Lab Software - Changes for 2005-06
Instructions for Academic Staff

DEADLINE for all responses Friday 22nd April 2005

All existing packages still required in 2005-06 must be RE-REQUESTED:

By default, all packages used in the 2004-05 session will be deleted and no longer available.

To re-request an existing package, please print off and complete the new (and simplified)

• FORM-2a: Instance of deployment for Teaching
• For each class/module, a single form citing all the applications used is sufficient.
• We need to form a clear picture of how the software is used by the students so we can budget for an adequate number of seats and licences.
• You are free to express the information in a way that maps naturally onto the way your course is run. So, while the boxes will fit naturally in some scenarios, that will not be so in others.

PS: The current lab timetable will provide starting information. Please consider whether you need as many slots, please pay attention to actual start and finish weeks.

PPS: the group size breaks (lab seat numbers) are 35 and 48, so if you expect (crystall ball) the group sizes to cross these boundaries, please note this. There is time for this information to influence the summer lab refurbishments and licence provision.

New Applications and New Versions of existing Applications:

The following must be received by the IT office by the deadline:

1. A completed FORM-1: Software Audit, Request and Authorisation
   A single form is required for each product used in the School.
2. The distribution media.
3. NB In particular, Windows XP has strict requirements regarding application suitability. The list of requirements is available here - Windows XP Requirements.

Do not forget to include the instance of deployment form.

DEADLINE for all responses Friday 22nd April 2005

What happens next?

1. We have to inform and negotiate with EUCS by April 30th.
2. Each package has to follow through a six stage process in order to deploy it.
3. For windows XP, you can check here: Microlab XP Application Status.

[Initially, this will enable you to confirm that we have received your requests.]

Background

For 2005-6, the version of MS-Windows operating system in the School labs and the University Microlabs will be Windows XP SP2. Consequently:

1. We have to re-assess EVERY package that has been used hitherto and that is still required (33 in total).
2. We are going to have to start from a clean sheet.
3. Unfortunately we are aware of at least one current application that simply does not run under SP2 and has thus already been moved to the "FAILED" list for next session.

See Also: Teaching Lab Information Pages, Request to staff(24/03/2005).

Lab Upgrades - TLF

TLF will be closed for upgrading from mid-May until end of August.