As part of an ongoing effort to understand and meet the needs of our clients, Computer Lab Management (CLM) conducted a student survey on April 2, 2004. The survey was sent to 1000 students who used the computer classrooms during the Winter 2004 quarter. There were 92 respondents.

Survey Results and Interpretation

• .Printing remains one of the most important reasons students use the computer rooms.
• Most student have Ink Jet printers.  Despite a majority of students owning printers, they still utilize campus printing resources because of its quality.  This makes sense and laser printers are generally higher quality than ink jet printers.
• As for the last few years almost all students own a computer and most are PCs.  This last survey showed a large increase of the number of students who own laptops.  It is unclear is this is a real trend or just a anomaly in the data this year.
  
   
• Windows XP has become much more prevalent.  The use of Win9X operating systems has dropped from 42.3% in Winter 03 to  14.6% in Winter 04.
  
   
• Most students have some sort of high-speed Internet access, usually shared with their roommates. 
• Only 21.3% of students are still using modems.
• Most student computers have DVD-ROMs and CD-RWs (most likely in a combo drive) as well as a floppy.  USB drives have become common (56.2%) so USB flash drives might be an acceptable floppy replacement.
• Although floppy disk usage is dropping and there are better options, a majority of the those surveyed still use floppies and would be impacted if CLM no longer installed floppy drives with computers. Therefore, CLM still needs to provide floppy drives in the computer rooms.
• As shown in earlier surveys freshman do not use our services as much as other students.  This is most likely due to the fact it would be faster to go back to the dorms to use their personal computer than wait in line

The impact of the increase in number of laptop users is decreased by the answers given in question #5.  Only 48% of the laptops have wireless cards and most students rarely (56%) or never (22%) bring their laptops to campus.  It appears that while increased wireless and power availability would encourage students to bring laptops, there are other reasons why students are not interested in bringing a laptop to campus.  From the comments it appears some students believe laptops are just too heavy and fragile to be carried around campus all day.  The issues around laptop use on campus should be investigated further in the next survey.

Survey Details

   
   Computer Lab Management periodically surveys computer room users in
order to make adjustments and meet customer needs. This survey helps us
determine what changes and improvements are most appropriate. We would
like your input to determine what changes you feel would improve our
services.  Please answer the following questions by putting an "x" or
text, as appropriate, between the square brackets provided (eg. [x]).
Since a program will automatically tally your responses for later
analysis, please keep your responses between the square brackets provided.

  Thank you for your time and input.

                        Tim Leamy
                        Computer Lab Management
                        Classroom Technology Services                   
                        tcleamy@ucdavis.edu

*****  Computer Room Survey *****

1. Class Standing: [] First year        [] Second year
                   [] Third year        [] Fourth year
                   [] Fifth or more year[] Masters candidate
                   [] PhD candidate     [] Professional School

2. Why do you use the computer rooms (please mark all that apply)
  [] Don't own a computer
  [] Need to access the web (Mozilla and Internet Explorer)
  [] Need to check/reply to email
  [] Need to print class assignments
  [] Need to print class materials from the web
  [] Need to access specialized software which is not on home computer
  [] Need to access special hardware (scanners, video editors, etc.)
  [] Campus computers have faster access to the network (web, email, etc)
  [] Campus computers are more convenient than mine
  [] Campus computers work better than mine
  [] Class meets in a computer room
  [] To access student information (RSVP, grades, financial aid info,
     classes enrolled)
  [] Other (please describe): []

3. Do you own a computer?
  [] Yes
  [] No   (If NO please skip to question #7.)

4. If you own a computer please answer the following:  (If you own more
than one computer please respond for the one you use most often.)

