PENN PRINTOUT
The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine

PENN PRINTOUT November 1992 - Volume 9:3

[Printout | Contents | Search ]


Announcements

New site agreement for IDL

The University has negotiated a site agreement for IDL, a general- purpose scientific analysis and visualization software package from Research Systems Inc. IDL has powerful math and statistical functions, comprehensive plotting capabilities, and advanced visualization tools. Data can be displayed as line, surface, and contour plots, and as images. In addition, IDL is a full-featured programming language for writing procedures, functions, and complete applications. Tools are available that make it easy to add graphical user interfaces with buttons, pull-down menus, slider bars, etc. to your own programs.

The agreement covers DEC Ultrix, DEC VMS, HP Series 9000, IBM RS/600, Silicon Graphics, and SUN platforms. Licenses are issued for single-user, node-locked workstations; floating networks; multiuser, node-locked workstations; and multiuser, node-locked servers. Prices appear below:

                        List Price  Site Price
                        ==========  ==========
Single-user, 
  node-locked workstation  $ 3,000       $ 600
Floating network             3,750         750
Multiuser, 
  node-locked workstation    7,500       1,500
Multiuser, 
  node-locked server        15,000       3,000
Extended support and documentation are available at additional cost. Contact Academic Computing Services at 573-3587 or ssl@isc for more information, price sheets, and order forms.


Modem pools expanded, upgraded

In response to increasing demand for remote access to PennNet, the Office of Data Communications and Computing Services (DCCS) has increased the size of the two inbound modem pools and upgraded the modems for higher speed communication. Users accessing the terminal servers (annex: prompt) now have 99 modems supporting communications at up to 14,400 baud, plus data correction and data compression. Those accessing the ISN (DIAL: prompt) have 40 modems capable of data rates up to 2400 baud (240 characters per second).

The phone number for the annex modems is 898-0834; use 898-6184 to reach the DIAL modems. If your familiar pool is busy, you can use the other one, by noting these instructions:

  • To reach annex: from the DIAL: prompt, first type telnet
  • To reach the DIAL: prompt from annex:, type t isn
  • To use the annex modems, however, you are required to have a PennNet ID.
For more information on PennNet IDs, modems, and the new PennNet Residential data-over-voice modem option available in residence halls and nearby neighborhoods, consult PennInfo (which is available from both annex: and DIAL:).


CRC supported software for IBM PC/compatibles

These are the versions for which the CRC currently offers the best level of support. Newer versions of some of these products have been released recently, and they will be reviewed for support.

Antiviral: Vi-Spy 10.0
Charting: SigmaPlot 4.0
Communications: Procomm 2.4.2/3
Database: Alpha 4 2.0
Operating System: DOS 5 and Windows 3.1
Spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel 4.0 (Windows) & Lotus 3.1 & 2.3
File Transfer/Conversion: MacLink Plus 6.0 & Word for Word 5.0
Word Processing: WordPerfect 5.1 (DOS/Windows) & Microsoft Word 5.5


Invitation to join the University's Super User Group

Are you responsible for providing some level of support or assistance for computing and information technology in your School or department? Join the Super User Group to share information and benefit from the knowledge and experience of your peers. The group meets on the second Monday of each month, from noon-1:30 PM, in 285-286 McNeil. Diverse technical topics, voted on by the membership, are discussed or presented each month. Between meetings, members exchange information via an electronic distribution list or newsgroup. Additional information about the group, its charge, and meeting schedule is posted on PennInfo (path: Computing/Academic Computing Services/Super User Group Information), or you may contact Donna Milici at donna@acs or 898- 0426.