Department of Computer Science
Computing Resources/Labs Plan
May 2003
The dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology has requested that
each department present a laboratory plan in order to prioritize computing and laboratory needs.
In response, the Department of Computer Science presents this proposal outlining our global
hardware, software, and support needs for computing resources. This proposal reflects a plan that
is consistent to achieve the effective support of the department mission, the mission of the
college, and the strategic plan of the university.
In order for the department to succeed in producing students of excellence we must provide upto-date computer labs, cutting edge technology, and effective systems support. Our students must
enter the workforce with competitive skills that reflect well on themselves, our department, and
the college. This is especially true in times when competition is high and employment
opportunities are low. Our students must have a competitive edge.
The college and department are becoming increasingly dependent on contracts and grants. At
the same time, the standards for RTP reflect the need for published research. These requirements
are clearly indicate a need for the availability of cutting-edge technology to faculty as well as
students. If faculty are to compete for hi-end contracts and grants they must have adequate
resources to do so effectively.
The Department of Computer Science maintains an ongoing effort to ensure technological parity
with the computer industry. In doing so, there are several key areas where our facilities must be
continuously evaluated and upgraded. This document will serve to present these areas, as well as
our various requests for short-range, mid-range, and long-range needs. For purposes of this plan,
these needs can be categorized in the following manner:
• Short-range: Requests that are urgently needed, during the immediate semester.
• Mid-range:
Requests that are needed over the next one to three years.
• Long-range: Requests that reflect goals that extend beyond three years.
It should be noted that this document is intended to be a work in progress as needs and goals
evolve; therefore, this document shall be re-evaluated and updated by the department lab
committee and approved by the department faculty each semester.
The Department of Computer Science asserts that the most important request in this document is
the hiring of an additional Systems Administrator and that without this additional person, the
implementation of other requests will place an undue burden on an already overstressed technical
staff.
Endorsed by the Computer Science Department faculty on May 7, 2003,
and respectfullly submitted by the Computer Science Department Lab Committee, May 23, 2003.
________________________________
Reneé S. Renner, committee chair
_________________________________
Anne Keuneke, department chair
________________________________
Helen Gesick, committee member
_________________________________
Mike Long, committee member
133 136 241 340 244 251
lab lab lab lab lab lab
254
Lec
254
244
251 Needs Old 251 Faculty
closet closet closet Space PCs Offices
Cost
Short-Range
Basic robot kits for robotics and AI
Reclaim Closet Space for Labs
Linux Cluster
Grad Lab (6 - 8 computers)
Added row of 5 Sun Ultra 10
Upgrade Ultra 5- 512 MD memory
Replace PC's
Replace Lab Chairs
Replace computers
Software Reinitialize
Adobe Photoshop Software
Upgrade computer
Adobe Acrobat Writer
Matlab w/Fuzzy and Neural Toolkits
Cooling Unit
Maya Software Serv. Contract
Maya Resource Library
AW Studio Tools
Second PC Lab
Linux/Open Source Lab
Display Cabinets/Boards
Participate in Campus -Wide
Software Licensing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
11,606
x
15,000
20,000
87,000
14,000
4200
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
2,900
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
2668
x
1800/yr
2500
3500
2-3K ea
133
lab
136 241 340 244 251
lab lab lab lab lab
254
Lec
254
244
251 Needs Old 251 Faculty
closet closet closet Space PCs Offices
Cost
Mid-Range
x
x
Eval. Unix Workstations-3-5 Yrs.
Reclaim Closet Space for Labs
Linux Cluster
Upgrade Memory Ultra 10-1GB
Matlab Software Maintenance Service
Matlab Toolboxes
Linux/Open Source Lab
Linux/Open Source Hardware
x
Replace Labs Every 3 Yrs.
Linus/Open Source Furniture
Make 3 Labs from 2
Intermediate Robot Kits
Wireless access
Gigabit Ethernet (Cat 5E)
Card-key access
Bi-Annual Software Upgrades
Upgrades Comp. to Labs
x
x
x
x
2-3k ea
x
5k ea
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
$30,000
$180
$800
x
x
2-3k ea
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
9862
x
x
x
x
133
lab
136
lab
x
x
241
lab
340
lab
244
lab
251
lab
254
Lec
x
x
254
244
251 Needs Old 251 Faculty
closet closet closet Space
PCs
Offices
Long-Range
Replace Labs Every 3 Yrs.
