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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 (podcasts) covering the topics in these sessions from past orientations are available. |
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What's Here For You
New students soon discover MIT’s rich array of information technology resources. As members of the MIT community you can take advantage of educational technology, access academic software, communicate with each other, and work together on problems and ideas in creative ways. In addition to the answers and computing resources provided on the Information Services and Technology (IS&T) web site, we encourage you to call or email with any questions you may have, and to visit us at events during Orientation 2009 and at other times during the year.
Students increasingly use laptops as part of their course work on MIT’s campus-wide wireless and wired networks. While MIT does not require that every student own a computer, the vast majority do. We do recommend purchasing or bringing a laptop computer, as it can be taken to class, study areas, or anywhere else a student would like to work. MIT’s recommendations for laptops meet faculty guidelines and are competitively priced.
We understand that not every incoming student will be in a position to make such a purchase. In addition to purchasing assistance which may be available (please consult MIT Student Financial Services), MIT has shared resources available to accommodate students who do not bring a computer to campus, such as public student computing labs. Check the IS&T web site for more information on these and other available resources.
Before You Get Here
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. Establishing your Kerberos identity also
registers and activates your Athena account.
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.
Recommended Laptops: Buying
a Computer
The systems recommended by MIT are configured with the capacity and power to handle the academic and engineering
applications most students need to run, for a trouble-free computing experience. These include built-in wireless and wired
network cards that are compatible with MITnet. MIT partners with vendors with reputations for producing reliable products
and negotiates deep discounts for MIT student purchases. The standard student bundles include an extended warranty and in
most cases accidental damage coverage. MIT also offers an on-campus repair service for recommended laptops. Check the laptops web
page for the latest recommendations, as vendors release new systems throughout the summer.
Computer Buying Advice
The Computing Help Desk provides advice about MIT’s recommended systems and about what to purchase for your needs. The
Computing Help Desk showroom, located at 211 Massachusetts Avenue (Building N42), has a selection of recommended systems to
try out.
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.
Recommended Operating Systems
IS&T recommends Macintosh OS X, Ubuntu Linux, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Vista. Check the web site for current
releases and upgrade paths. If you need to upgrade an operating system, wait until on campus to do so. MIT has site licenses
for most recommended operating systems, and IS&T can assist with upgrades.
Software
MIT provides a wide range of software for free or at a discount, including communications, backup, and licensed enterprise virus-protection
software. Most such software is available
for downloading. Details on other software needed for course work will be available
with that course’s information.
After You Get Here
Athena: MIT’s Student Computing Environment
MIT’s student/academic computing environment, with a wide range of applications and tools, is available to all students
for free, through computers and labs in many locations on campus and in MIT dormitories.
MITnet: Connecting to the Network
Wireless and wired network access is available throughout most areas of MIT’s campus. MITnet, the campus
network, lets students register one or more computers for network access and connect to network resources such as printers,
course materials, and software downloads.
Residential Networking
All students can connect a computer to MITnet quickly and easily. All dorms have wireless coverage available in most areas,
and all dorm rooms are equipped with at least one high-speed wired network (Ethernet) connection per student. In-dorm connection
assistance is available from IS&T student Residential Computing Consultants (RCCs).
Security
MITnet is an open network, and an unprotected computer in this environment is vulnerable. It is important to protect your computer from outside attacks, spam, or other threats that can compromise your identity or undermine the security of your computer's hardware and data. Before connecting a computer to MITnet, make sure it has anti-virus software installed, spam screening enabled, the internal firewall turned on, and is configured to receive automatic operating system and software updates. A strong password and backing up your data to a secure server will ensure that your data are doubly protected. If using a laptop, STOP registration tags are a loss-prevention measure and deterrent to theft.
Telephone Services
MIT provides a variety of telephone- and voice-related services to students, ranging from discounted cell-phone and data plans
to mobile-device services and deeply discounted international calling plans. Depending on location, in-room traditional or
computer-based telephone options may be available; check the Telephone Services web site for more information about available
services.
Mobile Devices
Smartphone and PDA devices provide cell-phone and Internet connectivity in a small package. For access to MIT’s
email, web pages, and calendar, IS&T currently recommends and fully 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 are considering purchasing one, check for the latest information on mobile devices in the MIT environment.
Adaptive Technology for Information and Computing (ATIC)
ATIC provides consultations, services, and technologies for students with disabilities. Technologies include screen
reading, voice recognition, alternative keyboards and mice, and scanning and reading of printed or electronic text. If an adaptive
technology is needed, contact ATIC regarding purchasing a laptop or other solutions.
Questions? Need Help? MIT Computing Help and Support
IS&T provides full support for recommended systems and software through a range of technical help services. The starting
point for help is the IS&T Computing Help Desk. The Help Desk also offers on-campus certified warranty repair, installation,
and upgrades for the following manufacturers: Apple, Dell, and Lenovo/IBM.
Web: web.mit.edu/ist/helpdesk
E-mail: computing-help@mit.edu
Phone: 617.253.1101
211 Massachusetts Avenue
MIT Building N42
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
April 2009
