This is the information technology (IT) web page for Erice Crystallography 2007. Please email John Irwin if you have any questions not answered here. More information about Erice and the Erice crystallography meetings may be found at the Erice Crystallography web site http://www.crystalerice.org.
Contents: Computers Email/Access Software Workshops Powerpoint Laptops Virtual Courses Wireless Security
| Computers |
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What computers will be available and where are they?
We will have at least 10 linux workstations and 10 windows PCs. Participants are invited to bring their own laptops to supplement the desktops we will supply. All computers are on the Internet via a 2 Mbit/s line to the Italian backbone. Local connections are generally 100 Mbit/s or better.If you require computers other than these, please email me. You are encouraged to bring your laptop, which you may connect to the Internet.
How do I log in to computers?
The windows PCs will be permanently logged in as a communal user. If you require a personal login, please contact me.Can I log in after I leave / before I arrive in Erice?
No, sorry. For security reasons, there is a firewall that prevents access from outside Erice, but you may ssh, imap, pop3, etc OUT to your home computer when you are in Erice. Many companies and universities have recently made their networks more secure. Be sure to find out what you need to know to get into your home computers before you travel.How do I print?
On Windows, select "Print". The output should emerge from a nearby printer or, if none is nearby, in the Madonna Room.When may the computers be used?
All the time, except as required by workshops, from the first full day of the meeting (12 May) until the second last day (May 22).May I connect my laptop to the network?
Yes. There are numerous plug in points for laptops, and there is also an extensive wirless network (b/g). Please see the section Wireless. We use DHCP, so you should just be able to plug in and go (possibly following a reboot).| Email/Access |
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Do I have an email account in Erice?
We can provide a local email account on request.Help, I can't log in
Normally, computers will be permanently "logged in" as a communal user. There will be instructions on a sheet next to the computer. If you are still having trouble, try asking the person sitting next to you or a member of the IT support staff.How do I read my email back home?
We recommend the use of web-based e-mail clients for reading email on the road, but you may also ssh out from any computer, or use various web-based email clients. You may also use the various POP3 or IMAP clients available (e.g. Outlook, Outlook Express, pine, elm, Eudora, Netscape). If you need help, please see us. You are also welcome to install your own favourite email client. Please remember that most computers will be used by more than one person.Be sure to find out about any firewalls at your home site before leaving, as many security systems have been tightened in recent years. Be aware that many sites now only accept encrypted (ssh) outside connections. In fact, if your site does accept unencrypted outside connections, you might want to ask your system administrators: Why?
| Software |
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What software will be available on the Windows PCs?
WinXP, with MS Office, ssh/sftp clients, and software for the workshops. Please write if you require special software. You may install your own provided you have a license.| Workshops |
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What Workshops will be offered?
This is still under development. Please check back later.Electronic Posters
You may have a laptop next to your poster to demonstrate. The poster area will have wireless Internet, so you may also demonstrate web pages. If you intend to do this, please write me so we can plan.| Powerpoint |
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What do I need to know or do if I am a speaker requiring data projection or other IT services during my talk?
There is a desktop PC with a CD/DVD drive and an Internet connection running Windows XP and Office on the podium. It is connected to a data projector. Many people bring talks on USB finger drives.You may also plug your laptop in on the podium. It is a good idea to test-drive your presentation 24 hours in advance, which gives us time to help if there are any problems. Speakers must have their presentation loaded and ready to go at the start of the session to avoid delays.
| Laptops |
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Should I bring my laptop?
You are encouraged to bring your laptop. This will give you privacy for reading your mail, and flexibility about when and where you work. If you have a WiFi (802.11b/g) card, you are encouraged to bring it as that gives you even more options. Wireless cards will be available for rent. If you wish to rent a card, please email me so I can be sure to have enough on hand.How do I configure my laptop
Set up your laptop to use DHCP. If you don't get on the network right away and there is no one around who can help you, please try rebooting before asking IT support staff.Please use the printer "print1" on the computer "mad1" (\\mad1\print1). The print drivers should already be installed so you should just need to double click "print1" and be ready to go.
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Virtual Course |
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| Wireless |
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How do I connect my laptop to the wireless network?
If you already have a WiFi (802.11b/g) wireless card, set it to use DHCP. If you have trouble, try rebooting before contacting us. If you don't have a free PCMCIA type II slot, but you have a USB port, you may rent (or bring!) a WiFi USB adaptor. To avoid disappointment, be sure to reserve any equipment you would like to borrow in Erice _before_ leaving for Erice.Where is the wireless network available?
We are going to try to offer a WiFi network as widely as possible:| Security |
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We will install various security software on the various computers. In general, outbound services will work, but inbound services will not. We would appreciate your help: if you find any weakness in our security systems, please bring this to our attention.