on the North side of campus and the University’s deal with Ruckus, a music download site.

(Harry Tanielyan/The Chronicle)