General Computing Environment
The department's computing environment includes over 1000 computers, ranging from older systems used for generating network traffic for simulated Internet experiments to state-of-the-art workstations and clusters for graphics- and compute-intensive research. Departmental servers provide compute service, disk space, email, CVS (version control software), web service, database services, backups, and many other services. All systems are integrated by means of high-speed networks, described below, and are supported by a highly skilled technical staff who provide a consistent computing environment throughout the department. Most students are assigned to a two-or four-person office, though we also have one larger office with ten students. Each student is assigned a computer, with computer assignments based on the students' research or teaching assignments and their seniority within the department. In addition to the departmental servers and office systems, our research laboratories contain a wide variety of specialized equipment and facilities.

General computing systems include 800+ Intel-based computers plus about 40 Macintosh systems.

Software Environment
Our systems primarily run the Windows XP operating system, with a smaller number of systems, including many of the servers, running Red Hat Linux. In addition, a large number of network research systems run FreeBSD. We use the AFS file system for central file storage. Languages most commonly used include J++, C++, Java, C, and Turing. Document preparation is usually accomplished with standard applications on PC systems. Our extensive software holdings are continually evolving.

Network Environment
The department's computer systems are connected to one another by a high-speed data network. The network provides switched 100 megabit connections to every desktop, plus fiber, video, and multiple voice and data connections in each office. Special purpose systems and switches use gigabit connections. The campus Internet II connection is in Sitterson Hall and provides even higher speeds for applications that require it. The entire building is on the campus wireless network.

The department's network is connected to the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NC-REN), a statewide network that links research and educational institutions. Our two-way video classroom and teleconference room allow connection to any institution served by the network. Courses are shared among the institutions via two-way, interactive video teleclassing. NC-REN substantially widens the course, concentration, and advising opportunities available to students at participating universities.