Managed Cluster Service

The Managed Cluster Service (MCS) consists of several computer rooms equipped with Internet-connected personal computers that are centrally managed by University Information Services. It was previously known as Public Workstation Facility (PWF). The Computer Laboratory provides its students with an MCS room in the Intel Laboratory on the second floor of the William Gates Building. Additional MCS computers are found in many colleges and libraries throughout Cambridge.

MCS Linux is being withdrawn by UIS in January 2023. The Intel Lab PCs will soon only provide Windows. Some Mac MCS Linux systems are available elsewhere in the University, but not in the Computer Lab.

• UIS MCS pages

Remote access

For 21 years, MCS provided a a remote Linux service; this was withdrawn by UIS in January 2023. To replace it, a Computer Laboratory remote SSH service is now available to all students.