Physics Computer Support Center

Physics Department, Kansas State University

The old VAX server room in the lab Scientific computing clusters The current Physics server room

Highlights:

The Physics Computing Support Center was established in 1997 to bring order to the chaos that then reigned over computing in the Physics department. It was originally known as the Physics Computer Support Team, and grew out of our electronics repair shop. It has long since absorbed the old shop and become critical to the operation of the department. PCSC provides both hardware and software support to the Physics department (and to several other KSU units).

General computing in Physics is based on Windows desktops and an extensive Windows Server and Exchange "back office". A wide range of productivity software is available. Several research networks of Linux machines are supported, as are several high-performance computing clusters.

PCSC is overseen by the department's Computing committee. The committee usually meets about once a semester and is chaired by Kevin Carnes.

Requirements:

There are minimum requirements your computer must meet before being connected to the Physics network. Please consult these requirements before purchasing a machine or asking PCSC for support.

News:

  • You must now login with your Physics username and password to request accounts, poster printing, or laptop work from PCSC.
  • Please read our laptop computer policies before using this form to request work (login required).
  • Installation of Cardwell Hall's new network is nearing completion. Most of Cardwell Hall should now be actively using the new system. Cable-pulling work has moved into the JRM Lab.
  • Watch for the appearance of Internet Explorer 9 after our latest updates. See Microsoft's Discover Internet Explorer 9 for details of what's new.
  • Vince Needham has joined the PCSC part-time. JRM researchers should seeek him out in the morning, and get used to sharing his time and planning ahead!