At Rensselaer, computing is an integral part of the everyday educational experience and students have broad access to computing tools for use in a variety of courses. Many of the core science and engineering courses such as Calculus, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, and Computer Science, use computing intensively, as do some management and liberal arts courses. The Rensselaer Computing System (RCS), consisting of over 500 public IBM, SUN, and Silcon Graphic workstations and personal computers, forms the backbone of Rensselaer's computing labs, and plays a large part in the undergraduate program in computing across the curriculum.
ACS is a part of Rensselaer's Computing and Information Services department. ACS maintains computer labs all across campus, gives technical and consulting help, offers short courses on various computing topics, provides on-line and paper documentation, maintains and distributes the CIS newsletter, and more.
The mission statement of CIS is
Computing and Information Services provides enabling information services and technology to the diverse Rensselaer community. We collaborate with campus constituents to find solutions for educational, research, communication, and business needs.
The goal of CIS is to provide a top-quality computing environment for students, staff, and faculty at Rensselaer. It provides services effectively managed through a central organization, including access to:
In cooperation with other campus computing organizations and individual departments, CIS operates RPInet, the Rensselaer campus computer network. From a workstation or personal computer connected to the network, you can access many campus computers as well as a diverse array of software.
For current computing news, be sure to read the CIS newsletter, The Kiosk, available on-line via RPInfo, at the Help Desk locations and the library counter, in the labs, or by subscription.
Another good way to learn more about computing is to attend our short courses.
If you're a new, or prospective, student, you're probably wondering if you should bring a personal computer to Rensselaer. We now have an on-line brochure that can help you with that question.
Remember, the staff is here to help you. If you need help with general questions, the VCC Help Desk, located in the lobby of the Voorhees Computing Center, is a good place to start. You may also get computer consulting help in CII 3111 during the fall and spring semesters.
(Don't forget to check for any special hours which might apply to the beginning of each semester, mid-semester breaks, or holidays.)
Questions, comments, suggestions? Please send e-mail to consult@rpi.edu.