Cambridge University Reporter


University Computing Service: Notice

PUBLIC WORKSTATION FACILITY - TEACHING SOFTWARE AND OTHER APPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMICAL YEAR 2008-09

This notice is addressed to all those who currently use or who are planning to use the Public Workstation Facility (PWF), including Managed Cluster stations in Departments and Colleges, to support their teaching whether for organized courses or for teaching which depends more generally on applications on the PWF.

Requests for new application software or for new versions of existing software for all three workstation platforms (Linux, Macintosh, and Windows) are needed by the Computing Service by the end of Full Lent Term (Friday, 14 March 2008). This year all requests must be submitted on the form available at http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/pwf/swrequest.pdf and must include information on licensing and the date the application is required. Please send completed forms to the PWF Manager, University Computing Service, New Museums Site.

Software for which requests are received later than this date will not necessarily be installed in time for the start of the Michaelmas Term. It would also be helpful to be informed of any software that is no longer required. The list of requested software which the Computing Service plans to make available for the start of the Michaelmas Term will be announced on the Computing Service webpage at http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/pwf/upgrades.html by the division of the Easter Term.

The programme of installation of the new software will need to start immediately after the end of Full Easter Term, in order that it can be completed on time. Those teaching during the Long Vacation should note that the installation of new versions of PWF software during that period may have implications for them as the version available may change.

The full set of applications for 2008-09 is intended to be available from Monday, 1 September. This time-scale will enable those whose teaching depends on these applications to check that they work correctly, update course notes, and allow for any necessary remedial action to be taken before the start of the Michaelmas Term.

For some applications the cost has to be borne by the institution requiring the software. A request from one institution may have cost implications for other institutions that also use the software. Those requesting software, whether a new application or upgrade to an existing application, are asked to consider the financial implications of their requests for themselves and managed Cluster institutions.