On this page:
Overview
Getting Connected
Support
Supplies


Overview
As members of FAS, all GSAS students can receive services from Harvard University FAS Computer Services (HASCS), located in the basement of the Science Center (495-9000).

All GSAS students receive FAS UNIX accounts on the central FAS computer system in the domain fas.harvard.edu. This system, a collection of computers running the Unix operating system, is available for interactive logins from Harvard and other Internet-accessible computers throughout the world. For help on email use visit the web page here.

All incoming GSAS students will have accounts set up on FAS before their arrival, with information about their user name and initial password being provided in packets they receive the day of registration. Returning GSAS students who do not already have an FAS account, may register online by telneting to fas.harvard.edu and logging in as "register". Other information and instructions are available from the Computer Services Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center or from the FAS Computer Services web site.

The main FAS computing facilities are located in the basement of the Science Center. Several labs provide access to Macintosh, IBM and UNIX workstations 24 hours a day. HASCS also operates an ever-increasing number of kiosk computers throughout the campus, allowing a quick email check when you are on the run. HASCS operates a computer room in the basement of Dudley House (Lehman Hall). The GSC also operates a free laser printing facility in the Dudley House Library. There is also an HASCS computer room in the basement of Child Hall; students living in the GSAS Residence Halls may receive an access key by contacting the GSAS Housing Services Office in Dudley House.

Off-campus computer users may access the Harvard network via dial-up connections. The modem pool supports PPP and SLIP connections for Macintosh and Windows computers. Software is provided by HASCS from the Help Desk in Science Center B-13 or from the FAS Computer Services web site. User names and passwords for the new modem pool (949-0000) are identical to those used for logging on to fas.harvard.edu. Consult the instructions on the HASCS web page or from handouts in the Science Center computer labs to properly configure your system for remote access to the Harvard network.

Support
User Support is available in the form of User Assistants (UAs), who can be contacted by either coming to the Computer Services Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center or by sending email to grad-help@fas.harvard.edu or help@fas.harvard.edu or visiting here. You yourself could serve as a paid User Assistant for others in your department or for students throughout GSAS and earn good money ($8-12 per hour, based on experience). Fill out an application at the Help Desk in the Science Center or investigate here.

Supplies
Harvard's computer store is the first stop for most students needing a computer. The Technology Products Center is located under Holyoke Center at 26 Dunster St. Although the TPC benefits from educational discounts and provides extremely well priced back-to-school packages, it may not always be the cheapest option for your needs.

If you have access to a car or do not mind a walk along the river, then you might head over to Microcenter near the B.U. Bridge at 727 Memorial Drive, phone number 234-6419. Microcenter is a huge computer store that has some great prices (especially on supplies such as toner). There is also a CompUSA on Mass. Ave. at MIT University Park that offers merchandise comparable to MicroCenter's. Office supply stores such as Staples and Office Max also carry computers and supplies at very competitive prices. And do not forget about mail order or direct ordering your new machine from the manufacturer (such as Dell or Gateway).