Theory

Theoretical Physics provides several kinds of computing resource to enable its students and staff to carry out effective research. The systems provided include a highly-capable Linux desktop computing system, and access to several cluster computers for users with high-performance computing needs.

Linux Desktops

Theoretical Physics provides a unified, multi-user desktop system for its members to perform day-to-day computing tasks and smaller numerical tasks. The system is based around Dell Optiplex 9020s with 8GB or 24GB of RAM, and Lenovo M9xx desktop clients with 16GB or 24GB of RAM.

If you wish to administer a desktop in Theoretical Physics yourself you will first need to contact IT Support to discuss the procedure for self-administration of the system. When a system is to be self-administered it will be reloaded with the desired operating system and IT Support will register the system on the correct part of the network for you. Because we need to ensure the security of the network and reliability of services offered to other staff and students there are a number of other requirements that must also be met:

All macOS Apple desktop systems have Apple Screen Sharing enabled which allows you to remotely access a Apple desktop system environment.

Open a ssh tunnel via the ssh gateway on port 5900 before you can connect to the systems. This no longer work through the Physics VPN.

Centrally managed machines and sharp printers

Centrally managed machines can connect to printers using lpd, which we have found to be more reliable than Samba for all printers except SharpHold.

Note: For SharpHold, please use the "Samba" instructions below.

There are several ways of accessing your system and data remotely on the Theoretical Physics systems.

How to access Theoretical Physics computers via SSH

Systems within the Physics network may be accessed via the ssh proxy server ssh.physics.ox.ac.uk

On Mac or Linux, edit the file ~/.ssh/config and add the lines

Theoretical Physics retains a web service for its members. This services hosts personal sites for members, as well as sites for conferences, projects and collaborations. They may be requested if no other services provided centrally by Physics are suitable.

A list of the various central web services may be found here. Some specific services are

The Physics file servers either run Windows, Linux or Apple operating systems for Home and Group areas. File servers can only be access via the SMB protocol. If you are not sure which file server your home area is on email itsupport@physics.ox.ac.uk

macOS Fortigate VPN

The Fortinet client is available to download from the physics self service app. Once installed the configuration details can be found here.


All devices connecting to the Physics network this way MUST be running a supported version of macOS and have all application and operating system updates applied, running a Firewall, running Antivirus Software - with up to date virus definitions and running Spyware detection.

In general, support queries for everything except newhydra should be directed to itsupport@physics.ox.ac.uk