TU Berlin Rechner Pool Access Calculator
Calculate your access requirements, costs, and resource allocation for TU Berlin’s computer pool facilities. Get detailed breakdowns and visualizations of your pool access needs.
Comprehensive Guide to TU Berlin Rechner Pool Access
The Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) provides extensive computer pool facilities (Rechnerpools) for students, researchers, and staff. These pools offer access to specialized software, high-performance computing resources, and collaborative workspaces. This guide covers everything you need to know about accessing and utilizing TU Berlin’s computer pools effectively.
1. Understanding TU Berlin’s Computer Pool System
The computer pools at TU Berlin are distributed across multiple locations on campus, each equipped with different hardware and software configurations. The pools are managed by the Zentraleinrichtung für Informationstechnik (ZECM) and various departmental IT services.
1.1 Types of Computer Pools
- General Access Pools: Available to all students and staff, equipped with standard software for office work, programming, and basic research tasks.
- Department-Specific Pools: Tailored for specific faculties (e.g., engineering, mathematics) with specialized software like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or LabVIEW.
- High-Performance Pools: Designed for resource-intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, simulations, or data analysis.
- 24/7 Access Pools: Select pools are available around the clock for students with special access permissions.
1.2 Key Locations
| Pool Name | Location | Capacity | Special Features | Access Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA Pool (Mathematics) | MA Building, Room 141 | 60 workstations | MATLAB, Maple, LaTeX | Mon-Fri: 8am-10pm |
| E-N Pool (Electrical Engineering) | E-N Building, Room 203 | 45 workstations | LabVIEW, PSpice, CAD | Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm |
| HFT Pool (Computer Science) | TA Building, Room 155 | 80 workstations | Linux dual-boot, VMs | 24/7 (with TU card) |
| ARCH Pool (Architecture) | ARCH Building, Room 307 | 30 workstations | AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp | Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm |
| Central Library Pool | University Library, 1st Floor | 25 workstations | Scanners, printing, quiet zone | Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm |
2. Access Requirements and Permissions
2.1 Eligibility
Access to TU Berlin’s computer pools is granted based on your affiliation with the university:
- Students: Automatically granted access with valid enrollment. Requires TU account credentials.
- Staff/Faculty: Full access with university employment credentials. May request additional privileges for research purposes.
- External Users: Limited access available through guest accounts or collaboration agreements. Requires sponsorship by a TU Berlin faculty member.
2.2 Authentication Methods
All computer pools use TU Berlin’s centralized authentication system:
- TU Account: Your primary credentials (e.g.,
s1234567@tu-berlin.de) for logging into workstations. - TU Card: Physical card required for after-hours access to 24/7 pools. Must be activated at the Campus Card Office.
- VPN Access: Required for remote access to licensed software. Configure via the TU Berlin VPN service.
2.3 Cost Structure
While basic access is included with tuition/staff privileges, some services incur additional costs:
| Service | Cost for Students | Cost for Staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pool Access | Included | Included | Covered by tuition/employment |
| Printing (B/W) | €0.05/page | €0.05/page | Charged to TU account |
| Printing (Color) | €0.25/page | €0.25/page | Limited to academic use |
| Extended Storage (>50GB) | €10/year per 50GB | €10/year per 50GB | Request via IT service desk |
| Specialized Software Licenses | Varies (€20-€200/semester) | Department-funded | e.g., MATLAB, SolidWorks |
3. Optimizing Your Pool Usage
3.1 Peak Hours and Availability
Computer pool availability varies by time of day and academic calendar:
- Peak Times: 10am-4pm on weekdays (highest demand). Arrive early or use evening hours for better availability.
- Exam Periods: Pools are often fully booked. Check the academic calendar and plan accordingly.
- Weekends: Most pools have reduced hours (typically 10am-6pm). The Central Library pool offers the most weekend availability.
3.2 Software and Resource Management
To avoid data loss or performance issues:
- Always save work to your personal network drive (H:) or cloud storage (e.g., TU Berlin’s Nextcloud).
- Log out properly to ensure your session data is preserved. Sudden shutdowns may result in lost work.
- For resource-intensive tasks (e.g., simulations), use the HPC clusters instead of pool workstations.
- Install personal software only in designated “user” directories. Administrative rights are restricted.
3.3 Printing and Scanning
All pools offer printing and scanning services:
- Use the TU Print system to manage print jobs. Upload documents via the web interface or directly from pool workstations.
- Scanners are available in most pools. Saved files can be sent to your email or network drive.
- Color printing is limited to academic projects. Personal use may require approval.
4. Remote Access and Alternative Solutions
4.1 VPN and Remote Desktop
For off-campus access to pool resources:
- Install the TU Berlin VPN client (Cisco AnyConnect).
- Connect to
vpn.tu-berlin.deusing your TU credentials. - Access licensed software via the TU Berlin Software Portal or remote desktop connections to pool workstations.
4.2 Virtual Machines (VMs)
The ZECM provides virtual machines with pre-installed software:
- Access via TU Berlin VM Portal.
- Available VMs include Windows and Linux environments with faculty-specific software.
- Performance may vary based on server load. Save work frequently.
4.3 High-Performance Computing (HPC)
For advanced computational needs:
- The TU Berlin HPC Cluster offers GPU/CPU resources for research projects.
- Apply for access via the HPC website. Requires faculty sponsorship.
- Training sessions are offered semiannually. Check the HPC training schedule.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
5.1 Login Problems
If you cannot log in to a pool workstation:
- Verify your TU account is active at tubIT Account Management.
- Reset your password if locked out. Use the password reset tool.
- For persistent issues, contact the IT Service Desk with your account details.
5.2 Software Installation Errors
If required software is missing or fails to launch:
- Check the TU Berlin Software Catalog for available applications.
- Some software requires manual licensing. Follow instructions in the Software Guide desktop shortcut.
- Report missing software to your department’s IT support or via the TU Support Portal.
5.3 Network or Performance Issues
For slow connections or system lag:
- Restart the workstation to clear temporary files.
- Avoid running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.
- If the issue persists, note the workstation number and report it to pool staff.