Springdale Linux

All computer systems in visiting scholar offices come equipped with Springdale Linux, which is compiled from source packages from Red Hat Enterprise Linux and it is maintained by the School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University. Each computer system consists of a Dell computer and monitor, headphones, keyboard, mouse, and HD webcam with built-in speaker and microphone.

Springdale Linux login screen

When you first look at the monitor, you will see a screen asking first for your IAS username and then for your IAS password. Enter the username and password that was provided to you on your Account Information sheet. After successfully entering your credentials, you will be logged into the computer and have access to your IAS email, home directory, network printers, software applications, and other campus and Internet resources.

The default desktop environment enabled in Springdale Linux is GNOME. If you prefer to use an alternate desktop environment, you may click the cog icon before entering your password.

Some of the software applications pre-installed on these computer systems include, but are not limited to:

  • Dropbox
  • Google Chrome
  • LibreOffice
  • Magma
  • Maple
  • Matlab
  • Mathematica
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Sage
  • Skype
  • TeamViewer
  • TeXLive
  • TeXShop
  • Thunderbird
  • Zoom

Please visit the Mathematics Software webpage for additional information for using various mathematics applications.

We ask that you make note of the following:

  • All School of Math office computers receive software updates during the overnight hours. For this reson, we ask that you do no turn off your IAS office computer when you leave your office for the day.
  • Visiting scholars do not have root privileges to their IAS office computer. If your research requires the installation of additional software on your IAS office computer, please send a message to help@math.ias.edu.

Documentation links

Gnome Desktop User Guide