Computer Resources
Information Technology, consisting of Computing and Communications Center (CCC) and the Academic Technology Center (ATC) provides and manages a wide range of information technology resources for the WPI community to support teaching, learning, research and student life. Undergraduate students obtain a computer account which acts as their virtual identity providing access to these resources. The computer account with associated personal network file storage remains active while a student is registered.
Software
Numerous software packages including academic courseware are available to students:
- in Public computer labs
- via terminal services using Remote Desktop Connection from Windows, Macs or Linux personal machines
- via the Virtual Lab using a web browser
- via network download for some applications
WPI's Campus License Agreement with Microsoft provides students with rights to current Microsoft operating system and business productivity software for use on their personal computers. Students have similar access to anti-virus protection software.
Computer Labs
The CCC supports open access labs in every academic building and the Gordon Library totaling hundreds of public use computers across the campus. Each of these labs offers a consistent user interface, software profile, and network access to centralized personal file storage. The Gordon Library houses the Information Commons, which includes a print center with color and black & white laser printers as well as scanning stations, and a Multimedia Lab for high-end digital editing.
Collaboration and & Learning Resources
- Tech Suites: Technology-enhanced meeting spaces designed for student project group use
- Learning Management Software: currently running Blackboard which is branded as myWPI
- Tools: Integrated Exchange, Office Communications Server (OCS), and SharePoint
- Equipment Loans: including laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, audio recorders, hard drives, etc.
- Electronic classrooms and electronically enabled conference rooms as well as web conferencing to enable remote meetings and classes
Technology Support & Instruction
Technology Helpdesk
Gordon Library, Main Floor; +1-508.831.5888; helpdesk@wpi.edu;
www.wpi.edu/+Helpdesk
- In-person technology support provided within the Gordon Library
- Requests for help via the web or E-mail with self-help content available online
Instruction & Research Support
- Instructor-led software applications training offered in our computer-training classrooms
- Instructor-led training for some specialized academic software applications
- Individualized help with project-related research is available at the Gordon Library
Infrastructure Services
The CCC manages the complex WPI network including:
- Wired network connects campus buildings including residence halls and participating Greek houses
- Wireless networking is available in all academic buildings and all residence halls
- Internet connectivity including connection to Internet2
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) access provides secure remote access to WPI on-campus information technology resources
- Specialized academic computing clusters
The CCC operates the administrative system that provides data processing services to WPI administrative offices. The WPI information system provides ready access to important registration information. Students update their biographical information, manage course registration, and check grades and over the network via online administrative system.
Specialized solutions to computing problems, and project support are also provided by some academic departments. Students are encouraged to speak with their project advisor, should a need arise.