Eval. Unix Workstations-3-5 Yrs.
Reclaim Closet Space for Labs
Advanced Robot Kits
Simulink
Matlab Software Maintenance Service
CyberTouch Data Gloves
WorldToolkit Devel. Software
x
State of Art Capabilities
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Hardware Requests
Labs
Short-Range
• Increase SUN Ultra 5s from 128 to 512 MB. ~$20K ($395/256MB *2 * 25machines).
See Appendix A.
• Increase SUN Ultra 10s from 256MB to 1GB memory. ~$30K ($395/256MB*3*25). See
Appendix A.
• Add an additional row of 5 SUN Ultra 10 computers in OCNL 244 to utilize existing
furniture. Approximate cost $15K.
• Basic robot kits (LEGO MINDSTORMS) for Robotics and AI classes, competitions and
exhibitions. Approximate cost $12K. See Appendices A and B.
• Reclaim closet space through housekeeping.
§ 244 closet: Grad or WISE Lab (6 – 8 computers)
§ 251 closet: Linux Cluster
§ 254 closet: Tech Shop Storage
• Purchase lockable, portable storage closets or shelving with fiber security, in 133, 244
and 251 for additional storage needs.
• Replace computers in OCNL 133 with new PCs (DELL, HP, GATEWAY, IBM, or
COMPAQ) Approximate cost is $57K-87K ($1.9K-2.9K *30). See Appendix A.
• Replace all lab chairs with proper computer chairs that are adjustable in height and with
adjustable back tension. 210 chairs at approximately $70 (KLog) each. Total approx
$14,000.
• Replace computers in OCNL 340 (IBM Networks Lab) with computers detailed in
Appendix C.
• Upgrade OCNL 254 computer with a computer similar to the computers in OCNL 251
(currently a Pentium II, 266 Mhz).
Mid-Range
• Develop a new lab for Open Source software education. Primarily a Linux lab, however,
since it would be a hands on lab, the configuration and software installed would be fluid
and could comprise many different operating systems. Similar hardware requirements as
OCNL 251. A room and furniture would be needed for this lab as well. See Appendix A.
• Replace PC labs every three years. See Appendix A.
• Evaluate Unix workstations every five years for upgrade / replacement. See Appendix A.
• Have wireless access throughout the building.
• Have gigabit Ethernet capability throughout the building.
o Category 5E cabling (minimum)
o Network Cards
o Network Switches
• Card-key access to all labs for security and monitoring purposes.
• Intermediate robot kits (OWI and LIVING MACHINES) for Robotics and AI classes,
competitions and exhibitions, and creation of Intelligent Systems Lab (possible co-
1
venture with Mechatronics; grant opportunities). Approximate cost $10K. See
Appendices A and B.
• Create three labs out of the current two labs, OCNL 133 and OCNL 136. See Appendix
A.
o Better utilization of space
o 2nd ‘Open PC lab’, (DELL, HP, GATEWAY, IBM, or COMPAQ) Approximate
cost is $38K-58K ($1.9K-2.9K *20)
Long-Range
• Advanced robot kits (AKPETERS and IROBOT) for Robotics / Intelligent Systems Lab,
Robotics and AI classes, competitions and exhibitions. Approximate cost $35K. See
Appendices A and B.
• Ongoing housekeeping of Closet Space.
o Do not store absent faculty materials
o Regularly send obsolete equipment to salvage
o Do not store other departments’equipment
• Immersion CyberTouch data gloves and WorldToolkit development software.
Approximate cost: $25K.
Faculty Offices
Short-Range
• Ensure all faculty have adequate computing and printing resources in their offices
Mid-Range
• Faculty offices and computer labs should be comparable in hardware capability.
o Upgrade / replace faculty computers when lab computers are updated
o Increase SUN Ultra-10s from 512MB to 1GB memory. ~$1600
($395/256MB*2*2). See Appendix A
Long-Range
• Provision for state-of-the-art computing, networking, scannning, printing, etc. from
faculty offices.
