Resources > Computing
- Social Science Computing
- FacStaff Account Configuration (Vacation, spam filter and more)
- Mail.SAS Account Configuration (Vacation, spam filter and more)
- Webmail
- Account Creation (SAS and Unix)
- FAQs
- Instructional Technology
- Computer Lab Information
- Statistical Computing Group
- Student Services
Population Studies Center (PSC) in conjunction with Penn's School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) provides computing resources to affiliated researchers. Computing resources include hardware, software, desktop computing help, data analysis support and access to data. These resources create a computing environment that serves as platform to conduct and develop funded research. Social Science Computing (SSC), a division of SAS Computing, manages computing resources for PSC. SSC provides desktop support and administers servers.
The School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) allocates new PCs to eligible associates every 3 to 4 years. Associates can purchase software for the PC through Penn. Microsoft Office, SAS, Stata, SPSS and ArcGIS are available through the Penn site licensing office. SSC backs up PCs for associates on the Penn campus. Through the local area network (LAN), PCs connect to servers to provide additional resources. PSC uses file servers on the LAN to facilitate the sharing of documents, programs and data among project teams. In addition to file servers, associates can access a server dedicated to hosting web-sites and a Linux server for running statistical software. The LAN offers access to shared printers including a high volume laser, a color laser and a double-sided laser.
The PSC lab has PCs for graduate students to use. Lab PCs have SAS, Stata and SPSS in addition to Microsoft Office. The lab also has plug-in ports for laptops.
Penn's Van Pelt Library maintains memberships in several data consortia including ICPSR. Penn faculty and staff can request data from these consortia through the Library.
Another resource for PSC is the Statistical Computing Group (SCG). SCG is comprised of professional programmers and data analysts. Some SCG analysts work on projects for PSC associates. In addition to programming for funded projects, SCG staff consult with researchers about quantitative analysis and data security.
SSC and SCG present regular workshops on computing and statistical software Among the recent topics are "File security and encryption", "E-mail tips", "Remote computing", "Introduction to Stata" and "Overview of statistical software".