1997-98 UAF Catalog

Campus Resources


Academic Computing

The Rasmuson Library Division of Computing and Communications (C&C) manages campus-wide academic computing as well as library computing, campus networking and UAF administrative systems. The division provides consulting, training seminars, documentation, programming support and access to public domain software.

All students, faculty and staff may use the UAF academic computing facilities. UAF's primary academic computer, Aurora, is a Digital Alpha 7000-640 with 1 gigabyte of main memory, 28 gigabytes of disk storage, a CD-ROM drive, a TZ877 20-gigabyte Digital Linear Tape system and a 1600/6250 BPI nine-track tape drive. Aurora's software includes the Digital Unix operating system, electronic mail, numerous programming languages (C, COBOL, FORTRAN, Pascal), SAS and S-Plus statistical analysis software, and a multitude of utilities and helper applications.

A second academic computer, Nanook, is available for those applications requiring the VMS operating system. Nanook is a Digital Alpha 3000-400 running OpenVMS, which has much of our heritage software, such as BMDP, IMSL, Minitab, and SPSS. C&C manages user services for both Aurora and Nanook. Students, staff and faculty must obtain a username to gain access to each system. Contact the Help Desk at (907) 474-6564 for more information.

Windows and Macintosh computers are available for use at computer labs in the library and the Gruening Building (room 211).

Various academic and research departments on the main campus have both mini- and microcomputers for research and instruction. There are also numerous microcomputer systems available for student use. Check with the school or college for additional information regarding usage fees, available software and hours of operation.

Students enrolled in specific courses may use the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC), which supports environmental research and science with an emphasis on high latitudes and the Arctic. See course descriptions for details. Undergraduate students with a faculty sponsor may submit research project proposals to apply for supercomputer use. The ARSC is a national computing resource available to researchers on UA campuses and to scientists worldwide.

Students, staff and faculty may purchase computer systems at educational discount prices from the UA Technology Center at (907) 474-6463.