The open questions in the form raised a number of issues. These have been categorised, and dealt with as described below. The number of times each item was raised is in parentheses.
Linux servers
issue |
#comments |
response/actions |
Speed of storage |
4 |
There is a known issue with the /imaging filesystem. Because of the number of files (100 million+) the directory server has slowed down. We are proposing two responses to this. First, Computing plans to break the /imaging filesystem into parts, with different users in different sections, each of which will be smaller and more manageable. Second, we plan to make two changes to SPM: to make it write 4D files by default, and to stop so many intermediate files being stored |
RAM |
1 |
This should be dealt with by the new machine pool |
Slow processing |
1 |
A new pool of machines l42-l58 has just been installed. We are furthermore working on a queuing system, likely to be Sun GridEngine, to ensure they do not become overloaded when heavily used |
64 bit |
1 |
The new machines are 64 bit |
Software should be updated more regularly |
1 |
The new machines have completely refreshed software, and are configured to auto-update. Some software (e.g., python) may be pulled into separate installations and maintained by the imagers instead of computing, where somebody wishes to take responsibility |
Experimental network |
1 |
This would require substantial investment and will be discussed with the person that requested it. It will become easier with NFS 4 to offer root access to single machines. |
Graphical SVN |
1 |
We will talk to the person that requested this for suggestions |
Linux desktop |
1 |
These can be provided if a good case can be made |
Prefer Macintosh |
2 |
This is under discussion at the IT strategy group. There are significant resource implications. |
PC
issue |
#comments |
response/actions |
USB |
6 |
This was discussed at the last IT strategy group and will be discussed again this time. It is not a scientific computing issue. Memory sticks should be available from Technical Services. |
admin rights |
2 |
These are now given by default |
testing desktops & stimulus delivery for fMRI |
3 |
A new machine configuration is being created. One problem is that virus checking needs to be switched off for running experiments, but many people need to transfer data to and from them, meaning they easily catch viruses. Options are a dual log-in system, or a gateway machine for file transfer. It was suggested that as has recently been done for the imaging system, particular people are made responsible for particular pieces of software, notably E-prime, Presentation, Psychtoolbox, PsyScope,DMDX, VB.net, VB6 |
RAM |
1 |
Where a case can be made a new machine will be provided |
Training & support
issue |
#comments |
response/actions |
it would be helpful to have formal training |
3 |
We will consider this for the next intake in 2010 |
it-help does not answer queries |
1 |
Computing are busy and have a broad range of enquiries of varying urgency. However, they will endeavour to remove the backlog |
sexism |
1 |
The importance of guarding against this was agreed with the computing group |