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Martin Murphy and Geoff Coxhead implemented a number of important changes
and upgrades to the Observatory's technical equipment during 2003, a few
of which are summarized below.
- Installation of a new main server to replace the Alpha-based
system. This was completed with much less down-time than originally
expected and with relatively few glitches from the users' perspective. The
new system is based on the relatively inexpensive PC architecture and
offers a much more favourable price/performance ratio than the old system.
The change was originally planned to coincide with the Observatory's
connection to the NIMAN but that has been delayed by approximately 1-2
years.
- Installation of improved data storage and backup systems. All
Observatory staff are now almost entirely dependent on their individual
PC-based desktop workstations, but their files must continue to be
securely backed up on a regular basis. The old tape technology did not
have the capacity or speed to back up the data stored on all the
Observatory PCs, so this has now been superseded by a new disk-based
backup system. Staff can access these backups directly to recover
accidentally deleted files without the intervention of the system
administrator. Locating the new system outside the main Observatory
building provides added security in the event of a catastrophe affecting
the whole building.
- Installation of new SPAM filtering software. This is able to
diagnose approximately one third of incoming e-mails as SPAM. It marks
them as such, and staff have the option to configure their e-mail
interface to delete such files automatically or to file the e-mails, as
appropriate. A web based e-mail interface has also been installed to
enable staff to access e-mail more easily when off-site (home or
elsewhere), and all staff have the ability to access their e-mail
remotely, for example when working abroad.
- Installation of an `800.11g' (54Mbps) standard wireless network.
This will eliminate the danger of trailing wires when laptops are
connected to the network and will facilitate the use of telescopes in the
Observatory grounds. Usage of this system will increase when the
refurbished historic telescopes become operational, and it is expected to
be the main communication mode in the new Library, Archive and Historic
Scientific Instruments building.
Next: Technical Research Summaries
Up: Research
Previous: Interstellar Panspermia
M.E. Bailey
2004-05-18