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OIT Computing LabsWhat are the OIT Computing Labs?The OIT Computing Labs contain networked equipment and software that is readily accessible to any Rutgers student, faculty or staff member. These facilities are available on all Rutgers campuses. In New Brunswick, they are divided into two categories:
In Newark and Camden, some of the public computing facilities may be used as IML's, but they are not formally designated as IML's. Why would I want to use the computing labs? What is there?The computer labs have a variety of computing equipment. There are three major platforms supported: PCs running Windows 2000, Apple Macintoshes and UNIX systems (either X-terminals or Sun microcomputers.) The major labs support all three platforms. Some of the smaller labs only support some of these systems. All labs are network-connected with high-speed connections to the RUNet and the Internet. High-quality printing from all platforms is available at all the labs through their laser printers. Some of the General Access Labs labs have specialized equipment. This includes the New Brunswick computing hubs (largest lab on each campus) which have scanners and color printers and Loree which has MIDI keyboards. A large collection of software is available for use in the labs. Popular software includes Microsoft Office and Netscape Communicator is supported. Who can use the computers in the lab?Any student currently enrolled at Rutgers can use the OIT computing facilities. Rutgers faculty and staff are also encouraged to utilize the centers. Regardless of campus affiliation, individuals can use any of the facilities on Camden, Newark or New Brunswick. In general, the labs can not be used by non-Rutgers personnel unless they have been authorized to do so by obtaining a "Guest" account. When can the labs be used?Most labs are only open when they are staffed by OIT workers. A few labs are available unstaffed some of the time. The actual hours that the labs are available may vary throughout the year. In general, most labs open early in the morning and close late at night throughout the Spring and Fall semesters. Some of the New Brunswick centers are open 24 hours a day for four or five days a week. During the summer and between semesters hours are generally reduced. General Access labs can be used any time the lab itself is open. Instructional Microcomputer labs - which may be reserved for classes - may only be available for general access part of the time that a facility is open. Here are the current hours at New Brunswick, Newark and Camden and the schedule in the IMLs Are there time limits or other constraints on using the lab?General-access labs do not have time limits. You can use the lab as long as you need as long as it remains open. However, at some locations it is easy to overlook that some rooms are Instructional Microcomputer labs. You will be asked to leave an IML if a class is about to begin in it. There are various rules pertaining to the labs. You can be asked to leave if you are not following the rules of the labs. Are there other labs besides those run by OIT?OIT is only responsible for a portion of all computers around Rutgers. It runs all the large general-access computing facilities around Rutgers and a number of smaller labs. This includes some labs in certain libraries and student centers. However, quite a few departments also run their own computing facilities which may be open for student use throughout the week. Many of these departmental computer labs are geared towards students studying a certain discipline. Examples include the School of Business, Landscape Architecture, the Music Department, Natural Resources and various Engineering labs. Individuals looking for available facilities are strongly encouraged to ask around within any departments to which they are affiliated. Where are the labs located?There are over 15 separate facilities run by OIT containing a total of over 1000 workstations. Each of the New Brunswick campuses contains a major site - know as the "hub" site - with anywhere from 100 to 250 computers. Newark and Camden also contain one major location. Most of the campuses containing a number of smaller facilities - often at libraries and student centers - containing 20 to 50 workstations each. Precise information on the locations of facilities on New Brunswick, Newark and Camden, is available. What do I need to be allowed to use a OIT computing facility?When you go to the labs, you should have your Rutgers ID. At some sites, you must present this to enter the location. In all the labs, you can be asked to present this at any time to prove your affiliation with Rutgers. To actually get on the computers in the labs, you need an account on a UNIX system. Students, staff and faculty can make their own accounts the first time they visit a lab. Each time you sit at a lab machine you must enter your UNIX username and password. This info will be used to verify your credentials and to log your visit. Once this check is complete, you will be able to use the lab computer you are sitting at. (You also want to use a logout command before you leave the lab so that your name is no longer associated with any subsequent activities that take place on that lab machine once you leave.) As long as you have an ID and a UNIX account, you should be able to use all equipment and software at the lab. Does it cost me anything to use the computing facilities?Students pay a computer fee which appears on their term bills. This fee entitles them to many services including an account on the main Unix system (ie. Eden in NB), email capabilities, network connections in some dorms, dialup lines for home computing and access to the Internet. Part of the fee also goes to creating and upgrading non-OIT departmental instructional computer labs. However, a large portion of the computer fee funds is used to buy equipment and software for the OIT general-access and IML facilities, to staff the consultants assisting at those facilities and to purchase paper for the extensive printing done by users. Besides the computer fee, there is no charge for individual services at the labs. Staff and faculty wishing to use the facilities can do so at no cost. Where can I get info on how to use the machines and software in the labs?The staff on site will help you get familiar with the equipment and login procedures. Most software has built-in help and documentation. OIT supplements this with on-line documentation on various software and procedures. Most of the labs also have documentation racks and available manuals. OIT and other sources provide training on popular software. Also, often the staff on site is very willing to give you guidance on how to get started with new software. There is further info on the OIT workers at the other staffed sites. More info on how to get assistance is available for individuals or deapartments. How long will my privilege to use the labs last?As long as individuals remain students or employees of Rutgers they can continue using the labs. Within a year of graduating or otherwise leaving Rutgers, a student's account will be terminated and he will no longer will be able to use the labs. Students breaking the rules of the labs or misusing their computer account can have their privilege to an account suspended or revoked. Without such an account they can not use the computers in the labs. What rules must I follow while using the labs?The various labs generally have posted rules on bulletin boards within the rooms. The rules for New Brunswick labs are also available on-line. If you fail to abide by the rules, site staff is authorized to request that you leave. Repeated abuse of site rules can lead to further disciplinary action. All computer users are also expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy which gives guidelines as to what is and isn't proper use of your computer account.
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