Whether or not you ever intend to step foot into one of the University's computer labs, it's going to cost you.

Every student is required to pay a $35 computer fee each semester.

But the University's microcomputer network is worth it, said Jim Kerlin, deputy director of the Center for Academic Computing.

"People do call and ask what the money is used for," Kerlin said. "When it's explained to them, they are usually satisfied. I think they're getting a lot of good things for their money."

The 13 microcomputer labs on campus have 628 IBM and Macintosh microcomputers available to students every day, with hours paralleling Pattee's. Software for word processing, programming and virus checking is provided.

Installment of each computer costs about $5,000, Kerlin said. The computing center receives an annual budget, which goes toward installation, maintenance and new equipment, he said. This year, the University is spending more than $1 million in additions and improvements, he said.

The mandatory computer fee, which was implemented in 1990, adds almost $4 million to the budget annually. The fee helps support LIAS, Pattee's computerized card catalog system.

One problem that sometimes arises is that some students do not know how to use the lab facilities, said Mabel Lee, director of the Learning Assistance Center. Most labs are supervised by paid student attendants who are trained in the basics of the system, Lee said.

If a student has a problem the attendant cannot answer, full-time assistance is available at the help desk in Willard Building,

Kerlin said, adding that electronic mail can be used to get aid.

Unlike the other labs on campus, the facilities in Boucke Building have a full-time staff on hand to answer questions and teach students to use the computers, Lee said. Software is available for use for all skill levels starting at beginner, she said.

The Boucke lab is especially helpful because it gives beginners an opportunity to learn how to work the system before they work independently in other computer labs, Lee said.

"It is helpful to students to know how to use computers," she said. "We have people there all the time to help, and I think it is very effective."

More people, both students and faculty, are starting to use the computer labs, Kerlin said. Instructors are using the computer system to give class material and assignments in introductory level courses and up, Kerlin said.

Two classrooms -- one in Chambers Building and one in Walker Building -- now have facilities that allow the instructor to teach by using computers instead of a chalkboard or overhead projector, Kerlin said. The computers have audiovisual capability.

"I think we have pretty reliable equipment," Kerlin said. "The attendants make sure there is enough paper and the ribbons are changed, so everything runs pretty smoothly."

As far as he can remember, Kerlin said there has never been a serious breakdown of the computer system. When a computer malfunctions, it is removed for repair and replaced as soon as possible, he said.