Getting ipython working on a Mac is simple, there are numerous install packages and distributions readily available. The purpose of this short list is to suggest a vetted method which contains all requisite functionality with minimal bugs. Two particularly annoying bugs you can avoid are

• system crash due to >>>> import ROOT,
• graphics windows which refuse to close.

This works on Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan. Download and install Homebrew. Then, type into Terminal:

• brew remove –force $(brew list)
• brew tap homebrew/science
• brew tap homebrew/python
• brew install root6 –enable-python –all
• brew install python
• brew install numpy
• brew install scipy
• brew link numpy
• brew install matplotlib
• pip install ipython[all]
• brew install qt pyqt
• brew install py2cairo

Last step, edit ~/.matplotlib/matplotlibrc to include a line:

• backend: Qt4Agg

You can use the web browser VPN (https://vpn.sanfordlab.org), but this is not recommended. Use the Junos Pulse Client instead (download this: pulsewrapper, expand the zip, use the dmg), it is less flakey. See also Dave T’s vpnlogin guide to connecting. Note that you need a SURF VPN account for any of this to work!

how2lbl

Gas bottles that you order through ebuy are delivered to the gas cage behind 70/70A. You need a key to access the cage. We have a communal key. It is hanging on the side of the grey cabinet, on the left as you enter the lab. ALWAYS replace the key immediately after using it.

If you want your own key to the cage, fill out a key request form. For building, put 70. For room number, put “gas cage on loading dock behind B70.” I verified with the lock shop that they can parse this information and send the correct key.