Student Computing

CSCE - Information for Cluster Managers

The latest version of the Common Student Computing Environment, CSCE 6.6 [AD] is now available.

CSCE 6.6 is based on Windows XP Professional with Service Pack3 and the latest security patches.

Please contact the helpdesk on ext 4800 [helpdesk@it.gla.ac.uk] if you wish it installed.

Although CSCE 6.5 is still supported, it is recommended that all cluster managers install CSCE 6.5 on their workstations to take advantage of the superior management facilities and to provide users with the larger range of software.

Power Savings in CSCE machines.

The current settings for CSCE workstations do not make efficient use of power and result in high levels of waste ( and cost ).  Simple changes to the default settings should result in significant savings for the University.

Phase 1 – On  when they need to be.

Our stats indicate a significant number of machines are on overnight when facilities are not open.  We propose that for each facility we agree with local stakeholders :-

• Opening time for lab then configure via BIOS the machines to turn on automatically at an agreed time.
• Closing time for lab then configure auto-shutdown via SCCM for the agreed time ( say 10 mins after official closing time ).

Phase 2 – Make XP better ( use only when they need to).

By adopting the following power profile significant savings can be made :-

• Move to hard disk power down in 2 mins idle.
• Move to hibernate after 10 minutes idle.

Phase 3 – Move to Windows 7 and take advantage of better power management ( use only what you need to ).

By migrating to Windows 7 we will be able to take advantage of all of the modern power saving facilities of modern motherboards, including :-

• Power stepping to processors/motherboards chipsets.
• Dynamic clock modifications ( throttling ).

Schedule

Phase 1 . - We will be contacting cluster managers with an outline of this soon, and negotiating the on and off times for the hardware in the first instance, then reporting the difference in consumption after one month.

Phase 2 – after dialogue with cluster managers we will implement the agreed changes by Dec 10 th.

Phase 3 – assuming a cost justification we will prepare a manifest of changes for further negotiation with cluster managers.