FAQ
How do I get my computer on the network?
Fill out the Machine Registration Request form here.
Why do I need a Domain User Account?
You need a Domain User Account to use Life Sciences Division networked resources – this includes LSDiv Email, Network Attached Storage, DNA Sequencing Facility, Bauer Center instruments, and Imaging Center printers and microscopes. Apply online for a new Domain User Account here.
What are the requirements for Domain User passwords?
To be "valid" a password must be at least 8 characters long (longer is better), and should include mix of CAPS and lower-case letters, numbers, and any of the following characters:
{ } [ ] , . < > ; : ' " ? / | \ ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - + =
Passwords should not be dictionary-based. Substituting numbers and punctuation for vowels no longer tricks password crack software - intersperse numbers, letters and special characters so that the result doesn't resemble a word. If you would rather have a complex password generated for you, our password generator web page can generate a random and complex password up to 14 characters long: Online Complex Password Generator.
I forgot my password – how do I get it reset?
Contact the FASCS HelpDesk at 6-2727.
How do I get an email account?
Email is automatically included with an LSDiv Domain User Account. One of the fields on this form (“How will you receive email?”) indicates your email preference – simply specify “MCB email” [eventually we will have LSDiv, CSB, and other departments listed]. We can forward LSDiv email to other mail servers; please indicate where to forward email, if that’s what you want.
How large can my mailbox be?
The default is 500MB. This can be increased on request.
What network attached storage is available, and how can I use it?
Life Sciences Division’s NAS is an EMC Celerra (more information on the EMC is available here). Space on the EMC costs $1500/TB/year. Incremental backups are done nightly, full backups on the weekends, and backups are kept for two months. This document explains how to mount or map the EMC volumes.
What happened to atavachron, gossamer, titan and titan2?
These are the nicknames of previous NAS's; the new NAS responds to all of these names. Most labs will be able to map their EMC volume using one of these names.
Where is the DNA Sequencing Facility?
The Sequencing Facility is located in Biolabs 3094.
How can I get a Sequencing Account?
If you already have a Domain User Account, and want to add DNA Sequencing, use this link. If you don’t yet have a Domain User Account, apply here and click the “yes” button next to the question “I need access to the MCB DNA Sequencing Facility.” Additional information on the Sequencing Facility is available here.
Where is my DNA Sequencing data stored?
Sequencing Data is stored in user folders on the EMC. On the PC, this is mapped as \\lsdivfs3\dna\username; on a Mac, it’s smb://lsdivfs3/dna/username.
How can I get access to the Imaging Center?
Contact Dave Smith [dmsmith [-at-] fas [dot] harvard [dot] edu] in the Imaging Center for training, and Jennifer Xie [jxie [-at-] mcb [dot] harvard [dot] edu] in the Financial Office to get your 33-digit chargeline into the database.
A lot of your documents say “Call the FASCS Helpdesk at 6-2727” – why is that?
FASCS provides Desktop Support and front-line HelpDesk services for MCB; the FASCS HelpDesk also generates all support request tickets for LSDiv Research Computing.
Where are the department calendars?
Biological Anthropology || CBS || CCB || CSB (formerly CGR) || MCB || OEB || Psychology
If any of these links breaks, please notify our WebMaster [webmaster [-at-] mcb [dot] harvard [dot] edu], and until the link is fixed, try the “parent” page and look for “News and Events”.
How can I get access to an instrument in the FAS Center for Systems Biology?
Request a “Calcium” account from Claire Reardon [claire [-at-] cgr [dot] harvard [dot] edu]; once you have that, login here.
What software is available to analyze my data?
Some of the analysis tools on the Bauer Core Linux cluster are listed here. Other analysis software is available through FAS and UIS - you need a Harvard PIN to access both of these sites:
Can I get custom programming to manipulate my data?
The FAS Center for Systems Biology offers custom programming. More information is available here.
I want to buy a new computer - what are my options?
The Technology Services web page (which requires a Harvard PIN) is the place to order a Mac or a Lenovo computer; if you want to order a Dell, go here.
Where are the online directories?
Biological Anthropology || CBS || CCB || CSB (formerly CGR) || MCB || OEB || Psychology
How can I send email to people listed on the MCB Directory web page?
The MCB directory has a link, “emailer” on each group’s directory page; by default all members are selected, but you can remove names from the list by clicking in a name’s check box. Then click on one of the “Open Email window” links on the page.