Students win IBM ThinkPads to help develop wireless networks

Twenty-five ThinkPads have been donated to ECS by IBM Hursley, as part of the company"s programme to promote greater use of the Linux operating system. Students at the School of Electronics and Computer Science can apply to take part in a year's exploration into the use of Linux and will win the use of a ThinkPad as part of the project. The aim is to develop a wireless networked community and investigate collaborative working. Head of School, Professor Wendy Hall, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for the University to work closely with industry to provide and encourage students to use the latest software and mobile computing technologies." Graham Spittle, Lab Director at IBM Hursley, presented the ThinkPads at a ceremony at the School of Electronics and Computer Science. "We are delighted to be part of this innovative project," he said. "Linux is increasingly significant and we want to support creative ways of exploring its future potential. My message to the students is, tell us what you learn, but most of all, have fun.' More than 15 million ThinkPad notebook computers have been produced so far. They have been trusted for use in some of the world's most extreme settings, including space shuttle launches, at altitudes of more than 17,000 feet above sea level and on the open seas.