2
Software Requests
Labs
Short-Range
• Participate in campus-wide software licensing.
• Develop some system whereby the PC’s in the computer labs reinitialize themselves on
boot up (RDIST software, etc). See Appendix A.
• MATHWORKS’s Matlab, 24 licenses. Approximate cost $1.5K.
• ALIAS/WAVEFRONT’s Maya for the PC lab $1.8K per year service contract. See
Appendix A.
• ALIAS/WAVEFRONT’s Maya Resource Library – Classroom Plus - $2,500.00. See
Appendix A.
• Re-new of the licensing for ALIAS/WAVEFRONT’s Studio Tools - $3,500.00. See
Appendix A.
• Obtain ADOBE Photoshop for the OCNL251 lab.
• Maintain all existing software licenses and up-to-date installations
• Firewall for .NET development, in OCNL 251 lab. Approximate cost $1250 (25*$50).
Mid-Range
• Bi-annual updates for common software and faculty course/project requests.
• MATHWORKS’s Fuzzy and Neural toolkit, and Software Maintenance Service, 10
licenses. Approximate cost $1K.
• Firewall for development, in all PC labs. Approximate cost $50ea. Wkstn.
Long-Range
• Be on leading edge in software acquisition and availability of latest software tools.
• MATHWORKS’s Simulink (10 licenses), and Software Maintenance Service.
Approximate cost $670.
Faculty Offices
Short-Range
• Obtain ADOBE Acrobat writer for faculty offices (Publishing standard).
• MATHWORKS’s Matlab with Fuzzy and Neural toolkits, 2 licenses. Approximate cost
$1.2K.
Mid-Range
• Annual upgrade of faculty special needs software, beyond that provided by servers.
• Faculty offices and computer labs should be comparable in software accessibility.
o Upgrade faculty software installations when lab computers are updated.
Long-Range
• Provide faculty with leading edge software for research and teaching needs.
• MATHWORKS’s Simulink, 2 licenses. Approximate cost $640.
3
Support Requests
Short-Range
• Separate technical support between Unix and PC labs. See Appendix A.
o Two full-time technicians to do installation and maintenance of software.
o Two full-time Systems Administrators (Hire a new technician for UNIX and
LINUX equipment).
• 24/7 tech support. See Appendix A.
• Uniform automated utility for Submit/Turn-In process. See Appendix A.
• Uniform print quotas throughout CS labs.
• Uniform and transparent login across all CS labs. See Appendix A.
• Web access to a list of all labs and equipment / software available in those labs. See
Appendix A.
• Maintain departmental discretionary fund for miscellaneous equipment / software needs.
• Evaluate and upgrade the Meko as a possible Linux cluster.
Mid-Range
• Full time lab monitors. (They should clean in their spare time.)
• Available personnel to write scripts for faculty/class/systems needs.
• Replace defective equipment in a timely manner.
• Personnel available to help with faculty office and lab configuration problems.
• Maintain two network connections per faculty office.
• Update faculty office computers when the computer labs are updated.
Long-Range
• Develop formal evaluation procedures and criteria for performance and accountability of
personnel and system functionality.
• Lead the campus in technology and technological education.
• Constantly maintain two full-time System Administrators as well as two full time
technicians for maintenance and install.
4
Appendix A
JUSTIFICATIONS
SUN MICROSYSTEMS LABS
Pros:
• Lifespan still has 5 – 10 years left.
• Hardware reliability.
• Industry expectations.
• Maintain good relations with Sun.
• Research / collaboration for faculty.
• Mature operating system on mature hardware.
Cons:
• Requires memory upgrade to be useful.
Memory upgrades for the Sun labs would still be much cheaper per computer than buying all
new hardware. Currently the UltraSparc 5 computers have 128 MB and the UltraSparc 10
computers have 256 MB. To lengthen the lifespan of these systems, the Ultra 5’s and 10’s
should ultimately be upgraded. The current RAM is not sufficient to effectively run current
applications, rendering this lab useless for applications such as Oracle and Alias/Wavefront’s
Studio tools, and near useless for development and investigation of computationally intense
intelligent systems tools.
Reasoning for not recommending the removal of the Sun systems.
• Dual or Triple boot systems (Linux, Windows, Solaris) would increase the
administration tasks far beyond our already over tasked staff capability.
