Office of Information Technology
The Office of Information Technology welcomes you to STRI.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) plans and manages the implementation, day-to-day operation, maintenance, security, and backup and recovery of the STRI's information technology infrastructure including end-to-end voice and data network connectivity operations, radio network and technical support services: Help Desk, office automation and desktop support services; STRI's computer rooms (server room); communication infrastructure, including wiring; STRI-wide information technology infrastructure security program and Internet/Intranet services.
Contact Information
You can contact OIT by phone or email:
- By phone (internal): 4357
From Outside: + 507.212.8000, Ext: 4357
Fax: + 507.212.8118 - By Email: STRIHELP@si.edu
E-mail and Network accounts
The Microsoft Network account will allow you to log in to any computer at the Smithsonian Networks. MS Outlook is the Smithsonian electronic mail system. You can request a Smithsonian email and network accounts if you are going to stay at STRI for more than three months.
To request a new Network/Email account you must:
- Download the network account request form.
- Complete the form, print it, sign it, and obtain the required signature.
- Before submitting the form, be sure to complete the User Agreement section.
- Fax the signed form to the STRI Help Desk: 212-8118 or e-mail it to the address: strihelp@si.edu
Accounts will not be created until we receive the signed form. Please make sure that the computer you are going to use for the account request process has a printer available.
Connecting your personal PC to the network
If you plan to connect your personal computer to STRI networks, you have two options, one is connect your laptop to the “Visitor Zone” (see information below) or fill out the application form and bring your equipment to the Help Desk office for a physical inspection (production Zone).
The Help Desk will check that:
- You have an updated antivirus application on your computer;
- You have the latest OS patches installed; and
- No Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software is running on your computer.
Note: If you do not have an antivirus application, you may purchase it from OIT for $5.00 - Windows XP only.
As security policy, you can not use any P2P software, such as Skype, Limewire, Ares or Torrents on the Smithsonian network. OIT Help Desk personnel will remove or disable any P2P software on your computer.
Please remember that users must not break copyright laws while connecting their computer into STRI Network. Any software without a license must be removed from the computer by the user before the computer can be allowed on the network.
The OIT personnel have the authority to audit, without warning, all the computers connected to the STRI network.
When your stay at STRI concludes and you return in the future, the Help Desk must inspect your laptop again; otherwise you won’t be able to access the STRI Network.
All non Smithsonian employees who request access to computers and network resources must be sponsored by a Smithsonian employee. Requests submitted by a non SI employee must be accompanied by a form that you can find in the Network account request.
Schedule to check laptops
We are available to receive your laptop or PC from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and we will return it to you by 3:00 p.m. the same day. If you bring your equipment after 11:00 a.m., it will be ready the following day at 3:00 p.m.
The Help Desk will accept your laptop for inspection only if the equipment is under factory warranty.
Visitor Zone Internet Connection
OIT will provide Internet access to STRI visitors who do not require the use of the Smithsonian production network. Users will have access to this network in specific places designated for this purpose. Click here to Download the request form.
The Visitors Zone has only access to Internet services (Web sites, FTP and Instant Messaging Programs). Users are responsible for the programs and files installed on their computer including maintaining their operating system, and updating antivirus software. You are not required to bring the computer to OIT for inspection before connect.
Internet Kiosks
There are three internet kiosks where you can access the STRI’s intranet without a network account. The kiosks are located in the visitor office at Tupper level 100, BCI and Bocas del Toro field station.
WiFi (Wireless Internet) in Tupper Corotú Plaza & The Gamboa School
Wireless Internet access is available in the public areas of Corotú Plaza, including the cafeteria, library, conference center (auditorium and exhibitions room), Tupper meeting rooms (SMR and LMR) and in the Gamboa School. This wireless Internet connection is free and no registration is required. This connection will not provide access to our production network. Note: Computers connected to the STRI network will not be able to use this service.