OIT plans to upgrade both the Linux GL servers (Linux1-3) and the OIT Linux Lab Image before the Fall Semester. Currently Linux GL is running Redhat Enterprise 3 (RHEL3) and the Linux Labs are running RHEL4. The goal of the upgrade is to have both sets of systems running the same OS and setup so that users can transition seamlessly between them. The current plan is to take these systems to RHEL5.
In an effort to provide a more robust useful image, we will be involving a number of Faculty members during the testing phase who use OIT Linux Labs. We currently plan to get testers onto the image somewhere in the Aug 6th through 8th timeframe. We anticipate approximately a week for testers, and we will work with them to correct problems. The final image has to be released to Desktop Support by August 20th at the latest.
If you are a Faculty member who plans to use OIT’s Linux Labs for the Fall semester and are interested in participating in the testing of the OIT RHEL5 Lab image, please send an email to oit-linux-lab@umbc.edu. Please include in your email which packages you are planning to use/test. This address is only for testers wanting to participate. Reserving labs for your classes or submitting software requests should still be done as they have previously. Please keep in mind that all specialty software addition requests need to be in no later than 4 weeks before the semester starts in order to get them built and part of the image.