The new automated lab re-imaging system was implemented for semester 2, 2006. This system will intelligently run during off peak periods (usually between 7PM and 7AM) and continuously update a small percentage of any given lab until all the machines are in good health. In addition to this, the system also monitors the state of PCs on the student network and attempts to wake hosts that have been powered off to ensure maximum availability at all times, and identify and report all problems to the student-helpdesk so that 99% of the time we can fix problems before students even notice.
Currently, general purpose computing labs and special purpose or hardware labs are automatically re-imaged and monitored, whilst thesis and research labs are monitored only. Note that the proviso for this is that there is no guarantee a given machine in a thesis or research lab won't be rebooted and re-imaged, so in any ITEE lab you should ensure that you have saved your work to H:\, or removable storage, or both.
The system works in the background and should be relatively unobtrusive. It should NEVER kick you off a PC for re-imaging like the old system may have - it should quietly skip your PC and try again later after you've logged off, assuming it's still within the off peak period. Also, the system will never re-image an entire lab at once which was a considerable disruption for late night workers with the old systen - there should still be a large percentage (currently at least 75%) of machines available should other users wish to log on during re-imaging periods.
We feel that this system is fairer as it allows longer periods of uninterrupted usage of the labs without breaks in concentration, higher availability for instance when assignments are due the next day, and a more flexible approach to keeping the PCs in good working order with the latest software (by balancing the needs of those who prefer to study at night with those who need the bulk of the machines healthy the next day for prac sessions.)
As always, if there are any problems encountered with this or any other aspect of the IT facilities provided by ITEE to assist you in the completion of your studies, feel free to email the student-helpdesk.
Last updated: 2006-08-31 17:04:12, jkloske@