Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Considering MIT’s reputation, it should come as no surprise that computers are everywhere on campus. The large number of computer labs (commonly known as “clusters”) don’t even include the various “quick stations” (one or two computers primarily used for checking e-mail) set up all around campus. The network, known as Athena, was designed in the mid-1980s, long before network computing was commonplace. Today, students use public workstations to check e-mail, download music, finish papers, analyze data, and much more. Finding an available workstation is usually very easy, although you should avoid the main clusters the day before large computer science classes have projects due and around finals time. In fact, it’s always good to know where a few of the smaller clusters are in order to avoid crowds.

Although Athena has everything you could possibly want, you should bring your own computer, mainly for convenience. MIT students have strange hours and habits, so having your own computer allows you to do your work when and how you want. Most of main campus has a reliable wireless network, so it’s a good idea to consider buying a laptop. That way, you can work or surf the Web on campus, outside, or even during class. A laptop is also convenient for those students whose homes are far away, so not only can you take all your files with you when you go home for vacations, but you also don’t have to worry about hauling your monitor to storage. However, as with all valuables, just make sure you’re careful with your computer, as laptop theft does occur now and then.

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Students Speak Out

rwj says: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2014 Engineering

Students should definitely bring... Students should definitely bring their own computers. While there are computer labs, they are mostly for convenience if you don't want to carry your laptop to class. Since MIT is an engineering school, laptops are a must to completing assignments for class. 12345 Computers: February 18, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

As a ‘tech’ school, MIT has... As a ‘tech’ school, MIT has computer clusters and computer quick stations all over campus open 24 hours a day. Wireless Ethernet is also installed in many of the dorms and academic buildings. At any hour of the day, you will find students studying, researching, programming, or even sleeping in that spacious computer room. While most students bring their own computers to school, many often prefer to work at one of the computer clusters for better concentration or for access to more sophisticated software applications. During exam weeks, these clusters are guaranteed to be crowded, so having your own computer will be convenient then. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The Athena computer labs kick... The Athena computer labs kick butt. They’re always open and rarely crowded. Bringing your own computer is a very, very, good idea, though. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

There are computers galore. But if... There are computers galore. But if you’re coming to MIT, you already have built three of your own, and you have to have one next to your bed so you can check e-mail in your sleep. Right? 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

There are lots of Athena clusters... There are lots of Athena clusters all over the place. Most people have their own computers just because it’s really convenient when you’re writing a seven-page paper at 3 a.m., and you don’t want to trek all the way to campus. 12345 Computers Report

Facts

Did You Know?

AOL Instant Messenger is based on a program called Zephyr that was created (and is still used) at MIT.

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