• PC’s would be an expensive initial outlay to replace systems already paid for.
• Experience on actual Sun systems is a good learning experience.
• Industry expects actual Unix experience.
• It is not in our best interests to have the elimination of the Sun systems as one of our
goals.
• The lifespan of the Sun systems is much longer than a PC. Goals to replace PC labs
every 24 months are extended to replacing a Sun lab every 10-15 years. Actual cost of
PC’s would be much greater.
• Sun hardware is reliable and robust.
5
LINUX LABS
Linux Labs (future):
There is a desire to implement a Linux/Open Source lab for “hands on” Linux installation,
administration, and software instruction. The goals of this lab are:
• Promote the use of open source tools and operating systems.
• Open source is being adopted by industry and governments and will be a significant
career goal in the very near future.
• Teach the technical skills necessary to install, maintain, and use the Linux operating
system.
• Not limited to Linux. BSD or other open source operating systems could be taught.
This lab would not be connected to our servers or have any access to the servers beyond that
of a normal user. This would allow each student to be given “root” access on a particular
machine and allow that machine to be used as a test bed. Each machine could be jumpstarted from a Ghost image in about 15 minutes. Therefore, these computers would not need
to be locked down. However, these machines would never be expected to be used as a walkin lab for average students. The computers removed from OCNL 251 or the computers that
will come out of OCNL 133 will be perfect for this task.
Create a lab for clustering of Linux systems:
The computer that came out of OCNL 251 or those that will come out of OCNL 133 would
be perfect for this task (given that one batch of computers would be used in the Open Source
lab above. This cluster could be put in a closet of an existing lab and then be accessed via
the computers or even a simple terminal in the lab.
The intent of the lab would be to support upper division, master’s, and faculty research
projects. In addition, it would provide an opportunity for distributed processing class
projects.
Hire a new technician for UNIX and LINUX equipment:
As stated in the cover letter, we must provide students with current up to date computer labs
in order for them to compete with other graduating computer science and computer graphics
students. The must hold true for our UNIX and Linux labs as well. In this case, once
adequate hardware has been provided, what will still be lacking is a professional technical
staff with a solid understanding and focus toward the UNIX and Linux Operating Systems,
current drivers, and systems applications. Though this wish list is designed for equipment. It
should be noted that equipment without proper technical assistance is ineffective.
6
PC LABS
OCNL 133:
The computers in OCNL 133 need to be replaced. Systems similar to the Dell computers in OCNL 251
should be sufficient for the next couple of years.
The space in OCNL 133 is underutilized and could be used to create a much needed additional open PC
lab. The current lab in CSCI 251 is scheduled from 8 to 8 Monday thru Thursday. This leaves little
time for open lab in our new Graphics Lab.
Replace pc lab every 36 months:
Moore’s law – Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, correctly predicted that the data density on
integrated circuits would double every 18 months. This means that equipment bought today will
become obsolete in less then 2 years. This has proven true throughout the industry. We have seen this
as an ongoing problem of concern with the prior years’OCNL251 lab. In this lab, until recently, the
core Microsystem computers had not been replaced for four years. These computers were not only
obsolete, but are now throw-aways (unless we utilize their power in numbers). In order for our students
to succeed we must provide current up to date computer labs.
Alias/Wavefront’s Maya for the PC lab
This year The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present an Academy Award for
Scientific and Technical Achievement to Alias/Wavefront for it innovative software Maya. This year
Maya also won Computer Graphics World Innovation Award for products representing true
technological innovation. Maya is the leading computer graphics modeling and animation software
package. Maya is the industry standard for Computer Graphics production used by most production
companies in both the Game and Film Industry. Now that we have a lab capable of running this high
performance software it is time to include it into our curriculum.
Maya Resource Library – Classroom Plus
This is an excellent collection of books and DVDs that will serve as resources for both the students and
Instructors.
Re-new of the licensing for A/W Studio Tools
Studio Tools provides designers with a comprehensive suite of tools that enables complete integration
throughout the entire design process from concept sketches through engineering and manufacturing.
This is an excellent product used by a number of design/manufacturing companies as well as virtually
all automotive manufactures. This product enables a crossover between Computer Graphics majors and
Manufacturing Technology Majors.
