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PACS

The Physics and Astronomy Computing Services group (PACS) supports the computing efforts for the Physics and Astronomy Departments, as well as the Institute for Nuclear Theory (INT). The group manages services such as printing, web, computing clusters, and storage. 

For the quickest response to computer support issues, email help@astro.washington.edu for hardware and software support. When opening a help ticket, remember to provide as much of the following as possible:

  • Your Full Name
  • Your Location (Office Number / Lab)
  • Contact Info (Email and Phone)
  • Your Computer Name (if you know it)
  • Description of the Problem

For other means of support you can try the following:

If you are logged into your browser with a personal Google account, you will be unable to access the PACS wiki. Make sure you are logged on with your NetID or start a 'incognito / inPrivate' session and use your NetID.

  • UW IT Connect - For Help with NetID, phones, network management, web space, software, Email and many other online resources. 
  • Network Operations (NetOps) - (206) 221-6000
  • Personal Computers

History 

The Physics and Astronomy Computing Services group (aka PACS) services the departments of Physics and Astronomy as well as the Institute for Nuclear Theory (INT). This group was started in the late 90's when these three units realized that combining funding for IT under one group provided the following benefits:

  •   Provided a larger-scale, managed IT environment
  •   Reduced overhead costs for staffing
  •   Combined buying power

Today PACS mission has not changed, but the goals and the execution of department strategy has. PACS now also supports the eScience institute.

Mission

The PACS mission is to increase the efficiency and collaborate closely in the academic, research, and administrative functions of the units we serve. PACS uses it's extensive academic IT experience to execute the strategy set forth by the faculty of these units within the fields of information technology, data management, high-performance computing, software development, and business intelligence.

2023 Goals

  • Provide outstanding customer support
  • Continue to document our systems (internal/external)
  • Cross train between team members to provide better day to day support
  • Keeping overhead costs down by:
    • Outsourcing to central computing services and external service providers
    • Standardizing desktop, laptop and printing platforms
    • Providing a pool of loaner equipment
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