Computer Labs
What Operating Systems are offered in the Gianforte School of Computing Labs?
The primary SoC Lab (Barnard Hall 254 and Barnard Hall 259) has 18 Dell Precision T3620 MiniTower machines with 27" monitors (2540x1440 resolution).
The PCs are running:
- Windows 10 Enterprise 64-bit
- Fedora 26 x86_64
Most other public access computers the Gianforte School of Computing manages are also dual-boot with Windows 10 Enterprise and Fedora Linux. This includes Barnard Hall 348, and many of the research rooms.
How do I access the Windows side of the lab machines?
The UIT manages the MSU Domain and all MSU students are given a NetID. If you don't have your NetID information, please contact the UIT Help Desk at 994-1777 or visit the UIT Help Desk in the Renne Library. When logging in, make sure to use your NetID and password and ensure that the MSU Domain is selected. With Windows 10 you may need to select "Other User".
How do I access the Linux side of the lab machines?
If the machine you want to use is already booted into Fedora Linux and displaying the graphical login screen, simply login using your NetID and password. Remember, passwords are case sensitive so you have to get them just perfect or they aren't going to work.
If the machine is currently booted into Microsoft Windows 10, you can use the Windows login screen to restart the computer. After the BIOS screen flashes by a boot menu is presented. Just arrow up/down to Fedora and hit Enter. Windows is the default if no OS is selected from the boot menu.
NetID problems? If you have a problem authenticating with your NetID, you should visit http://password.montana.edu/ where you can potentially reset it. If that site doesn't work for you, you may need to call the UIT Helpdesk (x1777) or visit them in person over at the MSU Library.
What software is available on the Linux side of the lab machines?
Everything you should need for your classes as well as general purpose desktop software should already be installed on the lab machines. This includes a plethora of programming languages (PERL, Python, C, C++, Java, shell script, etc), integrated development environments (Netbeans and Eclipse), wiget sets (QT, GTK, etc), and application software (Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, GIMP, Scribus, Inkscape, Blender, etc).
If there is any additional software that you need, please call (994-3931), stop by EPS262, or email sdowdle@montana.edu and put in a request.
Linux distro ISOs: ISOs for Fedora and various other Linux distributions are available over the LAN.