The Results of the 2024 IT Center Satisfaction Survey Are In!
Source: Own illustration
In October and November 2024, we conducted our 13th IT Center Satisfaction Survey, in which all members of the RWTH Aachen University community, including students and staff, were able to evaluate the services and support offered by the IT Center. In the survey, we also asked you for suggestions for improvement, which have already been reviewed and analyzed by our various teams and groups over the past few months.
DNS at RWTH Aachen University Part 1:
History & Function of the DNS
Source: Freepik
The Domain Name System (DNS) makes the Internet usable by translating readable names such as rwth-aachen.de into IP addresses. It originated from simple lists of names and developed into a globally distributed, hierarchical system. Today, it fulfils many more tasks – for example in the areas of e-mail, IT security and network management. The DNS also plays a central role at RWTH Aachen University and is protected by modern technologies such as DNS firewalls. This article provides an overview of the origin, structure and current significance of the DNS.
Noise in the Workplace – The Underestimated Stress Factor
Source: Own illustration
Stress in everyday working or studying life has many faces. We usually think of overflowing inboxes, tight deadlines, or technical problems that make the day difficult. What is often forgotten is that the environment in which we work or study also has a major impact on our concentration and well-being. One of the most overlooked factors is noise.
Whether in the office, at home, or in the library, constant background noise challenges our brains and reduces productivity. On International Noise Awareness Day on April 30, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to take a closer look. In this article, we explain the effects of noise on our ability to work and how the acoustic environment can be improved with a few tricks.
Basics at RWTH: Using the VPN
Source: Own Illustration
At RWTH Aachen University, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an important and secure connection to the university network. This connection is secured by encryption protocols such as TLS. VPN ensures that all data traffic – either to the RWTH network or, depending on the configuration, also to the Internet – is routed via a so-called “tunnel”. This tunnel protects the data on its way between your end device and the VPN server, where it is then integrated into the RWTH network. In the “Full Tunnel”, for example, requests from your device for external services appear with an IP address of RWTH Aachen University. In this article, we explain how you can set up and use the RWTH VPN service.
Emojis in Everyday Life: These Are the Favorites
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Most of us use them several times a day: emojis. Whether in a chat message to friends, on social media, or even in an email, these little yellow faces have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They help us express joy, irony, surprise, or compassion—often faster than words can.
In previous blog posts, we have already looked at the history of emojis. But this time we want to know: Which emojis do we actually like best and which ones do we dislike? Is it the classic laughing face with tears 😂 that accompanies every other conversation? Or does the red heart ❤️ come out on top?
IT Knowledge for Scrolling – Our Instagram Channel @itcenterrwthaachen
Source: Own Illustration
Right at the start of 2025, we launched something completely new: Our Instagram channel @itcenterrwthaachen is live!
Since January 6, 2025, the IT Center of RWTH Aachen University has also been on Instagram – and we are delighted to welcome everyone who already follows us there, interacts with us or simply visits us regularly.
Green HPC: Sustainability in the Data Centers of Tomorrow
Source: Own Illustration
Digital technologies have become an integral part of science and industry – but data centers are among the biggest energy consumers in the IT sector. High-performance computers in particular are essential for complex calculations in research, but at the same time cause high electricity costs and CO2 emissions. To meet these challenges, RWTH Aachen University is focusing on innovative solutions for energy efficiency and sustainable resource utilisation.
Neural Networks – The Basis of Modern AI
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Neural networks are models inspired by the functioning of the human brain. They consist of artificial neurons that process information and communicate with each other. These networks enable machines to learn from data and recognise patterns without any explicit programming for each task. Examples include virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri, translation tools such as Google Translate and creative AI systems such as ChatGPT. In this article, we will look at how neural networks work, what advantages and disadvantages they have and how RWTH Aachen University uses them.
Microsoft Office at RWTH: An Overview
Source: Unsplash
Progressive digitalisation and flexible adaptation to new circumstances have significantly changed everyday working life, studies and research at RWTH Aachen University since spring 2020. Without the right tools, communication and collaboration between members of RWTH would have been much more limited in times of home office and distance learning.
Face ID on the Rise – But What Is Behind the Technology?
Source: Freepik
Face ID has been around for a relatively short time. Facial recognition secures our data and makes it accessible only to us. We have explored this technology and gathered all the essential information to provide insight into its complex mechanics and potential security risks.
