Eccles:it resources

Eccles Lab > General Lab info

New computer registration

Two things need to be done when a new computer arrives in the lab, and requires network access:

• Registration with DSM ICT to gain unique DSM ID number for support calls, and inventory. Contact DSM ICT, below.
• Registration for use on the campus local area network (LAN), and off-campus internet access. This can be done online via the Otago ITS website, and requires providing an appropriate account code for charging of billable network traffic i.e. off-campus inward and outward traffic. See Aaron for help.

Different conditions apply if the new computer is university-owned or not, e.g. a personal laptop. Personal laptops are more limited with regard to University site-licensed software that can be installed; check with DSM ICT for details. Further, DSM ICT will screen the personal laptop to make sure it is as secure as possible before unleashing it on an unsuspecting LAN.

Network port activation

• The Department pays for the monthly charge for each active network outlet (and we pay for the machine-specific traffic). Contact the Department Manager to initiate this request; requires port number, building, and room number.

Getting help

ICT Support

From the DSM ICTSG website:

All requests for IT support in the Dunedin School of Medicine should be handled in the following way (Some research units may have alternative arrangements):

• During Office hours (8.30am - 5.00pm)
  • Email dsm.it@otago.ac.nz (Preferred contact method)
  • Ring the ICT Support Group on the university extension 4137 (39 4137 from ODHB)
  • Leave a message if you get the Voicemail
• If it is URGENT and you have not contacted anyone or have had no response, then contact your departmental administrator. They will be able to help track one of us down.
• If you are still desperate then ring John Kaiser on 021 1422 920.
• After Hours: The University ITS HelpDesk has longer hours depending on student demand. Try 8888 or helpdesk@otago.ac.nz.

Internet use and costs

As an externally-funded research group we pay for all our billable network traffic i.e. off-campus, inward and outward. This warning from the DSM ICT Support Group about internet use applies to us, link (PDF), but the short story is:

1. Don't download music and movies (we pay for the network bandwidth).
2. Don't play music and movies from the internet - this counts as (1), above (unless work related e.g. online presentations).
3. No BitTorrent or other P2P filesharing apps for music and movies.
4. Do not install any software without talking to the sysadmin first e.g. Skype.
5. Don't fill up the HDD with anything from (1) or (2) above, MP3s you've ripped, or anything you care about - it will be deleted after you've gone.
6. Don't store MP3's or movies on DSMX1. Store you personal music etc. on your local machine only.
7. Don't print rubbish - B&W or colour (we pay for that too).

File and data storage

• Keep all data in the "DGG_data" folder in the "Developmental Genetics Group" folder on DSMX1, the Med School file server.
• Don't secret your data away in your home directory on DSMX1, or on your own computer: it makes it difficult, if not practically impossible, for others to find data generated by lab members when they move on.
• For binary data files that go on DSMX1 e.g. excel files, ABI SDS files, images, we have a hierarchical folder-naming structure inside the "DGG_data" folder that relates to the type of experiment: DGG_data->method->tissue->user->date->files (you can argue this one till blue in the face; at the end of the day we've decided on a system, and need to stick too it to make it at all useful, AJ).
• File-naming is another can of worms. At minimum, start with the date in YYYY-MM-DD format followed by an underscore then your intitials or name e.g., 2006-12-07_AJ_blah-blah.xls. Please do not use spaces in folder or file names - use an underscore or dash instead.
• Create a plain text file inside each folder you create that describes the contents of the folder i.e what experiment, lab book page references etc. We haven't decided on a standardised way of doing this yet, but anything is better than nothing.
• Don't store non-work stuff on DSMX1 e.g., MP3's, movies. Store you personal music etc. on your local machine only.