Here's an update on where we stand on our "2002" upgrade as of January
10, 2002. (This file provides more details than the e-mail message sent
today).

1. argento is now upgraded to IRIX 6.5.14.  We still have not upgraded
the Squid proxy server, http server, or log analysis software.  We are
evaluating whether to move the http server to a dedicated machine.

2. meta has been upgraded to Linux RedHat 7.2.  During the upgrade, it
was discovered that one of meta's core disks was dead.  Fortunately, the
RAID system took over.  However, we are in the process of replacing the
disk, which should happen shortly.  

3. ROOM 202: There are 11 working machines (9 new dual 1.2GHZ Athlon
Linux machines, Linda the SGI ONYX, and 1 DEC 500MHZ Alpha). The Alpha
will be moved into Jerry Morrow's office and replaced with a new Linux
machine as soon as it's hard drive is fixed.  All the machines are being
placed on a Linksys 100MBPS switch so that they can "talk" to each other
at 100MBPS.  This will enhance performance when running jobs in the
MOSIX cluster that has been built upon these machines.

4. ROOM 101: All 21 machines have been rewired.  There are now 11
700-MHZ Pentium III dual processor Linux machines, 4 DEC 500MHZ Alpha's,
2 SGI Indy's, plus the 3 PC's and 1 G3 MAC that were there before.
However, there are three of the Linux monitors that do not go on.  We
are troubleshooting this. 


NOW SOME "POLICY" NOTES:

please remember that it is our policy that nobody should turn machines
on or off, please leave this to luis and paul.  if a machine is off,
it's off for a reason (i.e., it has something wrong with it).

also, equally important, is that we implore everyone to keep both rooms
in the neat state they are now in.  every time we upgrade and put the
rooms in such order, it never lasts very long.  this is incredibly
demoralizing, because it was a real effort to make the rooms as nice as
they are.  we are asking everyone to adhere to our "informal" policy of
NOT keeping books and papers permanently on the tabletops in room 101
and 202.  that means use the shelves in 101 and the metal cabinets in
202.

we have also had an "informal" policy of no food or drink in the
computer rooms.  with all the new, expensive machines in both rooms, we
are asking people to adhere to this policy also.  

one final point.  if you want the monitors in 101 raised, let us know.
i have lots of 2x4's i can cut to size in order to raise them.  

thanks,

paul and luis.



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__________________________________________
Paul Trunfio
Boston University

http://polymer.bu.edu/paul