ABSTRACT

A few years ago, when I worked at a small college in a northern state, I was assigned to a spacious office in a renovated mansion. Built in the early 20th century, the mansion had a substantial heating system with old-fashioned, steam-generating radiators in each room. My computer work station was situated next to a large window and almost directly above the radiator. Because the mansion was located in the center of an elegant garden, I was grateful for the opportunity to look at the gorgeous view as I worked; however, I was also concerned about the radiator’s effect on the computer (which seemed fairly new). When the information technology representative visited my office to introduce himself and explain the network system, I expressed my concern about the computer’s location: I had been taught that computers should not be exposed to direct heat. However, this computer is sitting right by the radiator. Given the long, cold winters (which will I assume require a lot of heat), shouldn’t we move the computer? The young man carefully considered my question and then dismissed my concern: “Well, it’s always been like this. The computer has always been there, so it must be okay.” He spoke the words with such finality that I knew further discussion would be pointless. I still marvel at his certainty, his deep faith that the way things are and always have been is the best-and only-way things can be.