Computer Setup & Management

See below for our different management options.

• Windows/UNIX lab computers managed exclusively by DECS

  • This option applies to the systems in the Engineering public labs as well as department labs and offices.
  • The operating system is installed by DECS.
  • All software updates are automated and completed remotely.
  • All installed software and operating system configuration is consistent in each lab.
  • Local Administrator accounts are not provided.
  • Automated logouts take place after the preset idle time is reached. This time is 15 minutes.

• DECS support for Windows/UNIX computers with shared management
  

  • The operating system is installed by DECS.
  • Some of the software updates are automated or can often be done remotely.
  • Installed software and operating system configuration does not have to be identical to DECS managed installs.
  • Additional software can be easily installed remotely upon request.
  • Local Administrator accounts are provided upon request.
  • No automated logout is implemented.

• Support from DECS on user managed machines

  • The operating System is not installed by DECS.
  • Local Administrator accounts are not created or managed by DECS.
  • Additional software can be installed by request.
  • Labor charges may apply.

Computer Installation

DECS currently supports the Microsoft operating system Windows XP. DECS has been working on Vista to provide support in the future. To see other products available from Microsoft through the MSDNAA (Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance) program visit this site.

Under the SUN licensing agreement, SUN Solaris is available for free to anyone in the College of Engineering. In addition, there are several "open source" operating systems which are recommended by DECS. They include FreeBSD, GenToo Linux, and Debian Linux.

• Computer Installation

  • Lab Computers - DECS Managed
    • DECS uses automated installations for the labs.
    • All software in a given lab is consistent among all computer installations.
    • The list of software installed as part of the automated installations can be viewed at (link to installed software list)
  • Office Computers - DECS Supported
    • DECS uses automated installation for office computers.
    • The list of software installed as part of the automated installations can be viewed at (link to installed software list)
  • Personal Computer - User Managed, DECS Supported
    • DECS has an automated installation for personal computers.
    • The list of software installed as part of the automated installations can be viewed at (link to installed software list)