MIT's computing environment gives community members access to a full range of information technologies and resources. The Information Services and Technology (IS&T) department supports "universal" services for everyone, such as telephones and network connections, including wireless, as well as services for specific constituencies, such as academic and administrative computing.
MITnet connects thousands of computers across the campus, and its connection to the internet gives MIT high-speed access to computers around the world. Wireless and wired access to MITnet is available across the entire campus, including all dorms.
The Athena Computing Environment, MIT's campus-wide networked system of Linux and Unix-based workstations, is available in computer labs, academic facilities, and QuickStations in academic buildings, libraries, and dorms. Athena is complemented by Macintosh and Windows labs providing additional resources. Across these environments students have access to courseware, electronic mail, mathematics and statistics packages, graphics and multimedia applications, engineering and programming tools, productivity software, printers, and other resources.
IS&T also provides computer buying advice and needs analysis, with a hands-on showroom of computer equipment recommended for use at MIT, including laptops recommended for students. Through MIT's partnerships with web-based vendors, MIT students, faculty, and staff can purchase hardware, software, and accessories at educational discounts.
Technical support is provided through telephone and email help lines, consulting, training, and publications. The Adaptive Technology for Information and Computing program provides technologies for students and staff with disabilities.
For more information on IS&T and computing at MIT, visit http://web.mit.edu/ist/.