Support

Printer-friendly version

Overview

The Oregon State University Physics Department has a wide variety of computers running various Operating Systems. This includes computers as old as 486's up to machines with 2 dual core Opterons. Operating Systems include Windows 95, 98, NT 4, 2000, XP, and Mac OSX, as well as many different Unix and Linux distributions. The physics department has a part-time in house tech as well as being covered by a contract with COSINe (College of Science Information Network).

Whom do I contact about a problem?

If the problem is related to any computer in the 2 labs (412 and 497), or is a general problem with a Unix or Linux computer, contact support@physics.oregonstate.edu.

If your problem is non-emergency, all problems should first be directed to the department tech by emailing support@physics.oregonstate.edu.

If your problem is an emergency, please call COSINe at 7-5574.

Current News

The computers in 412 and 497 have been upgraded to SuSE 10.3, the latest version.  There are some minor changes that are noticeable.  For example, the menu system has changed, if you would like the old style back, simply right click on the "K menu" button (looks like a gecko) and choose  "Switch to KDE Menu Style".  I have created a web page with some new features now available and changes that have been made.

There is a new Acceptable Use Policy that must be printed out, signed, and turned in to Paula in the physics office for anyone who wants an account on the physics lab computers. 

The computers in the labs in Weniger 412 and 497 have recently been turned into a working Beowulf Cluster. There is a link on the sidebar with instructions on use. This cluster was designed to be used for educational purposes. However, research use is allowed as long as there is no interruption in any educational work or classes going on. In other words, do not tie up the entire system with research projects and any long running projects should be transparent to any user. There is now ABSOLUTELY NO reason any workstations should be locked. If a computer is found locked, it will be unlocked and all programs killed.