1996-1997 catalog
Campus Resources: What's Available
Academic Computing
The Rasmuson Library Division of Computing and Communications (C&C) is responsible for campus-wide academic computing, as well as library computing, campus networking and UAF administrative systems. The division provides consulting, training seminars, documentation, programming support and access to public domain software. Contact the Help Desk, (907) 474-6564 for more information.
All students, faculty and staff may use the UAF academic computing facilities. 'Nanook,' the new Digital Alpha 7620, came on-line in May 1995. The system has 256 megabytes of memory, 16 gigabytes of disk storage, a CD-ROM drive, a T2877 10-gigabyte data cartridge tape system and a 1600/6250 BPI nine-track tape drive. Software available includes: Unix operating system, electronic mail, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, Pascal and many others. Many VMS applications such as BMDP, IMSL, Minitab, SAS and SPSS are available on the Nanook machine. C&C manages user services for both 'Aurora' and 'Nanook.' Students, faculty and staff must obtain a user ID to gain access to the system. Other computing networks may be accessed through 'Aurora.'
Windows, DOS-compatible, Macintosh and Apple II computers are available for use at academic computing nodes in the library and the Gruening Building.
Various academic and research departments on the main campus have both mini- and microcomputers for research and instruction. There are also numerous microcomputer systems available for student use. Check with the school or college for additional information regarding usage fees, available software and hours of operation.
Students enrolled in specific courses may use the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC), which supports environmental research and science with an emphasis on high latitudes and the Arctic. See course descriptions for details. Undergraduate students with a faculty sponsor may submit research project proposals to apply for supercomputer use. The ARSC is a national computing resource available to researchers on UA campuses and to scientists worldwide.
Students, staff and faculty may purchase computer systems at educational discount prices from Apple. For more information, contact the UA Technology Center at (907) 474-6463.