Machine Choices - New Grads 2007
Welcome!
To: Incoming CSE Graduate Students
From: Computer Science Laboratory Staff
Subject: Computing Equipment
| We need a response by Monday, Aug 20! |
As you know, incoming graduate students are issued a computer upon entry to the program, and this year we are expanding the options to include laptops. The purpose of this letter is to provide some context for making your choice.
Traditionally, the computer offered to incoming graduate students has been a desktop with either Windows or Linux, in part because we have stable support for these; you can count on minimal downtime, and if problems arise, they can be resolved quickly. Another reason is that we can quickly deal with security breaches on the network, as well as promptly apply security patches. The upside is that you don't have to do that sort of systems management; the downside is that it provides somewhat less flexibility for your use of your system (you don't have root access on linux boxes by default, for instance.)
All that said, people successfully run many types of systems around here: Windows and Linux (of various flavors) and Mac desktops and laptops and tablets and what have you.
We officially support Fedora Linux and Windows; there is a Mac user group that aids Mac users, but ultimate responsibility for keeping them working rests with the user. (And plenty of people manage this.)
Whatever type of machine you choose, you will have access to stable, shared Linux and Windows machines run by the department. And whatever type of machine you choose, the files on the local drives are not backed up - only file server storage is backed up.
One final note: one reason we've made only desktops available until now is that you're unlikely to leave a desktop on the bus, or have it drop off your bike at 20 mph. That means we could rely on the CSE machines being pretty reliable. We're not sure what happens if hundreds of people have nothing but laptops within CSE. (Again, there are plenty of examples of people who have run for years with nothing but a laptop, though.) If you're unlikely enough to be the one whose laptop continues to the airport on your bus after you get off, you might have to head to a shared lab to get online for a day or few years (i.e., you shouldn't expect that the department will replace your lost laptop with anything).
- The conservative options are Linux or Windows desktop. Everything else is a bit avant garde. If you're indifferent to the choices, or don't want to spend any of your time managing a computer, and are reasonably flexible about exactly how things have to be, then go the conservative route. Otherwise, choose what appeals to you (which might well be a Linux or Windows desktop), and what you think will let you most effectively get your work done. (We're leaving out the obvious hardware considerations regarding desktop vs. laptop compute, graphics, storage, other speeds, capacities, and extensibility, since they're obvious.) One thing to be aware of is that desktops will likely have a 20" screen; laptops will likely be in the neighborhood of 13"-14".
Naturally, there are lots of details with respect to what "support" and "integration" mean, and consequences for how much support and assistance you will receive from the department Lab Staff, and how well integrated your box will be with the department computing infrastructure. In a nutshell it comes down to how much support you will receive, and how well integrated your box will be with the department computing infrastructure (file servers, printing, etc)...
| Context | Implications to user | |
|---|---|---|
| CSL Managed |
Linux (Fedora) or Windows |
|
| Personally Mananged |
Any OS |
|
| Macs | No CSL support | There are many Mac users working successfully. For instance, everyone is able to make use of department printers and other services. |
| Wireless | The entire CSE building and nearby outside areas are covered by the CSE wireless network. Many other areas of campus are covered by the UW wireless network. You have access to both CSE and UW networks from any machine you use - managed, unmanaged, and personal. | |
All systems will remain the property of the University of Washington, and must be returned when you leave the department. And REGARDLESS of who manages your machine and REGARDLESS of which operating system you use, you are ultimately responsible for the security of the computer, intrusions into that computer, and the consequences to the broader network and community - see the responsibilities for "Computer User" UW Security Responsibilities at http://www.washington.edu/computing/security/responsibilities.html . And those who manage their computer must accept the greater responsibilities of "Computer System Administrators" described in that document - in particular, you will have full responsibility for any security-related incidents and will be expected to handle them with immediacy and vigor.
To make your selection of computer, please complete the survey at https://catalysttools.washington.edu/survey/rose/41159 (see footnote below)
Timing
A few words about timing: because of this shift to offering a mobile option, and because of an unfortunate supply problem with LCD screens, delivery of equipment is going to be delayed longer than normal. Our fervent hope is to have things in your hands (or on your desks) a couple of weeks before the quarter begins - but we ask for your patience and understanding at this particularly busy time of the year even with that expectation. We will keep you posted.
Respond Quickly!
Please respond by Monday, Aug 20. If we do not hear from you by then, the default box will be a desktop platform (Windows or Linux would be a choice you could still make after for this, but MacOS is not.)
Thanks. And we look forward to seeing you soon!
- The Computer Science Laboratory Staff
NB: To complete the survey, you will need to use your UW NetID (which may be different from your CSE NetID). If you aren't sure what your UW NetID is or have forgotten your password contact help@cac.washington.edu
