Introduction to Physics IT Support

Adrian Hooper3 West 4.3a, ext. 5858E-mail: pysit-support@bath.ac.uk

To learn about IT Support available with the Department of Physics, and across the University.

To find out a little about the systems you’ll be using.

To ensure that you know what’s available, where and when.

Intro to some specific tools.

The purpose of this session...

BUCS ‘IT Supporter’ for the Department of Physics (since 1st August 2009)

Member of the “Faculty of Science and School of Management IT Team,” as part of the campus-wide “User Services” section of BUCS.

Employed by the Department of Physics as an IT Technician since 2001.

Who am I?

Responsible for all of the 300+ computers, plus servers, network equipment etc. used by the Department of Physics.

“Level 1” support for all Physics staff, Postgraduates and Undergraduates.

Advisory role for the Physics Department, as part of the Department Executive Committee, and other relevant groups.

What do I do?

ALL computer use of campus is subject to the “Acceptable use Policy,” part of the University Regulations.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the terms of this policy.

See the Computing Services website for full details.

First things first...

Get in touch with me:pysit-support@bath.ac.uk3 West 4.3aExt. 5858

BUCS FAQs and help pages

Problem reporting Form

Library Helpdesk

Getting Help

Introduction to Physics IT Support

How do our systems work?

Windows desktop PCs

“Sun Ray” thin clients

Windows Terminal Servers

UNIX (Solaris) compute servers

Linux compute servers

Linux desktop PCs (MPhys, PGs and Staff)

Apple Macs (PGs and Staff)

Types of computers available.

Active Directory is the Microsoft user authentication system.

“Roaming profiles” - personal settings will follow you around

“My Documents” redirected to your networked filestore; h:\dos\

Staying with Windows XP for now!

Windows Desktop PC(Active Directory)

Sun Rays(Thin Clients)

In Library, cyber cafes, Physics workroom and in many corridors around the campus.

No computing power – simple clients to connect to servers.

Allow access to web browser, Windows terminal servers, Linux desktop + UNIX terminal

Windows Terminal Servers – provide additional software and access.

Linux servers – provide a linux desktop option on Sun Rays + compute power.

UNIX (solaris) servers – our general purpose compute servers.

The Servers

Storing your personal files

Use your “h:” drive – 1GB default quota

This holds “My Documents” on windows, and UNIX/Linux home directory.

Back up + “snapshots”

Check quota in “Your Account” on BUCS web.

Storing your work/research files

Use your “x:” drive – and ignore the Windows size report.

Each research group should have an area.

Permissions are group specific.

Backed up every night.

Useful to know

Printing – each group is slightly different, so ask your supervisor.

E-mail is one of our primary means of communication, so check regularly.

E-mail quota is separate to your filestore.

E-mail is virus scanned, and spam checked.

Laptop “docking” is available in many offices/labs.

Introduction to Physics IT Support

What is available where?

The Library has many PCs and Sun Rays available at all times.

PC labs are situated in 1W2.25, 1E3.9, 2E1.14 and 3E3.1, and may be used if not booked for teaching.

Where to find a computer?

Sun Ray terminals may be found all around the campus.

Physics computer workroom – 3 West 4.3

3 West 4.3 (up the stairs from Physics Square)

Open 08:30 – 17:00 during the week (my work hours)

20 Sun Rays3 Windows XP PCsWireless network

IT Support in the corner...

The Physics Computer Workroom

19 Windows PCs in level 3 labs, 20 PCs in MPhys lab (mix of XP and Linux)

Dedicated hardware and software for experiments.

Printer for lab results.

Wireless and docking.

Physics Teaching Laboratories

Physics Research Facilities

IT related purchasing

University financial regulations restrict the suppliers that we can use, and the types of computers that we can buy.

Within the Department of Physics, ALL IT purchases should be discussed with me, and in most cases I will deal with all of the order process.

Please note that some research projects cannot fund Computer Consumables!

Display Screen Regulations

You may have been given a workstation assessment/display screen assessment form to complete (a pink form).

I’m the Department’s named Assessor, so I’m responsible for checking these are done, and that any required changes are made.

Introduction to Physics IT Support

Now it’s your turn...

Your Account

Homepage > Computing Services > Your Account

Moodle

http://moodle.bath.ac.uk

Person Finder

http://www.bath.ac.uk/contact/

Use it to find your Supervisor.

Introduction to Physics IT Support

And, finally...

• Take regular breaks when using computers.• Treat the computers with respect

– Accidents/failures do happen, please let me know.• If you need help, please ask. We’re here to

help.• Enjoy your time here!• Thank you for your time and patience.• Now... Any questions?

Please remember!