  Type:      [] Desktop     [] Laptop

  Platform:  [] Macintosh   [] PC/IBM compatible
             [] Other       [] Don't know

  Operating System: (if use multiple select primary one)
             [] Mac OS 9      [] Mac OS X
             [] Mac - not sure what version
             [] Windows 95    [] Windows 98     [] Windows NT
             [] Windows 2000  [] Windows ME     [] Windows XP
             [] Windows - not sure what version  
             [] Linux         [] Other Unix
             [] Other           

  Printer:   [] None        [] Ink Jet     [] Laser       
             [] Other       [] Don't Know

  Network Connection:  [] 56K modem     [] 28.8K or slower modem
                       [] DSL           [] Cable Modem
                       [] High speed provided by apartment complex
                       [] Satellite     [] None
                       [] Don't know
                       [] Other:  please specify [     ]
     Is your network connection shared with your roommates: [] Yes [] No
  
  Peripherals:  DVD-R/RW   [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know
                DVD-ROM:   [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    
                CD-RW:     [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    
                CD-ROM:    [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    
                Zip drive: [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know
                Floppy:    [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    
                Scanner:   [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    
                USB drive: [] Yes   [] No   [] Don't know    

  How do you usually transfer files from your computer to computers on 
campus?
        [] mySpace(in myUCDavis)        [] Floppy disk
        [] Zip disk                     [] CD-RW 
        [] USB storage device
        [] Email the file to myself     
        [] Other - please specify [                  ]

5. If you own a laptop please answer the following questions.  Otherwise 
skip to question #6.

   Does your laptop have a wireless card?
     [] Yes
     [] No
     [] Don't know

   How often do you bring your laptop to campus?
     [] Every day
     [] Several times a week
     [] Rarely
     [] Never

   What could the campus do to encourage you to bring your laptop
to campus more often.
     [] Increase wireless coverage
     [] Increase number of available network ports
     [] Increase available power outlets
     [] Offer wireless printing
     [] Other [     ]

   Do you have any other comments about laptop usage?
     [    ]

6. If you are waiting for a computer in a lab, and one of the other type is
available (ie.  You own a PC but a Mac is available) would you:
 [] Use the available computer
 [] Wait until the type you own is available

7.  Due to the instability of data on floppy disks, we have considered 
not including floppy drives for any new computers we purchase. How would 
this change affect you?
  [] Not at all - I use other methods to transfer files
  [] A little - I sometimes use floppies
  [] A lot - I always use floppies

8. Do you have any other suggestions or comments?
 [   ]

Thank you for your time and input.

1. Class Standing

2. Why do you use the computer rooms?

Reasons given for "Other":

• to print jobs because campus  >printers are faster and better than mine
• Need to print out papers I download from PubMed
• kill time
• to complete online labs  and to print  notes/assignments
• work on assignments while on campus
• The printers are better and faster than my home printer.  The connection to the internet is also much faster. It is still faster to write and print out papers from the campus computers than from my laptop if I bring it on campus
• it's convenient
• While I do have a computer  I do not have  a functional printer
• study tactic  force myself to sit and do  work

3. Do you own a computer?

		Percent
Yes	89	96.7%
No	3	3.3%

4. If you own a computer please answer the following:
Note: all the percentages reported for this question are of the students who own a computer, not all students.

What type of computer do you own?

	Number	Percentage
Desktop	47	52.8%
Laptop	42	47.2%

What computer platform or brand do you use?

	Number	Percentage
Macintosh	6	6.7%
PC/IBM compatible	80	89.9%
Other	0	0%
Don't know	1	1.1%

 

What type of operating system do you use?

Operating System	Number	Percentage
Mac OS 9	1	1.1
Mac OS X	6	6.7%
Mac-not sure	0	0.0%
Windows 95	1	1.1%
Windows 98	5	5.6%
Windows NT	1	1.1%
Windows 2000	10	11.2%
Windows ME	7	7.9%
Windows XP	57	64.0%
Windows - not sure	1	1.1%
Linux	0	0.0%
Other Unix	0	0.0%
Other	0	0.0%

What type of printer do you own?

	Number	Percentage
None	19	21.3%
Ink Jet	57	64.0%
Laser	8	9.0%
Other	2	2.2%
Don't know	3	3.4%

What type of network connection do you have at home?

