The newest versions of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Professional
(Word, Excel, Access, Visio, PowerPoint and Outlook), Endnote,
Internet Explorer, Forefront Client Security and some
other useful tools are pre-installed on your PC.
Many software packages are available through the institute's special
educational discounts or special license agreements, and can be supplied
easily. Others will have to be purchased from commercial retailers, possibly
with a longer time of delivery. Thus, if you require additional software
during your stay, please send a message to as soon as possible.
We will assist you in choosing and using the most suitable software for your
purpose.
The reliable backing up of your work is an integral part of everyday work at
the institute. Backup copies of files and data on the institute’s network
are saved on our backup server daily. If needed, these files – be they Word
files, databases, or your mailbox – can easily be restored.
With our mail and communication server, Microsoft Exchange Sever 2007, you
are able to access not only your e-mail, but also your tasks, contact
addresses or calendars, anytime and anywhere. You may also use a variety of
different devices to access and manage your Exchange mail account - also in
cooperation with your work group.
Microsoft Outlook 2010 is an integral part of the institute's communication
infrastructure. Therefore, Outlook is also the recommended and supported
mail and communication program in the institute.
Further information regarding Outlook 2010 and the Exchange Server 2007 can
be found in our information sheets
Exchange Server 2003
at the MPIfG and
Outlook Web Access
Overview.
The MPIfG Computer Services has a number of laptops, dictation machines and
a presentation kit all available for loan. This equipment may be borrowed
for a duration of two to three weeks on a first-come, first-served basis.
The file server is a mass storage device, located in the institute, capable
of storing large amounts of data. This file server may be used for both
personal and group file accounts (project accounts). This facilitates the
sharing of files with other colleagues, as well as storing information in
accordance with the laws on data protection and privacy.
Furthermore, it offers the security of daily backups through our Backup and
Archive Service. All files held on our file and communications servers are
backed up on a regularly, nightly schedule.
In order to store or present your academic work, a number of modern input
and output devices are at your disposal.
For your printing needs we have fast high-capacity combined copier and laser printers,
witch are also capable of colour printing and scanning. The printers are
available over the network. The available paper formats are DIN A4 and DIN A3. All the printers have a
duplex unit, making it possible to print double-sided.
The institute has a Windows 2008 based network, consisting of primarily
Windows XP and Windows 7 workstations. All servers, workstations and
printers at the institute are connected with an access capacity of 1000 Mbps
(Megabits Per Second).

Of course, research and science don't stop at the institute's doors.
Therefore, all computing facilities operated by the Computing Service are
connected to the X-WIN, the German broadband science and research network.
X-WIN is, furthermore, connected to the European Backbone GÉANT, which, in
turn, is linked with other international research and science networks and,
of course, the global Internet.
Currently, we are joining the X-WiN with access capacity rates of up to 100 Mbps.
The MPIfG is currently training an apprentice in information systems
(specialist subject: system integration / Fachinformatiker, Fachrichtung
Systemintegration). There is also a practical course position for pupils
available. Applicants for these positions should contact
Bruno Egger ().
We maintain a World Wide Web server which makes it possible to present the
institute's research program and publications, as well as job openings and
events on the Internet. The address of the institute's homepage is
http://www.mpifg.de.
If you would like to create your own personal homepage (or a project
homepage), please contact .
If you have any general questions or suggestions regarding the contents of
the institute's Web pages, please contact the Publications and Public
Relations Team ().