CAM Computer Committee - Operational Sub-committee

Outstanding requests/orders: software

CD writing - Roxio Easy CD Creator vs Nero vs VOB Instant CD/DVD

DL talk to Mike Reid to see if VOB can be sorted out in Lion Gate

If it can't and we have to buy new: Nero is the preferred option, but has to be able to write both CD and DVD

DL reports that VOB has been sorted out in Lion Gate.

DL reports Nero 5.5 can do both CD and DVD

(WMP 9 also has CD writing capability)

Buy VOB

3D Studio Max

Chris Boorman is making enquiries about whether we can upgrade the recentlty bought v4.3 licences to v5.0. EK to chase CB; we want to trade licences: 40 x 4.2 + 45 x 4.3 for 85 x 5.0

As of today, 3D Studio Max is installed nowhere.

Price is:

• 90 seats for £12500
• 45 seats for £6400

Dreamweaver

(1)   Burnaby Terrace Staff

EK to check that all staff have licences who previously asked for them. (Janet Delve + 3?)

(2)   Lion Gate classrooms (also Director)

EK sorting with Mike Reid - should be installed soon

SB confirmed that DW4 Ultradev is available in Mercantile 4.2

Pro Cite

EK reported that laptops not covered by University licence. Individual licence approx £200.

University is looking to replace it with EndNote (from same company). EK to talk to Ian Bonar to try to ensure that laptops are covered by new licence agreement.

Outstanding requests/orders: hardware

Replacement machine for Victor Wong (wants CD Writer)

EK to action move of one of the new 1.7G machines to Victor; cascade to someone else (worst machine)

Rolling software budget

Reported to be approx. £30k. Main items: Maple; Microsaint; MATLAB

EK to send list to JSB

Ordering process

It was agreed that communicating orders direct to Chris Boorman was OK provided EK was copied in.

It was agreed that JSB would normally copy orders to all members of the sub-committee for their information.

It was agreed that it would be useful for Alison White to be included on the Sub-Committee. JSB to invite.

Major projects

Laptop ports

5 modem sockets are available on Mercantile floor 5. There is also a wireless transmitter on floor 5. ISO (Chris Boorman through Frank Margrave) is looking for 20 Technology faculty students to participate in a pilot. JSB to contact Frank about this.

Operational problems

PDFs and IE/Netscape

IE had now been fixed to work with Acrobat reader; the solution is to start up the Reader first.

However, only trusted documents can be accessed this way (includes local ones, but excludes external ones unless site listed) because of a security loophole that could invoke a malicious ActiveX component.

It was noted that it was unacceptable for staff and students to be unable to read PDF files from external sources. Short term solution: use Netscape. Long term solution: requires ISO to find a solution. JSB to raise at Faculty Computer Committee.

New users: automatic set up of L: drive directory and Faculty web server accounts

EK agreed to request that the helpdesk notify the appropriate site support team when a new user account was created.

Requests for accounts on the Faculty web server would need to go to Mark Ferguson.

Requested but not happening

EK to repeat/with JLS re LAN team

Policies

Lending equipment to students

It was noted that there was no formal policy about lending equipment to students. Teams with equipment to spare usually did so according to their local arrangements. It was agreed to continue as before, though normally equipment should not be loaned to students who intend to take it overseas.

Lab information on web

SB, DL, EK agreed to set up/update the web pages for the Mercantile, Lion Gate and Anglesea labs respectively, and notify JSB of the URLs. This would include hardware configurations and software installed.

SB
DL
EK

Merc is close
LG not yet

EK to talk to Les Black

Timetabling

A general discussion was held on timetabling issues relating to labs. Keeping lab information on the web up to date should help. Lecturers need to be reminded to check that the labs they are timetabled in are adequate. Better communication between lab keepers and timetablers is necessary.

Strategy

It was noted with concern that there is no existing strategy for the labs or for equipment procurement. If there was it would be tied into the Teaching & Learning Strategy for the programme area, which also does not exist.

Any other business

L drive

Mercantile 3.1 and 3.2

SB asked whether anyone would be using the Comms Lab (3.1) and Linux Lab (3.2) this year? JSB agreed to find out.

Asked but no positive responses.

SB reported that Roger Beresford is definitely using the Comms Lab.

Date of next meeting