Thesis writers today must fight with balky printers, live in fear of hard disk crashes and tremble at the thought of computer viruses.

While all these problems detract somewhat from the academic experience of thesis writing, they pale in comparison to the hassles of the Class of '47 or '72, professors say.

"Well, it's much easier for the students now; they don't have to be such accomplished typists," says Kenan Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield '53. "I remember that getting your senior thesis typed was a real trial. Most students didn't type well enough to type 100 pages for a senior thesis, so you had to hire a typist and you had to reserve one in advance--several months ahead."

"You also had to finish your manuscript about a week before it was due in order to give it to the typist to handle it. That was a terrific nuisance," Mansfield says.

Professors also have fewer hassles now that computers are common among students.

"[Papers] are easier to read than when they were handwritten," says James N. Butler, McKay professor of applied chemistry.

Within the past 20 years, computers have gone from being relative rarities outside of science departments to fixtures on virtually every desk on campus. By 1986, "everyone was using computers," says Richard C. Marius, the former director of the Expository Writing program.

Of course, computers find even more powerful academic applications in the sciences.

"What students have is a great many more tools for learning, understanding," says James E. Davis, head tutor in the chemistry department. "I have had for years the impression that students think molecules are a bunch of letters held together by sticks."

Special programs allow students to calculate molecular dynamics and to see "how they bend and vibrate and breathe." Computer molecular modeling programs allow students to look at three-dimensional models which show component atoms in their proper relative sizes and locations.

In addition, greater communication through Web pages, newsgroups and e-mail have enhanced the learning environment outside the classroom.

Editing Ease

Professors also agree that computers have made it much easier to revise and edit papers.

"Technical production is a lot easier than it was when you used a typewriter, and this probably frees up students to feel they can experiment more," says Professor of the History of Science Everett I. Mendelsohn.

"You can change your mind and go back and edit while you're still writing," Mendelsohn notes, adding that problematic passages can be cut or corrected quickly. "In that way papers do come in better edited."