The Bunnel computer lab displayed Nov. 11 the new multimedia labs that are now open to all UAF affiliates.With six basic computer labs located on campus, this new lab now gives students and faculty the opportunity to do everything from word-processing to 3-D animation and everything in between.

The difference between this lab and the other computer labs is that, "(the computers in the new lab) are faster, have better hardware and software, more memory, and are capable of much more," said Robert Hale, the computer lab coordinator.

Whether or not you are computer science major, this lab has something for everyone.Most of the student workers are not even computer affiliated.Yavor Markov, a graduate student studying business, works as a network technician.He enjoys the lab, "not because of the animation, but how it can be good for engineers, (with) 2-D and 3-D drafting.The dual screen possibility can be very helpful.It can boost productivity, aid in design, and make a project get done twice as fast."

The dual screen computers were quite impressive.They were able to drag a movie to encompass both computers looking just like a wide-screen movie.This allows students to have more workspace on the desktop, freeing up room to create quicker and more efficiently.One student was redesigning the facial features of a character in the 3-D animation station. "This program is the same one that made Toy Story, or Finding Nemo, or nearly any other animation movie that's out there right now," explained Hale.

The lab also does basic word processing, printing, and scanning.But as to be expected, they address these seemingly simple processes with gusto.The computers can scan slides and convert them into digital pictures, as well as scanning two full textbook pages at once rather than one page at a time.

The only thing that costs anything to the user is printing.The price depends on the type of printing, whether in black and white ink or in color.They also offer a new service called a printer/plotter, which can print color banners 24 inches wide.Another new feature this computer lab offers are digital video cameras.The cameras can be used for movie filming, still pictures, or even to allow students studying sign language to record their hand movements.

Hale is still hoping to expand. "If (the lab) is popular enough, there's a possibility of spreading these options to other labs."Hale also talked about "the possibility of a sound booth, where affiliates can work on music, sound effects, or anything else."

Whatever the field of study, however you're affiliated with the school, as long as you've got a Polar Express card and have taken one credit at UAF or work for the school, this lab is open to you.

"The winner of Cannes film festival used the same programs that are offered here, on a computer that he didn‘t own," Hale said.