Intro to Computing at MIT

Computing is endemic to MIT. Within hundreds of academic and administrative offices, there are many information technology groups, experts, and resources at your disposal. MIT Information Services and Technology, commonly referred to as IS&T, provides a vast array of computing services to aid you with your daily studies or work at the Institute. Whether you are new to computers, new to the MIT computing environment, or just need to re-familiarize yourself with basic IS&T computing services, this is a great place to get started.

In this introduction you will find information on how to acquire a computer, get an account, obtain software, protect your system from viruses, and more.

Other getting started guides offered by IS&T provide information on how to connect to MIT's network, communicate via email and other methods, and use key telecommunication services .

If you are new to the MIT computing environment, you will find reading through each section of this document sequentially to be helpful in getting started. However, if you already have a computer and an account and are looking solely for information on a specific topic, click on the desired subject in the menu on your left.

Getting a Computer

With so many hardware options on the market, acquiring a computer that best suits your needs can be confusing. Fortunately, IS&T hardware experts can offer computer buying advice. Even if you already have a machine, you may want to consider an upgrade. Learn what IS&T staff recommends for desktops, laptops, printers, and accessories.

If you are disabled, the Adaptive Technology for Information and Computing (ATIC) Lab can help you select the appropriate adaptive technology.

For more information about getting a computer, see Hardware at MIT.

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Computers and Health

Whether you have purchased new equipment or are taking over an already established workstation, it is important that you set up this work environment to fit you comfortably. Many of us at MIT spend long hours in front of a computer that can cause strain injuries and eye damage over time. Learn what causes repetitive strain injuries and ways to prevent them through posture, exercise, and typing techniques. You may also be interested in exploring adaptive technologies, such as alternative/ergonomic keyboards, mouse clicking software, and voice recognition software, and more through the ATIC Lab.

For additional information, see Computing and Health at MIT.

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Accounts

Before you can purchase a computer through MIT-preferred vendors, download software made available by IS&T, send and receive email using MITnet, or gain access to secure MIT web sites, you must first obtain an Athena user account.

How do I obtain an account?

I already have an account, but I would like to change my password.

See Changing your Athena password for instructions.

I already have an account, but I forgot my password.

If you have forgotten your password and need to change it, you must visit the Athena User Accounts Office in person and present valid picture identification.

Once I get my account, what's next?

After you obtain an Athena user account, you may wish to find out more about getting connected to MITnet and communicating with email.

For additional information, send email to accounts@mit.edu.

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Web Certificates

Many MIT web sites offer special online services that are provided exclusively to members of the community. These services can be obtained right online using a Web browser and often involve "paperless transactions."

However, before you can begin using these services, you must first obtain and install a pair of digitally signed certificates into your Web browser. The certificates (securely) identify you to MIT's network as a valid member of the community.

Once the certificates have been installed, you can do things like buy computer equipment online at a discount and download MIT-site-licensed software. Certificates are required for students to begin using WebSIS, MIT's student information system. And staff need certificates before they can being using the web-based Employee Self Service application to review employee benefits online.

For more information, see Certificates at MIT.

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Computer Security

You may not be aware of how vulnerable your information is to hackers and outside attacks. Whether you are requesting information to be sent to you via an MIT or non-MIT web site, subscribing to a mailing list, or uploading pages to a web site, you are sending out information on your identity and opening up your computer and its files to outside risks.

In addition to secure web services, IS&T provides important tools and information on safe computing. Find out what to do if you suspect your system is being attacked or if your password has been compromised. Review the guidelines for choosing a password and how to tranfer files securely to ensure protection of your system. Campus police offers a laptop registration program to prevent computer theft.

For more information, see Security at MIT.

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Virus Protection

You have probably heard recent news reports of computer viruses and worms being spread around the world. Virus alerts are becoming increasingly familiar to everyone who uses a computer and should not be ignored. Viruses can be extremely destructive, and in some cases are capable of wiping out all the files on a system. Often viruses are spread via email attachments and can impact multiple users belonging to a computer's address book. IS&T offers virus protection software, tips on how to protect your computer, and email updates of virus warnings and the latest anti-virus products.

For more information about virus protection, see Virus Protection at MIT.

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Backup

Has your computer ever contracted a virus, inexplicably malfunctioned, or even been the victim of a hacker attack? Have you ever deleted a file by accident? Mishaps can occur that result in lost files and documents. Don't lose all your hard work! IS&T offers TSM, a backup and restore service which allows you to back up your data onto our servers over the network. This way, you can restore your data soon after a hard drive failure, or you can recover changed or deleted files. Back up your data and keep it safe!

For more information, see Backup at MIT.

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Software

There are so many products on the market that is difficult to know which to choose and where to find them. IS&T offers information on various products as well as which applications best meet MIT-specific needs. Learn about Athena, Linux, Macintosh, or Windows software through IS&T product pages that provide information on the best ways to obtain software at MIT as well as related training, publications, web sites, and more. Many popular Mac and Windows programs are available for download to members of the community via the MIT Software Downloads site. Through IS&T Volume License Software Distribution, you may be able to receive other products on CD.

For more information, see Software at MIT.

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Computer Training

Whether you are just starting at MIT or simply finding yourself faced with new duties or new projects, you may be required to learn new computer skills. IS&T offers a large selection of training courses and other resources to help you learn in a way that's comfortable for you. You may want to spend only an hour at lunchtime to get some basics during a quick start class. More comprehensive one-to-two day hands-on courses are also provided. Or perhaps you prefer web-based training for guidance at your own workstation. Whichever method works best for you, IS&T provides many options to meet your needs.

For more information and help, see Computer Training at MIT.

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Additional Resources

For those at MIT who may have specific technical needs, here are some additional resources to help you get started.

Other Information Technology Resources

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