Here are some questions that we often receive from new students.
Q: Who can I call when I have a question?
A: We try to put as much information as possible either here or on our website, but questions are always welcome. When you get here, come visit the friendly folk at our Help Desk in Parsons B148 or call them at (909) 607-7777. You can also send email to help-desk@hmc.edu.
Q: Do I need to buy a computer when I come to Harvey Mudd College?
A: Harvey Mudd College has many computing labs, including four general use labs that are maintained by Computing and Information Services. In the Parsons Building we have three labs with Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh computers, laser printers and color scanners. Our fourth lab is in the Linde Activities Center near the dorms. These labs are open to students 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. In addition, many of the departments maintain other computer labs. There are lots of computers around, but the labs can get busy, and we don't supply computers for your dorm room. So the answer is "you can get along without buying a computer, but you probably should".
Q: What kind of computer should I buy for my dorm room?
A: The one you like best! Harvey Mudd College supports all three major operating systems (Windows, OS X and Linux). Students and faculty use all three and all three are available in our labs. As you know, we love technology at HMC, so we'd expect that you'll become quite literate in multiple operating systems over your time here.
Q: Should I buy a laptop or desktop computer?
A: Again, this is really a matter of personal preference. Laptops are often more expensive than desktops and more vulnerable to theft. On the other hand, wireless networking is available in many areas of campus, which means a laptop will be pretty useful. During 2008-2009 we will be deploying a new wireless network that will be faster and cover even more of the campus.
Q: Do I need to buy a printer?
A: CIS also maintains several publicly accessible printers which students can use. The printers are located in the computer labs in the Parsons Building and in the Linde Activities Center. Currently CIS does not charge for printing. There are no publicly accessible printers in the dorms, although the Linde Activities Center is located between the dorms, so quite close. If you would prefer to have a printer closer than that though, you should consider buying your own printer.
A: You'll need word processing software such as Microsoft Office or Open Office. The College has made licensing arrangements with some vendors, and you can purchase discounted software and hardware at http://www.journeyed.com. You should make sure you have a current anti-virus program. Some of the specialized applications used in courses are available on the network for use in the dorms. These include Maple, Matlab, and Mathematica.
Q: Is there a computer store at the Claremont Colleges?
A: Huntley Bookstore on the Claremont Colleges campus has a computer sales department. They offer special academic pricing for students of the Claremont Colleges and also have a service center for Apple computer repairs. You can contact them by phone at (909) 621-8999 or visit their Web site at http://www.huntley.claremont.edu/. There are also several computer superstores in the area.
Q: What is the HMC network like?
A: The HMC network consists of a multi-Gigabit backbone, with connections to each building’s distribution center. From there, high speed switches provide the connections for each user. The network is connected to the Internet via two redundant Gigabit per second connections which are shared with the other Claremont Colleges. On an average day during the semester, over 2 Terabytes of data is exchanged on the Internet. We also maintain another 300 Mbps connection for additional redundancy. In addition, we have connections to Internet 2. This is a consortium of research labs, colleges, and universities that provide high speed connectivity, unimpeded by normal Internet traffic.
Q. What about the HMC wireless network?
A: We have a wireless network, which we are currently in the process of upgrading, more than doubling the number of wireless access points. There's good coverage throughout the west campus, but it varies in the dorms. Over the next year, we expect to cover almost all of the campus. More details about the deployment plan shortly!
Q: What kind of network connection will I have in my dorm room?
A: All of the dorm rooms have 10/100/1000 Mbit switched Ethernet connections. Fast, in other words.
Q: What software and hardware do I need to connect with an Ethernet connection?
A: All new computers have built-in Ethernet. Instructions for configuring your network software to access the dorm network can be found on our website. For all systems you will also need a CAT5 network cable, often included with your system, otherwise readily available from Huntley Bookstore or other local stores.
Q: Is there anything else I should buy?
A: All students have one live ethernet port in their room. If you have multiple computers and will need additional ethernet ports, you should plan on purchasing a small ethernet switch. In addition, a USB flash memory drive is a useful tool to have, since most of the lab computers no longer have floppy or Zip drives.
Q: Will Computing and Information Services help me set up my computer when I arrive?
A: We would like to, but we don't really have the resources to do that. Sorry. Detailed documentation on connecting your computer to the network is available on our website. There are also many experienced students who can help you out if you have trouble. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to call our Help Desk at (909) 607-7777, that's 77777 from a campus phone.
Q: What computer accounts will I receive when I arrive at HMC?
A: All incoming students automatically receive several computer accounts when they arrive. These include an account on the Zimbra Collaboration Suite, Mailbox-02.hmc.edu (this is the account that you will use for email, calendars and contacts); an account on the CIS Linux machine, Odin; and an account on a CIS Windows 2003 file server, Charlie. Your email account has already been created. You should have received information about it in an earlier mailing.
Q: What is the Appropriate Use Policy?
A: The Appropriate Use Policy is similar to the HMC Honor Code. It defines appropriate use of computer resources and the campus network. Your use of the network resources constitutes agreement to abide by the Apppopriate Use Policy. Read all about it in the the Student Handbook .
Q: Is there somewhere I can go for more information about computing at HMC?
A: Take a look at the the CIS website and at each of the department websites.
Q: Who can I call when I have a question?
A: Hey, we answered that already!
Updated July 2008
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