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Ctp guide to computing
Facilities
Members of the CTP have access to the central computer facilities at the Laboratory for Nuclear Science as well as workstations and printers in the CTP including:
- LNS machines running Linux
- CTP Macintoshes
- 1 b/w Postscript Printer
We strongly suggest that you visit the LNS Computer Services web page http://www2.lns.mit.edu/compserv/requests/acctappl.html for information on a wide array of computer topics. Questions about LNS services not described in this guide or on the web pages may be addressed to LNS computer services. Questions about Linux machines or CTP facilities should be addressed to Scott Morley, 253-4852. Scott will direct you to the proper person for more specific help as necessary.
Access
The Center is continually upgrading facilities to provide access from every desk. Presently, most offices have access via a PC running Linux. In some offices, this equipment needs to be shared by several users. A public workstation (CTP small seminar room) is available in the CTP small conference room 6-310 (see Charles or Joyce for login information if needed).
MIT wireless is also available at the CTP. If you are a first time visitor with a laptop, you will need to register for wireless service. Start up your laptop, open a browser and the first page you'll see is the welcoming page for MIT Network Registration (see picture). Information on registration is located at http://web.mit.edu/ist/services/network/dhcp/dhcp-detail.html, Option B, wirleless DHCP Service. It will take approximately 15-30 minutes for your connection to work.
Linux PC
When a CTP Linux PC is on, it shows a login screen. Once you have applied for an LNS user account, you will be able to access these computers. If you have been provided with a guest account, please use the password you were assigned and do not change it. Guest accounts are deleted the day the visitor leaves.
Connecting between machines within MIT
Once you are logged into a Unix workstation, you can connect to others where you have accounts. Always use ssh to access other platforms within MIT. To do this, type ssh username@machineConnecting to machines outside MIT
Once you are logged into a Unix workstation, you can connect to other machines where you have accounts. Whenever possible, use ssh to access any other platform . If you cannot access your home machine by ssh, please be advised that using unencrypted telnet is a poor practice and MIT is not to be held responsible if there is any damage to your home site's computing systems. MIT strongly suggests using secure connections (like ssh) to make any necessary connections.
Computer Accounts
For members who are here for more than one week, upon arrival and check-in at the CTP, you should apply for a computer account through the LNS Computer Services application online at http://www2.lns.mit.edu/compserv/requests/acctappl.html.[These accounts will be terminated 60 days after your LNS appointment expires.]
Contacting LNS Computer Services
In general, it is best to contact Scott Morley regarding computer problems, but if CTP help is not available, email the LNS computer services at rt@lns.mit.edu, or web interface at http://www.lns.mit.edu/rt/ (Please note that a username and password is required to log in to the RT web interface - when you enter your first request via email, a password will be automatically generated and sent to the requesting email address; your email address will serve as your username). Describe the problem in as much detail as possible. Please give your name, office phone number, building and room number and machine's name.
Printers
There is one b/w printer located in 6-309 in the CTP. To make transparencies, first print onto paper, and then use the photocopier to make transparencies (see Scott, Charles, or Joyce for instructions on copying).
Unix Mail
LNS recommends using Athena for your email needs. Please see http://www2.lns.mit.edu/compserv/help/new_users.html for complete details from LNS.
Physics e-Print Archive
To access the xxx.lanl.gov Physics archives, go to the CTP home page and follow the link to http://xxx.lanl.gov
To get information on paper submission to the archive, go to http://xxx.lanl.gov/help.
Mathematica
The department only has a limited number of Mathematica licenses, so when you complete your session please log out so others may use it.
Online Unix documentation
Online Unix help is available in the form of a Unix manual. To access the manual, type man and the first few letters of the subject you are interested in. For example, for help on the manual itself, type man man.