The Physics Department currently does not employ full-time computing staff. Computer support is outsourced to Campus Shared Services by the Physics Department. You may request technical support by emailing itcsshelp@berkeley.edu.
Physics Resources
Most rooms in Birge Hall, Physics North, and Physics South have 1000Mbps ethernet connections. Learn more about the Physics Department's wireless access below.
The Physics Department recommends that you set up an account with bMail. To set up a bMail account:
- Have you Calnet ID and Passphrase handy
- Visit the bConnected website
- Click on Create New Account
Email Forwarding
By request, a @physics.berkeley.edu email forwarding address can be created for Physics department faculty and staff. The department no longer provides dedicated direct login or POP email services to new users.
Department Listservs
The Physics Department manages multiple listservs, for faculty, students, postdocs and staff. Frequent communications from the department go out on those listservs: information about town hall discussions, department newsletters, and messages from department administration about issues of interest. If you would like to join a department listserv, please contact physics_admin@berkeley.edu. Identify your name and role in the department so we can place you on the correct mailing list.
What Are My Wi-Fi Options?
In addition to using AirBears2 and AirBears, there are two new options to connect to the campus network. The inclusion of these new Wi-Fi options in the campus IT service catalog is part of ongoing efforts to improve services and expand support for the needs of faculty, students, and staff. For instructions, coverage areas, support and technical information, view all campus Wi-Fi options.
CalVisitor
Basic Wi-Fi access for guests.
The CalVisitor Wi-Fi service will provide a basic level of Wi-Fi access for those without a CalNet ID. Berkeley visitors (not visiting faculty or researchers) will be provided with the appropriate level of Internet access for their connectivity needs while on campus to check email and access the Internet.
eduroam
Full access to the UC Berkeley network for visiting researchers, students, and staff.
Eduroam is a secure, world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. It allows students, researchers, and staff from participating institutions to obtain Internet connectivity across campus and when visiting other participating institutions.
IP Information, Changes, New Connections
To request a new network cable or telephone connection for your lab or office, see Stephen Raffel-Pride in 151 Physics North. Before your computer or laptop can be used on the campus network please register the MAC address with Campus IST here. If your device requires a static IP address please email the campus host master for assistance. You will need to provide the hostmaster with the following information: Building, room number, Cable ID of the cable you are trying to plug into and the mac address of your device.
Network Problems
If you think you're having network connectivity problems, you may report them to Campus Shared Services IT.
Mathematica and Matlab Licenses
Visit the IST Software Central website for information about how to obtain licenses for academic computational applications such as Mathematica and Matlab.
Computer Security
If you believe you've had a security breach and you need help and/or advice for correcting this problem, send an email to security@physics.berkeley.edu.
All computer users who manage their own systems are responsible for keeping their computers secure. Security Network Services (SNS) has means for monitoring and scanning the campus network for potential security problems. They may disconnect any systems from the campus network that they believe have been compromised or if they believe that a given system possesses a serious security risk to the rest of campus. If the system owner does not fix the problem after a reasonable amount of time after the initial warning, the node will be disconnected.
SNS provides links to quick security guides and checklists for various operating systems and applications. We advise everyone who manages their own computers to become familiar with and follow the SNS security guidelines for system administration.
If you would like to report a security incident to central authorities, send email to:
Physics Security Staff at security@physics.berkeley.edu
Central Campus Security Staff at security@berkeley.edu