	Number	Percentage
56K modem	18	20.2%
28.8K or slower modem	1	1.1%
DSL	47	52.8%
Cable Modem	2	2.2%
High speed provided by apartment complex	14	15.7%
Satellite	0	0.0%
None	0	0.0%
Don't know	2	2.2%`
Other	5	5.6%

Other network types given:

• Garbage "T1" provided by Ygnition but we are looking to get DSL
• UCD Resnet (4 replies)

Are you sharing the network connection with your roommates?

	Number	Percentage
Yes	55	61.8%
No	14	15.7%

What type of peripherals do you have at home?

	Yes	No	Don't Know	Percentage of "Yes"
DVD-R/RW	15	60	5	16.9%
DVD-ROM	55	25	4	61.8%
CD-RW	59	15	7	66.3%
CD-ROM	67	11	1	75.3%
Zip Drive	16	46	10	18.0%
Floppy	69	12	1	77.5%
Scanner	23	54	2	25.8%
USB drive	50	12	14	56.2%

How do you transfer files between campus and home computer? (Allowed multiple responses)

	Number	Percentage
MySpace	26	29.2%
Floppy Disk	35	39.3%
Zip Disk	5	5.6%
CD-RW	6	6.7%
USB Storage Device	9	10.1%
Email the file to themselves	58	65.2%
Other	4	4.5%

Other transfer means

• FTP (3 replies)
• AOL AIM

5. If you own a laptop please answer the following questions.
Note: all the percentages reported for this question are of the students who own a latptop - 50.  The difference from the number in questions #4 is most likely students who own both a laptop and desktop.

Does your laptop have a wireless card?

	Number	Percentage
Yes	24	48.0%
No	24	48.0%
Don't know	2	4.0%

How often do you bring your laptop to campus??

	Number	Percentage
Every day	2	4.0%
Several times a week	9	18.0%
Rarely	28	56.0%
Never	11	22.0%

What could the campus do to encourage you to bring your laptop to campus more often.?

	Number	Percentage
Increase wireless coverage	30	60.0%
Increase number of available network ports	22	44.0%
Increase available power outlets	23	46.0%
Offer wireless printing	25	50.0%
Other	6	12.0%

Other reasons:

•  I'm not interested in bringing it to campus.
•  have tables in computer lab for laptop users
•  I don't really like the thought of bringing my laptop to school. Just not necessary
• secure lockers--it gets heavy to carry around all day and gets banged up too
• free wireless card. Hey it's a thought!
• Have the network ports at Shields Library actually working!

Do you have any other comments about laptop usage?

• It would be convenient to have a check in station where students can hold laptops when they don't want to carry them around campus
•  I believe your two biggest problems are a lack of available power outlets and wireless coverage. Wireless printing would be fantastic  but it would merely be icing on the cake. Please work on the coverage first 
• if my computer was smaller and lighter I would take it to campus  more often - mine's a brick!
• very convenient  but sometimes is limited to use only in  library  wish could use in several locations on campus 
• I can never find an open outlet  especially in Shields
• I don't know if it's just my laptop but it seems like there are  a lot of "downtimes" when the wireless does not work. So when I take my  laptop to campus expecting it to work there were times when I couldn't go  on line (wireless).    
• The only reason I don't use it so often on campus is because I  keep having problems enabling the wireless connection. Otherwise I would  use it a lot more.
• I wouldn't even use the comp labs if I could print from my laptop
• I wish the battery lasted much longer.  

6. If you are waiting for a computer in a lab, and one of the other type is available (ie. They own a PC but a Mac is available) you would:

7. Due to the instability of data on floppy disks, we have considered not including floppy drives for any new computers we purchase. How would this change affect you?

