ARCHIVED SITE (last updated Fall 2005)
For current information, please visit http://www.ischool.berkeley.edu
 

Computing Facilities

SIMS has its own dedicated computing support unit, known as Computing & Information Services (CIS). This unit consists of three full-time professional staff members as well as a number of part-time student employees. The mission of CIS is to provide a state-of-the-art computing environment for the SIMS community.

The SIMS Network: Wired & Wireless

The SIMS local area network consists of a switched Ethernet running at 100 megabits per second (Mbps). In addition to the dedicated connections for school-supported desktops and servers, there are a number of open network connections for laptops. The SIMS wireless network is based on the IEEE 802.11b standard. The wireless service allows laptop users to connect the the SIMS local area network (and thus the campus network and the Internet) from most offices, labs, and public spaces within South Hall.

Computer Labs and Classrooms

Two computer labs in the building are reserved for the exclusive use of SIMS students, offering both Windows and UNIX workstations. The primary classroom facility, known as the FlexLab, has two large rear-projection screens which can be connected to a variety of video sources, including computers, a VHS VCR, and a DVD player. Network and power connections for student use are located throughout the room. Wireless access is available in the FlexLab as well.

Software

To support the interdisciplinary curriculum and research interests of the School, CIS offers a wide variety of software applications, ranging from basic office productivity software to sophisticated tools for software development, database management, quantitative and qualitative research, and much more. In addition, students have access to a number of tools for developing dynamic and database-driven web content, including CGI, PHP, ASP, JSP, Java servlets, ColdFusion, MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft Access.