The new help desk for Computer and Networking Services will open at 2 p.m. today with a ceremony.

The help desk is a free service to students and faculty. The desk is staffed by people who answer a variety of questions about computers.

“We get a multitude of questions on the UW software,” said help desk director Charles Probst.

The help desk underwent several changes, the most important being its location.

Also, the office is larger to serve everyone and to do it faster, Probst said.

The changes have helped upgrade the quality of service the desk provides, said Brandon Knuth, a senior MIS major who is employed by CNS.

The new location of the desk is hoped to increase awareness of the CNS.

Other areas in which the help desk offers assistance include configuring dial-up to the university’s network and answering basic questions on software and hardware problems.

This time of year the common questions are about accessing school e-mail accounts, Knuth said.

Knuth, with other students, use their training and knowledge of computers to work on several problems each day.

“We never leave a question unanswered,” Probst said. “Most are solved within a couple minutes and if not then, by the end of the day.”

The CNS Help Desk has not been used by everyone because many do not know about it.

This may change with the grand opening of its new location, which will be in Old Library 1144.

Chancellor Donald Mash and Director of CNS, Jim Lowe, will speak at the ceremony.

The Help Desk is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Students can receive assistance by visiting the office or by phone at 836-5711.