8. Do you have any other suggestions or comments?

• How about you spring for some staplers in the computer labs?!   
• Hire more CRCs
• I like the MY SPACE on my UC Davis... I just haven't really  >learned to use very well yet.  I wish the computer lab was open more  >hours in the library.   
•  I just wanted to let you know that the wireless printing option listed (if feasible) would probably bring a lot more laptop users onto campus  because the biggest problem with the campus labs is the wait time to get on a computer in order to print something. A designated wireless printing room with a few printers would be a godsend.  
• sometimes the printers seem to shut off  and the lab management does  not seem to notice  and it makes it difficult if 30 different people are  waiting for a printout
• More computer labs with more computers  the Shields one is ALWAYS full
•  Keep up the good work.  
• keep up the good work :)   
• AMR 21 requires excessive use of floppy disks.  They are absolutely necessary  if you take this class.  
•  I find the computer labs reliable and the printed page allowance generous.
• My Space is very tempermental. It rarely works for me 
• CRC vests are awesome!  "CRC locator" flier in Meyer Media Lab is  hilarious.  I am disappointed that the sandwich signs are going away; they  were funny  and visible too; any chance I could get one for myself?  On  more serious notes  CLM has been quite helpful this year  given the fact I  live in the boonies and 28.8k dialup is all I have.  I only wish there  were more locations and more computers.  It's not an issue this quarter  anymore  but Fall Quarter is was a little annoyed that jBuilder was only  offered in two locations  but nevertheless 'twas helpful that is WAS  available!  The up-to-the-minute room availablility website has been MOST  helpful!  It would be nice if each computer room had a screen showing it  (but for the time being  asking the CRC will do).  I am very happy that so  much software and hardware is at our disposition for FREE!  Keep up the  good work.
• I appreciate having the privilege of using the computer labs   especially since my apartment is so far from campus.  Being able to print  200 pages per quarter has been a huge help to me.  I would prefer that  students not be allowed to use instant messaging in the labs  but I'm not  sure how this could be regulated.
• Post online the times that the computer rooms are not available or  if  you do  then make it more publicized. 
• If you provide a printer that is exclusively for wireless printing--I would buy a wireless card for my laptop.  I print a lot from Olson  and even though I often write assignments on my laptop  it still takes me forever to get them printed out.  The line for the printing room is always very long.  There should be at least two working printers in the printing room in Olson.    Using floppies is still more convenient and faster than any other type of media.  They are also very cheap--so I don't think it would be wise to not include them in future computer purchases.    Look at the example of the imacs.  They came with no floppy drive--and you still had to purchase external floppy drives for them.  Most written assignments are still small enough to fit on a floppy disk.    Whoever wrote question #7 is mistaken.  Floppies are not very instable.  In fact Zip/Jaz drives and disks(ever heard of the "click of death") and CD-RW media are just as (if not more) instable.  I don't use myspace mostly because it is inconvenient and takes too long (I have to sign in twice)--and because of the threatening letters by campus officials about file-sharing.  I prefer to FTP a file to isun.ucdavis.edu  than to using myspace.    On all future computer purchases--PLEASE buy PC's with easily accessible USB ports. USB drives are my media of choice after floppies.  The Dell towers in Olson lack USB drives on the front of the tower.  Also  thank you so much for providing Mozilla on all campus computers.  I applaud whoever made that intelligent decision.
• Please do not make all the new computers without floppies  that would  cause a lot of inconvenience for many people
• it's always hot as hell in the comp labs--need to turn on the AC once in a while! also  you shouldn't be letting people screw around with chat and games when there's 20 people in line.  Otherwise  except for the crowding (which is getting worse and worse) I find the labs well managed and in top shape.
• Yes  with respect to printing.  I don't understand why you don't let   students roll over their unused printing jobs from previous quarters to  new quarters?  Why not offer that option because some quarters students  need more printing than others.  The 200 print pages will be used either  way.  
•   The lines in the computer labs are really long. 
• Some people just spend way too much time on the computers doing  nothing when other people are waiting forever to print out important class  material.  I am just hoping you can find a way to regulate computer use.   Other than that  great job! =)
• campus print stations are a useful idea   
• losing the floppy drives is a really stooooopid idea. they're so cheap  anyway!!   

Comments: labmanager@ucdavis.edu URL: http://clm.ucdavis.edu/pubs/survey/student-w04-2.html Last reviewed: Wed, 5-May-2004 Last updated: May 5, 2004