Computing at Queens'
This is a short guide to the computer jargon and computing services in Queens' and the University of Cambridge Computing Service (UCS).
How to see your bandwidth usage
You can now view your traffic statistics (amongst other things) on https://register.quns.cam.ac.uk/. Do note that these don't distinguish between traffic internal to the Cambridge network and traffic external, where you are only charged for external traffic.
Excess downloading/uploading alerts
There seems to have been a large number of people exceeding the network limits.
This has happened especially with BBC iPlayer and 4OD (Channel 4's equivalent), do not use these unless you are confident they are not uploading data (such as when using the flash-based streaming service rather than the installed client)
Terms you need to know
As a fresher you are likely to hear a whole host of new words and phrases about computing in Cambridge such as "Check your Hermes". These are just a few of the important terms to help you get started faster, more can be found at www.cam.ac.uk/cs/jargon.html
- CRSid - This is your unique username within Cambridge. It takes the form of your initials followed by several numbers, e.g. tfgg2. It forms your email address, tfgg2@cam.ac.uk, and is also used in many other services (like Raven, more on that below)
- Hermes - This is the main email service used in Cambridge. It can be accessed online (webmail.hermes.cam.ac.uk) or via an email client as detailed on the UCS site (using 'IMAP') , which I personally recommend.
- Raven - The unified login system for many services within Cambridge.
- PWF - The shared network of PCs and Macs within Cambridge, much like the computer network you might have had at your school.
- Lapwing - A wireless network available at certain locations within Queens', ideal if you want to work in the bar at lunch. See the UCS website or Lapwing.
Getting connected
The college now uses an automated configuration service. Simply connect your computer to the network, making sure that your network device is set to automatically obtain your address, and authenticate with a browser opened to any page. If you need to collect your authentication details, you can access the new students page prior to this.
Before you arrive in Cambridge you can find out your CRSid, and after you arrive you can find out the passwords for various services (Hermes, Raven and the PWF). You can do this via the page http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/new-students/.
The college computer room
A dedicated computer room with a number of PCs (Windows and Linux) and Macs (OS X), useful if you either don't have a computer or need to work away from your room. It provides internet access, laser printing and a wide range of applications for general 'office' type use and for courses.
Public network sockets (and Lapwing wireless internet) are also available in the library for laptop users.
More reading
Essentially all this information and more is available on the UCS website at www.cam.ac.uk/cs/. In addition, lots of very useful information relating to on computing in Queens' and Cambridge is also available at www.queens.cam.ac.uk/default.asp?MIS=62. The Queens' JCR website at jcrwww.quns.cam.ac.uk/ has all the information from this guide plus a lot more, including news about upcoming events, news in Queens', the current committee, and the Table of Faces.