So you want to run Mathematica on a computer which is permanently connected to the physikcs department network. Installation and configuration differes, depending on who is managing this computer. Be aware that this does not include the WLAN/eduroam or ZEDAT VPN networks. For hosts connected through WLAN or VPN you need to use a single-user license.

Mathematica is installed on all centrally managed Linux hosts by default. You run it by typing mathematica into a terminal window. You can start the non-graphical version by typing math. Older versions are also available by typing mathematica7 for example.

dreger@smart:~> math
Mathematica 8.0 for Linux x86 (64-bit)
Copyright 1988-2011 Wolfram Research, Inc.

In[1]:= 1+1

Out[1]= 2

To install Mathematica you simply select it from Control Panel → Programs and Features → Install a program from the Network:

You need to download the Mathematica installer from https://software.physik.fu-berlin.de. Install Mathematica it on your computer and start the program. You will be asked to activate Mathematica. Choose Other ways to activate using the button at the bottom of the window:

In the next windows choose Connect to a network license server:

Type in the address of the Mathematica license server (mathlm.physik.fu-berlin.de):

Please note that this will not work from the WLAN/eduroam network.