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Systems Support Users
Group Minutes |
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Systems Support Users
Group Minutes |
*Systems Support (SS) staff who rotate attending Users Group meetings.
Recap of the Latest Crash
Two weeks ago, an error (perhaps a power surge) occurred in Julian, 220 volt UPSs were affected, and all crashed. They all rebooted, then shut down, except for one (which was on its last leg and was never to be used again); this included the SYSSRV15. Consequently, SS had to find hard drive space to make new servers and restore files. Dell is shipping a new server—free—that has double the storage capacity and that will be up and running in approximately four weeks. Dell’s response has been great; the new equipment and services are worth about $40-45K.
At the same time the above was occurring, there were also problems with the tape backup system and SS got only 50-60% backup from the prior two days. Some files were out of sync or missing. SYSSRV15 was up briefly, and more files were retrieved. That is when Eric asked users to let him know if files were missing so he could quickly retrieve them while the server was up. If the system can maintain, i.e., no more disasters, until the new server is installed, we will be in good shape.
SS is going to be drastically upscaling their backup by 1) having a new server with twice the storage and 2) making a strong case for buying a “mirror” server to do duplicate backup, which will allow minimal gap in operations if the first server crashes.
To provide more consistent and reliable service to Mac users (who did not receive optimal service during this latest crash because the SS Mac staff person was on vacation), SS will identify a second staff member responsible for Mac computers in general.
SS will also be more conscientious about communications during crises. They did a great job during the June crash, but neglected to provide staff with enough information during the first two days of the July crash.
SS Move
In the next two weeks, SS is moving to Julian Hall, second floor north wing. However, they will be in the Julian lab area for the first of those weeks. Telefund computers are all replaced, so they won’t have to move them. Other UA computers will not all be installed before the move, so they will have to store some of them. The move will slightly delay some of these installations. Work tickets are stacking up because of the crash and the move. Please have patience with SS during the next two weeks.
SS reorganization. The SS development team [Turetzky, Hamrin, Plummer (GA), and Harriss] is moving to AIS permanently. It is a good move for AIS that will infuse more modern development into the office.
Changes in the Standard Software Build
Committee members reported results of their surveys of staff regarding usage and preferences for Netscape and Real Player. A clear majority of staff do not care if these are part of the standard package as long as there are alternates that provide the same services (i.e., Internet Explorer and Spinner). As well, users who want Netscape and Real Player can download them themselves or ask SS to do it, although bookmarks will not be backed up on Netscape unless SS installs. Media Player is already a part of the standard package.
The decision was made to make Netscape, Real Player and Spinner “specialty applications”—to be installed by users or by SS.
Spamming. The committee commented that spams dropped dramatically about a week ago when filtering was escalated.
Outlook share folders. SS is researching share folders for Outlook and will get back to the committee with information and possible resolutions. E-mail files are stored differently than Microsoft Office files and will require a different approach to creating share folders.
Meeting
brief prepared by
Cheryl Young
7-24-03