Computer Resource Organization's Name (CRON)
CRON provides a range of computer hardware and software for student use, and facilitates access to other computational resources on campus for both the Departments of Architecture and Planning. CRON can advise users on equipment to purchase, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Department’s computing infrastructure.
CRON maintains an environment in which information technology is available and easily accessible to serve required coursework and independent study. It manages a complex computer network supporting Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems. Wireless access (to MITnet) is provided throughout the campus by MIT Information Systems and Technology (IS&T; http://web.mit.edu/ist/), allowing convenient network access for laptops. Wired network drops are available in the studios and other spaces where students can connect desktop computers. All MIT students receive a network account that enables access to state-of-the-art software, as well as e-mail, personal file storage (including web pages) and general Internet access.
Software provided includes office productivity suites, two- and three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD), modeling, rendering, animation, video editing, multimedia, image processing, geographic information systems (GIS), and structural, heat and lighting analysis packages. Where software licenses allow, software is available for installation on student-owned computers without charge.
Hardware includes color and black-and-white laser printers, wide-format plotters, scanners (flatbed, slide and wide-format), laser cutters, digital cameras, a 35mm slide printer, portable projectors and video equipment. Computers are located in studios, classrooms, labs and other areas. Many areas are equipped with plasma screens or overhead projectors. Refer to the CRON website to learn where equipment is located. During the academic term, computer facilities are available 24 hours a day to students enrolled in the Department’s academic programs. In addition to the Department’s facilities, all MIT students have access to workstations in Athena clusters located throughout the campus.
There is no fee for using the computers in the Department’s public areas, but students are charged a subsidized rate for printing, plotting and 3D fabrication. This ‘CRON Computing Fee’ charge appears on one’s Bursar’s statement at the beginning of each term.
Further information can be had by visiting the CRON web site: http://cron.mit.edu. Email CRON at cron@mit.edu.
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CRON
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