Immersion CyberTouch data gloves and WorldToolkit development software
Anyone working in 3D modeling or 3D animation is overwhelmed by the amount of time it takes to
develop and build 3D objects and animations. A typical formula for animation production is 40 hours
for 10 seconds of animation. This ratio increases to 50 hour for 10 seconds of animation when
producing character animation with lip sync. Due to the enormous amount of time needed to produce
3D produces, the current trend in industry is to find better tools for creating and manipulating 3D
objects. I believe, as do others in the field of Computer Graphics, the input device needs to be replaced.
The standard mouse and keyboard should be replaced with a device that enables the user to have a more
tactical sense of the 3D object and a free form of movement. I believe the data glove may be the
answer that frees the user from the hunched over mouse and keyboard input. I propose with a Cyber
glove, development tools and a team of grad students we develop the interface between the data glove
and Alias/Wavefront’s MAYA. Not only would this be an excellent graduate project it could be a
marketable product.
7
ROBOTICS EQUIPMENT
Computer Science majors at CSUC need systems – tangible artifacts – to showcase the
department’s program. While the department currently has a “Brags” display case (containing
business cards from some alumni), video demonstrations of achievements in computer graphics,
and involvement in the ACM Programming Contest, our students need artifacts comparable to
the prototype human powered vehicle, bridge, concrete boat, and micromouse competition.
Studies have shown that robotics are a great way to learn about systems design and
implementation. Additionally, intelligent robots attract students and external funding.
The requested robots are intended to strengthen the Intelligent Systems offerings by providing a
hands-on hardware component to enhance the software development covered in the classroom.
In addition to our AI courses, robots would be available for student projects, faculty research,
competitions, and demonstrations. The availability of robots in our department would open up
possibilities for offering interdisciplinary courses with Mechatronics and Computer Engineering.
Teaching and research in robotics also facilitates the potential for collaborative work with other
academic units at CSUC and industry. For example, there are applications for autonomous
robots in Agriculture and the petroleum industry. There are also numerous applications of
telerobotics (remote mobile robot and manipulator control, possibly through the Internet) for
security, operation within a hazardous environment, and many others.
8
SYSTEMS ISSUES
Unix support systems administrator
A second full-time systems administrator is essential for the smooth operation of
this department. There are many justifications for this, the first of which is that we
do not currently have a committed administrator with high-level Unix expertise.
Unix/Linux are essential platforms to any worthy Computer Science program.
Secondly, there is not enough manpower to support the current systems support
needs (see page 4 and justifications below).
24/7 support is crucial to the efficiency of any successful operation.
Faculty and students often work odd hours on projects or have strict
timelines/deadlines. Missing a project deadline could cost a student their grade
and missed learning opportunities. Missing a project or proposal deadline could
cost a faculty member the project or grant and the college money. Missing
publication or conference deadlines causes unecessary delay and sometimes
missed opportunities for professional development and/or recognition. Not
having more immediate response to systems problems is frustrating and
unprofessional. Immediate response is essential for activities supported by the
mail server, the web server, and the main software distribution and file server.
Develop some system whereby the PC's reinitialize on bootup.
This is an ongoing effort. PCRdist would probably work but wil need a lot of time
to develop and test. Ghost is another option, but doing this every time the
computer turns on will be generate a lot of network traffic. Ghost will be able to
do automatic updates, but will require the latest licensed version. PCRdist will, as
well. This may require some part of the summer to develop and test and install.
Submit / turn-in utility
We already have some thing in place for students to turn in their work. [rebut: it
seems to be not automated, nor uniform… ?].
Uniform and transparent login across all CS labs.
Our Windows 2000 domain already requires one login for each user. This user
name is taken from their Unix account. I'm working on integrating these two
systems so that they can move files back and forth easily. This will probably
require the latest version of the software which we're using to allow connection of
Unix home directories as a mapped drive on the PC side. However, because this
version isn't available yet, I do not have a time table.
Web access to list of labs and equipment and software.
I believe that we had a student project that showed the different equipment and
software in each of the different labs. We will need to update his list and then
install it. [yes, verifying & maintaining requires time].
9
10
11
12
13