Network Services and Computer Labs

The campus computing environment includes a network of Unix-servers that are referred to as Unity/EOS, Windows XP and Novell NDS networks. Faculty, staff, and students receive free Unity/NDS accounts which provide access to e-mail, file storage, and network printing services. All incoming faculty, staff, and students are automatically assigned to the IMAP mail client, which provides easy web-based access to e-mail from any PC using any web browser. The commonly used mail software package in the Entomology department is Mozilla Thunderbird.

The University maintains several Linux and Windows XP computer labs across campus that are accessible to any student, faculty, or staff member who holds a unity account. In addition, the CALS maintains the student computer labs, which are available for individual use or can be reserved online for classroom instruction. Through these labs, users also have access to a variety of general and specialized software for such activities as word processing, statistics, mathematical modeling, DNA analyses, etc. CALS also has a large format printer in 1400 Williams Hall. For additional information about this resource visit http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/computing/sop/classrooms/LF_Printer.html. Assistance is available to everyone on campus by e-mail, phone, or personal contact through the campus Computing Services. For additional information about CALS student computer labs, visit http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/computing/facilities/student_labs.html.

CALS is also testing a "nomadic computing" facility that will enable students to bring in their personal laptop computers and connect to the campus network. There is no target date for this facility to become operational. There is a nomadic computing environment available in the Talley Student Center. Click here for more information. Wireless networking is also available in North Gardner Hall. For more informaton on wireless networking click here.

Network users have access to other computing facilities both on and off campus.

• The NCSU Libraries provide access to online catalogs and databases. Laptop computers may be borrowed at the Reserve Desk at the D.H. Hill Library and at the circulation desks of the four campus branch libraries. The laptops can be connected to the Library's wireless nomadic computing network, providing users with access to the Internet, library networked information resources, and print stations.
• Faculty and students involved with mathematical modeling have access to the regional supercomputer.
• Students use department, college, and campus facilities not only for coursework and research, but also in registering for courses each semester through the online MyPack system.
• Teaching faculty can use the MyPack to access course rolls and student advisee's records.
• Department faculty and graduate students communicate with the field faculty of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES) in all 100 counties of NC who form an invaluable resource for local information and contacts with farmers and other cooperators in the state's agribusiness community.