FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered below, please contact CEE.
Q: What is the CEE Computer Lab equipped with?
Answer: The CEE Computer Lab has 13 professional-grade desktop computers with all of the SEAS-licensed engineering software installed. The computers can be logged into using your HarvardKey. There is also a collaborative touch-screen display with digital whiteboard functionality as well as the capability to connect to laptops/tablets via an HDMI cable. There is a projector and an instructor’s computer which is also equipped with the same software as the other desktops in the lab.
Q: How do I get access to the CEE Computer Lab?
Answer: ID access to the CEE Computer Lab is granted to all students enrolled in a SEAS course. Please contact CEE if you need access to the CEE Computer Lab.
Q: Can I use the CEE Computer Lab for research-related activities?
Answer: No. Many of the software on the computers in the lab have license agreements that restrict usage of the software for teaching and learning only.
Q: Can I install COMSOL on my personal computer?
Answer: No, students cannot install COMSOL on their personal computers. COMSOL can be accessed through the Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) VDI (at the moment only limited to students enrolled in a few SEAS courses), and through the computers available in the CEE Computer Lab (SEC 1.107). If you are an instructor needing access to COMSOL for your course, please contact CEE.
Q: I want to use COMSOL during the Summer for extracurricular activities such as student clubs. What should I do?
Answer: Please contact CEE to discuss your use case. As long as the case falls within the scope of the teaching license, we can provide you access to the CEE Computer Lab (SEC 1.107).
Q: Can I use COMSOL for research purposes?
Answer: No, the license through which we have access to COMSOL is only available for teaching and learning activities. If the research falls in the context of a course you are taking please contact the Office of Computing.
Q: Can I contact COMSOL support to ask questions?
Answer: No, the teaching license through which we have access to COMSOL does not include support from COMSOL. Please feel free to complete the CEE Service Request Form to request COMSOL support.
Q: Can I install SolidWorks on my personal computer/laptop?
Answer: You can, as long as SolidWorks is used for course-related activities. Please contact CEE to request download and installation instructions. SolidWorks is also available through the HUIT VDI (at the moment only limited to students enrolled in a few SEAS courses), and in the CEE Computer Lab (SEC 1.107). If you are an instructor needing access to SolidWorks for your course, please contact CEE.
Q: How can I install Solidworks on my Mac?
Answer: SolidWorks is not yet available for Mac OS, but you can use virtual machine software or Bootcamp to install Windows and then install SolidWorks. SolidWorks is also available through the HUIT VDI (at the moment only limited to students enrolled in a few SEAS courses), and in the CEE Computer Lab (SEC 1.107). If you are an instructor needing access to SolidWorks for your course, please contact CEE.
Q: Can I install Autodesk products on my personal computer/laptop?
Answer: Yes. Through the Autodesk Education Plan, all Harvard students can download and install Autodesk products on their personal computer. The educational plan requires students to create an Autodesk account using their primary Harvard email address and submit appropriate documents to confirm their student status. Afterwards, all Autodesk products are available to download and install.
Q: A license request prompt appears when Autodesk products installed on the CEE Computer Lab computers are launched. How can I get a license?
Answer: All SEAS Harvard students can obtain a license for any Autodesk product through the Autodesk Education Plan. The educational plan requires students to create an Autodesk account using their primary Harvard email and submit appropriate documents to verify their student status.
Q: I am an instructor for a SEAS course that requires the use of an Autodesk product(s). What is the best way to obtain licenses for my students?
Answer: Through the Autodesk Education Plan, instructors can assign Autodesk products to students. The educational plan requires instructors to create an Autodesk account using their primary Harvard email address and submit appropriate documentation to confirm their Educator status. Afterwards, Autodesk products can be assigned to students.
Q: What commercial software are available for students to install on their personal computers?
Answer: Currently, only SolidWorks and Autodesk products can be installed locally on personal student computers. All other engineering software can be accessed remotely via the HUIT VDI machine (at the moment only limited to students enrolled in a few SEAS courses). FAS/HUIT also distributes a variety of scientific software for use by faculty, staff, and students (which includes MATLAB). Visit the FASRC Software Download page for a list of these available software.
Q: Does the CEE team provide computational support for research-related activities?
Answer: Yes. As of 2023, the CEE-R program extends computational support services to the SEAS Harvard research community. Contact CEE to learn more about how CEE can help advance your computational research.