The Managed Cluster Service (MCS) is for the use of all staff and students of Cambridge University and provides networked PCs Windows and Apple Mac computers running a wide range of software together with printers and scanners.
Where to find a MCS Machine in the Faculty
The Faculty has three designated IT Suites located in the Donald McIntyre Building – 1S4 and 1S7 are Windows based whilst 1S5 has Apple Mac machines installed. Additionally each Teaching Room has a MCS machine a projector and an interactive screen installed.
There are additional machines in the Library and a small IT Room is located in the Science Education Centre which includes printing facilities.
Further information: UIS MCS pages
MCS Software
Below is a selection of specialist software and room availability:
- Nvivo – Qualitative Data Analysis
- SMARTBoard & Promethean ActivStudio – Interactive Whiteboard Software (Only available on MCS machines directly connected to an IWB and ALL machines in 1S4)
- EndNote – Reference Management Software (Installed in rooms 1S4 1S5 and 1S7 only)
- SPSS – Statistical Analysis Software (Installed in 1S4 and 1S7)
For a full list of software on the MCS network please see: [Macintosh] [Windows]
Printing on the MCS and How to Pay/Check your Balance
The Faculty operate the "Common Balance" mechanism which is the same payment method as the central UIS Printers. The balance can also be used on Photocopiers connected to the MCS Network (In the Faculty these are located in the Library 1S4 and the PhD Room in the Donald McIntyre Building.
The Faculty has a variety of printers please click the below link for a full list
- Managed Printing Service printer for Education
- Paying for printing from the MCS and checking your balance
Wireless printing to DS-Print printers from non-MCS machines
Wireless printing is now supported using an eduroam wifi connection on your own laptop.
Temporary MCS Accounts
The IT Office are able to provide temporary MCS accounts. Typically accounts range for 1 day accounts to a maximum of 3 months. Please ensure that the IT Office are given as much notice as possible prior to any requests. Late requests may not able to be processed.
Please ensure you read and sign the form provided prior to using a temporary MCS account.
Off-Site Access to MCS Files
It is possible to access your MCS files from elsewhere for instance from a College room or from home.
For further information please see: [Access to your Desktop Services filespace]