The Iowa State Computation Center and Telecommunications Office have joined together along with the Student Network Access Project (SNAP) team to create the Solutions Center.

The Solutions Center was designed to provide help with computer network, software and hardware for campus users, said Dorothy Lewis, assistant director for public services in the computation center.

If students in the residence halls have trouble with their computers and need guidance with computer setup, the Solutions Center will be able to provide the information they need.

“I think this is going to be a great thing for the campus community,” Lewis said

John Kingland, director of the telecommunications office, said the center is a service available to students, faculty and staff. The center enables people to access services such as Ethernet connections — which is access to Project Vincent and the Internet — purchasing computer software and obtaining general computer help.

Kingland said these services previously were spread throughout campus and Durham. “[The center] is a ‘one-stop shop’ — a place to go for help,” Kingland said.

The Solutions Center will provide the following services to users:

* Answer billing questions

* Sell Ethernet cards and cables

* Provide handouts that describe how to set up your computer

* Give help with setup questions

* Arrange a visit from the SNAP team

* Provide network troubleshooting for troublesome computers.

Kingland said the SNAP team will be available to “visit your residence hall room to troubleshoot network problems.” A drop-off service will also be available.

Lewis said they have been trying to come up with a comprehensive solution for computer services. She said they were having difficulty trying to provide the services to such a large number of users on campus.

“We are fulfilling our long-term goals and the staff is really anxious to start making things happen,” Lewis said.

The center will be located in 195 Durham Hall and will be open on Aug. 18.