Minimum Workstation and Software Site License Subcommittee Minutes

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March 18, 2004
Meeting in AH-1120 at 10 a.m.
Diana Osborn, Chair

Calendar Committee
A new version of Meeting Maker should be available in late summer. The committee has recommended the renewal of Meeting Maker and training be offered.

McAfee Update
The Home Version 8 has been downloaded, but not tested as yet. The current Home Version 7 does auto updating of both the engine and the dats, so there is no big push to change to 8. After testing, the software will be given to Celia for distribution. There is a scanning feature for jokes, but it has issues that may cause the users more problems. MWSSLS is not recommending enabling this option. Versions 7.1 and 7.0 are available on ROHAN now. A discussion ensued on the use of the Install Designer option and it was decided to look into a mini-training session for technicians.

Patch Management Update
The software purchase order has been sent to the vendor. Installation codes will be sent to Diana upon receipt. Not sure on the status of servers at this point, but the two servers will be on two different subnets. Diana will install the software as soon as possible on a test machine. There will not be a "superuser", but there will be a user (i.e. the Security Office) that can see console reports for everyone.

Software Survey
Emails have gone out to gather user information. Check your email for login instructions. October is the official snapshot date for the survey. David Oehl received a round of "Ad-a-boys" for his work on streamlining the survey database process.

Minimum Workstation Update
The sub-group working on the new spec's for minimum workstations has produced a new document for High-end workstations that contain a grid by applications used. They are almost done with the PC Desktop specs and according to Cyndi Chie, the spec will meet the needs of 80% of our users. They are also working on a new spec designed specifically for lab computers. Once their work to-date has been posted, the sub-group will be researching PC Laptops next. It was noted that they no longer recommend zip drives as a standard. Zip drives will now be seen as an optional drive and be moved to the bottom of the writable options.

Mathematica
Mathematica allows you to install it on as many Windows, Mac or Linux PC computers as you want on your TCP/IP network and then you simply pay for a maximum amount of simultaneous users. So far only 5 faculty (across College/Department lines) have shown any interest in Mathematica and they want it for research and classroom use. To have the package for unlimited student use would be $11,082 each year for 3 years. Concurrent pricing in their comprehensive program lists 7 copies at $2164, 15 copies at $3,095, or 30 copies at $5,672 per year for 3 years. Diana encourages MWSSLS members to poll areas for additional interest. After she hears back on the polling results, Diana will push this up to Academic Affairs for a decision on whether or not this package is pursued.

Spyware
Just a reminder, 80% of the computers on the Internet have some kind of Spyware on them. Our recommended software to scan for Spyware is Spybot (freeware) or Adware (payment required).

Red ID
John Ross distributed an update on the RED ID Conversion Project, now less than 5 weeks away. Timelines thus far are:

For further news, see announcements.

Next MWSSLS meeting will be on April 15, 2004 at 10 a.m. in AH-1120.

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Last modified on April 6, 2004
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