CC computer upgrade project near completion

By Carrie Helms, Clarendon Enterprise

Clarendon native Will Thompson has been hard at work for almost a year updating the computer systems at Clarendon College, a project that is nearing completion.

He joined the Clarendon College staff last summer, and his first task was to update the existing computers before bringing online 70 new desktop computers and 14 laptops purchased with grant money for use on both the Clarendon and Pampa campuses.

“This year we started up grading the RAM to 128 megabytes,” Thompson said. “Then we had to upgrade the operating systems to Windows NT/2000.”

The outdated software was replaced with Microsoft Office 2000 to complement the computer curriculum, and the web server at the Pampa Center was upgraded to enhance web-based training for online classes.

“We really wanted to get some Microsoft Certification courses for both the students and the community,” Thompson said.

In addition, Thompson updated the administration system for improved registration, student billing, and office accounting.

“We installed a fiber optic system from the RFO building to the Activity Center,” Thompson said, “and a wireless connection to the gym so all the coaches’ computers have access to the network.”

The wireless project proved a great success, and they hope to include the dorms in the future.

“We want to give students the opportunity to use their personal computers to connect to the Internet through the network,” Thompson said.

Thompson is well qualified for his new position.  He holds a degree in computer science and information systems from Panhandle State University and served as an officer in the army working in communications.

“After I got out of the Army,” Thompson said, “I worked for NASA for five years before joining a company in Houston.”

Thompson and his family became jaded with big city living and were looking for a quieter way of life.

“In a regular commute, it would take half an hour to get 10 miles,” Thompson said.

Though the necessary elements are almost completed, the technology update is far from over.  Future plans include overhead display projectors for classrooms and improved Internet connections on both campuses.

“This has been an important project for Clarendon College for several years, but it’s a big job that takes a lot of time,” Thompson said.  “There is still a lot of work to be done, but I’m determined to get it done soon.”