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Computing for Students at MIT
This page presents an overview of MIT's student computing environment, with links to further details, including recommendations for systems.
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Student Orientation Podcasts: IS&T runs several classes during orientation week for new undergraduate and graduate students. Video versions (podcasts) of these sessions are available for those who could not attend. Current offerings cover connecting to MITnet, the basics of Athena, and the IS&T Help Desk. |
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What's Here for You
New students soon discover MIT's rich array of information technologies and resources. Many of these resources, including networks and telecommunications, are the responsibility of MIT's Information Services and Technology (IS&T) department. With these, members of the MIT community can take advantage of educational technology, share information and programs, communicate with each other, and work together on problems and ideas in creative ways. In addition to information about IS&T on our web site, we encourage you to call or send e-mail with your questions, and to visit IS&T at events during Orientation and at other times during the year.
MITnet
MITnet is the campus network. You will be using MITnet to connect
your computer to the Internet, access common network services, and communicate
electronically. The campus is fully wireless, so you can take a laptop to class,
study areas, or anywhere you would like to work.
Athena
Athena is MIT's academic computing environment, with
a wide range of applications and tools. It is available to all students
for free. Athena powers most computer labs on campus, and is used by
students for class work and to run educational software.
Your Kerberos Identity
To take advantage of MIT's many information-technology
resources, including on-line
services for students, you first need to establish a username
and password in MIT's
Kerberos security system. Your Kerberos identity confirms that you are
who you
say you
are to many of the IT systems on campus. When these
systems ask for your username and password, they are really asking for
your centrally maintained Kerberos identity.
Students new to MIT need an Account Coupon [Adobe Reader required], which contains personalized keywords to establish their unique Kerberos identity. Incoming freshmen receive their account coupons in the May Admissions mailing. Graduate students receive their coupons directly from their respective departments. If you are a new student and misplaced or never received an Account Coupon, go to the Student Services Center in Room 11-120, or go to the IS&T User Accounts Office in Building N42 (211 Massachusetts Avenue). You must have your MIT ID with you to pick up your Account Coupon.
MIT Web Certificates
MIT delivers many services and applications over
the Web. Those requiring authentication come from secure servers that
limit
access
to authorized
users, and protect transmission of sensitive data by encryption. Access
to MIT's secure web servers require web certificates on your
browser. Very soon after you establish your Kerberos identity, get
your MIT web certificates through the browser on your personal system
or on Athena.
Email
After you establish your Kerberos identity and get MIT certificates,
you are ready to start using your MIT email. For details on supported email
applications and their MIT-specific configurations, see Email
at MIT.
Buying a Computer
The campus is fully wireless, and MIT faculty are increasing the use of laptops as part of their course work. If you buy
a computer, we recommend purchasing a laptop, as it can be taken to class, study areas, or anywhere else you would like
to work.
While MIT does not require that every student own a computer, the vast majority do. We understand that not every incoming student will be in a position to make such a purchase. IS&T has made special provisions, so that if a student is unable to acquire a computer, he or she will not be at a significant disadvantage. For example, if you do not own a laptop but you are enrolled in a subject in which the instructor makes laptops an integral part of the class, the professor will be able to request one from the Laptop Loaner Program.
Recommended
Laptop Computers
For new computer purchases, laptops offer
distinct advantages, including portability and size. The systems recommended by MIT are configured with the capacity and
power to handle most applications people need to run at MIT. They come from vendors with reputations for producing reliable
products, and who offer educational discounts to the MIT community. The systems' built-in wireless and wired network
cards are compatible with MITnet. Following MIT's recommendations will ensure compatibility with the MIT computing
environment and that connection to MITnet will be trouble-free. MIT also has recommendations for desktop
systems.
Computer Buying Advice
The Computing Help Desk provides advice about MIT's recommended
systems and about what to purchase for your needs. The Help Desk showroom, located in Building N42 (211 Massachusetts
Avenue), has a selection of recommended systems to try out.
MIT
Support
IS&T
provides full support for the recommended systems and software through
a range of technical help services. The starting point for help is the IS&T Computing Help Desk.
Recommended
Operating Systems
IS&T recommends Macintosh OS X, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Windows
Vista and XP Professional.
If you need to upgrade your OS, wait until you are on campus, where IS&T can assist you.
Software
MIT provides a wide range of software for free or at a discount, including
networking utilities and virus protection. MIT's software download
site provides many core applications. Additional software is available
through volume licenses, or for purchase via MIT partner vendors at
MIT discounts. Details on software needed for course work will be available
with that course's information.
Hardware
Services
MIT offers on-campus certified warranty repair, installation,
and upgrades for the following manufacturers: Apple, Dell, and Lenovo/IBM.
Security
MITnet is an open network. Information-technology security
is crucial for individuals and for MIT's computing environment.
An unprotected computer in this environment may be vulnerable to outside
attacks, spam, or other threats that can compromise a student's identity
or undermine the security of a computer's hardware and data. IS&T
security services help raise awareness
of threats and foster correct computer behavior. Before connecting to
MITnet, make sure your virus-protection software, and OS updates and
services packs are up-to-date.
The security team also handles cases of electronic harassment, misuse of MIT computing resources, and copyright infringement claims arising from illegal uses of peer-to-peer services involving music, movies and games, thereby ensuring the network is safer and more productive for everyone at MIT.
Residential
Networking
All undergraduate and graduate students in campus residences can connect
a computer to MITnet quickly and easily. All dorms have full
wireless coverage, and all dorm rooms are equipped with at least one
network (Ethernet) connection per student.
Bringing
a Computer You Already Own
If you own a computer and plan to bring it with you, review MIT's
recommended hardware specifications, as well as the minimum specifications.
Telephone Services
Each dorm room contains a phone providing basic, on-campus and in-coming call
service, with other service options available. Student long-distance plans
are available, as are discount cell-phone services.
Mobile Devices
Smartphone/PDA devices
combine a cell phone and Internet access in a small package. For access to MIT's email, web
pages, and MIT TechTime™ calendar, IS&T currently recommends and supports devices running the Windows Mobile operating system;
IS&T also supports the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, and BlackBerry devices. If you currently own a mobile device, or
you are considering one, check for the latest information on mobile devices in the MIT environment.
Adaptive
Technology for Information and Computing (ATIC)
ATIC provides consultation, services, and technologies for
students with disabilities. Technologies include screen reading, voice
recognition software, alternative keyboards and mice, and scanning and
reading of printed or electronic text. If adaptive technology is needed,
contact ATIC before purchasing a laptop.
Questions?
Contact or visit the IS&T Computing Help Desk.
Web: web.mit.edu/ist/helpdesk
E-mail: computing-help@mit.edu
Phone: 617.253.1101
Location: 211 Massachusetts Avenue, Building N42
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
April 2008
