"We've taken steps to avoid overcrowding this year, but that doesn't mean there will be no trouble in the future without a change," Martin says, adding that new IBM computers are not powerful enough to be used in courses such as CS 150.

In other recent moves to modernize Harvard's computer facilities, the University purchased two new $200,000 VAX computers last September to add to the Science Center facilities.

At the same time, the University also added approximately 30 new terminals, increasing the number available to about 125.

And last October, the Faculty created a task force to examine how computers can be most effectively used, and it is currently looking to fill a newly created post that would oversee Harvard's computerization plans.

While most students welcome the change as a way to reduce crowding at the Science Center terminals, a few are less impressed.

"It's a pain in the neck to wait around for computer time," says one CS 11 student but he adds he is "still very satisfied" with the computer facilities provided for the course.