Products and Services
Residential Computing provides a variety of products and services for students living in the residence halls. All halls (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Foothill, Bowles, Stern, Clark Kerr, Beverly Cleary, Manville, Channing-Bowditch, Jackson House, University Village) except Smyth-Fernwald and Shorb House are currently wired with In-Room Connections available in every room. In addition, Residential Computing supports the 5 Computing Centers located in the residence halls. Residential Computing provides support through the following programs:
Residential Computing Consultants
- Assist with In-Room Connections by aiding in the distribution of networking and security software, assisting with the installation of network adapters, and software, configuring residents' computers, and running rounds in the residence halls during the first week of each semester to check on residents' computers.
- Troubleshoot problems by holding regular customer service appointments and by tracking, following-up, and solving problems with In-Room Connections.
- Educate by holding regular office hours in the Computing Centers and by promoting the use of network applications, security software, and legal file-sharing.
Computing Centers
- Computing Centers are managed by ResComp Desktop Administrators and operated by Academic Center staff.
- They provide: access to common applications for residents without computers (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel), specialized hardware (i.e. scanners and laser printers)and software (i.e. Photoshop and PageMaker) for residents with specific needs, peripherals (i.e. digital cameras and laptops) for loan, printing resources for residents.
Information Servers
- Allow online In-Room Connection Registration
- Distribute networking and security software
- Ensure compliance with campus-wide Minimum Security Standards
- Provide Infosheets and user documentation
- House ResComp News, the semesterly newsletter
- Provide hiring information including job descriptions and applications
The Office of Residential Computing also provides many networking services to residence hall students.
In-Room Connection (IRC) Program
Students living in the residence halls who own their own computers and have Ethernet cards may sign up for an In-Room Connection (IRC). During Welcome Week, students attend a Cal Connect workshop at the Computing Center in their residence hall. At the Cal Connect workshop, students will sign up for their IRC, create their University email account, and register for their Computing Center account.
An In-Room Connection provides access to services such as online library catalogs, schedules, email, and the Internet from the comfort and convenience of your own room. These online technologies are significantly changing the way students communicate, study, and interact with the University community while enhancing the quality of student life.
Helpdesk
The online Helpdesk provides access to the Residential Computing Consultants (RCC). Students can get help from an RCC through our Helpdesk program. RCCs can answer quick questions through email or the Helpdesk hotline at 642-HELP. Students can also visit RCCs during regularly scheduled office hours in the Computing Centers. RCCs are available by appointment for on-site visits at our Helpdesk website. More information on how to get computing help is available at http://rescomp.berkeley.edu/helpdesk.
ResComp Wireless Networking
Wireless networking capabilities are provided by Residential Computing in the residence halls. Wireless hot spot areas are located at select study lounges and common areas in the residence halls, with more to be announced each semester. Please visit http://rescomp.berkeley.edu/wireless for more information, including maps of wireless hot spot areas in the residence halls.
Public Access Networking with Dynamic Addressing (PANDA)
In an effort to provide added convenience to residents who use our In-Room Connection program, the Office of Residential Computing has developed PANDA (Public Access Networking with Dynamic Addressing).
The PANDA system allows our residents to use their computers in any active jack in the residence halls once they have registered for an In-Room Connection. This is of particular benefit to residents who own laptops by complementing their inherent mobility. With PANDA, residents can now use their computers outside of their room and still receive fast Internet access.
Since its inception in early 1998, PANDA has proven its value to residents and has been adopted by the campus' Communication and Network Services department as the basis for their Library IP (LIP) Service. As a result, all residents who are registered for an In-Room Connection are automatically registered for the LIP Service as well.
Supporting the Computing Centers
Residential Computing maintains the Computing Centers in the residence halls. The Computing Centers provide computing and Internet resources to all residents, offering a wealth of software (such as Microsoft Word, Pagemaker, Photoshop, and Freehand) and hardware (such as scanners, bigger monitors, and color printers).
Computing Centers are conveniently located in each residential unit (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Foothill, Clark Kerr Campus, and University Village). Each Computing Center is connected to the residence hall Ethernet network and users can access their email accounts and surf the web. Residential Computing supports and maintains the technical aspects of these Computing Centers. The Academic Centers in the residence halls staff the Computing Centers and provide a number of computing workshops for students. Windows and Macintosh computers are available in the Computing Centers, as well as scanners and printers. See the Academic Center website at http://academiccenters.berkeley.edu for details.
In addition, there are many computing facilities available for student use both on-campus and in the residence halls.