Introduction to Computing at Fermilab

In this introduction, you will find information on how to get various accounts, obtain authentication certificates, protect your computer and sensitive information and information about computer training at Fermilab and more.

New Accounts

 On-site Employees

1. Obtain a Fermilab ID during New Employee Orientation. (required before you can apply for computing accounts).
   
2. Read the Fermilab Policy on Computing.
   
3. You may then fill the Request Form for Computing Username and Primary Accounts. This form is used to request any of the following:

• a username for all your computer accounts at the lab
• a Fermilab Email address
• a Kerberos Principal
• a CRYPTOCard
• an IMAP account (for email)
• an account on Fermilab's central UNIX system, FNALU

 Contractors

1. Fill out and get signatures on the Contractor ID form (PDF) and obtain your Contractor ID (required before you can apply for computing accounts).
   
2. Read the Fermilab Policy on Computing.
   
3. Fill out the Request Form for Computing Username and Primary Accounts  (see above for a list of items which can be requested via this form).

 On-site Visitors

1. Fill out and get signatures on the Visitors ID Form (PDF) and obtain your Fermilab Visitor ID (required before you can apply for computing accounts).
2. Read the Fermilab Policy on Computing.
   
3. Fill out the Request Form for Computing Username and Primary Accounts  (see above for a list of items which can be requested via this form).
4. To renew your visitor ID, please submit a helpdesk ticket and the staff in the User's Office will handle it.
   

 Off-site Visitors

    Please read Getting Started as Non-Employee Off-site User.

Certificates

The Kerberos Network Authentication Service V5 is the strong authentication program that Fermilab computers are required to run. Kerberos authenticates users by way of exchanging electronic tickets between clients and services. The "heart" of a Kerberos system is the Key Distribution Center (KDC). All the computers associated with a KDC make up what's called a "strengthened realm". At Fermilab, the strengthened realm for UNIX machines is called FNAL.GOV; for the Windows domain it is FERMI.WIN.FNAL.GOV. Use Request Form for Computing Username and Primary Accounts to apply your Kerberos principal.

Computer Security

The transfer of sensitive information on the web and over the network is inevitable nowadays. With hackers on the rise, everyone at Fermilab should be aware of how vulnerable your information is to hackers and outside attacks. Find out major computer vulnerabilities, Fermilab policy guidelines, security checklist, information on common attack methods and more at Security at Fermilab.

Virus Protection

The Computing Division maintains a Central Anti-virus/Spyware management facility here at Fermilab. This system provides central virus signature updates and logging controls for all of the Windows based systems supported by the Computing Division. It is currently using the Symantec Enterprise Edition version 10 product to help protect our community from Virus, Adware, and Spyware issues. For more information, see Virus Protection at Fermilab.

Software

The Computing Division offers information on various softwares that best meet Fermilab-specific needs. Learn about UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, or Windows software through Fermilab software pages that provide information on the best ways to obtain software at Fermilab.

Computer Training

Fermilab offers a core curriculum of on-site computer training courses in the areas of database design, drawing/modeling techniques, multimedia presentations, programming, spreadsheet design, web development, and word processing. For more information, see Computer Training Courses at Fermilab.

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Last updated by cdweb on 04/16/2009