The PSU Statistics Department manages two computer labs in the Thomas Building at University Park. Because of the high demand for use of these resources, the following policy is necessary to maximize resource utilization and to maintain the availability and suitability of these resources for all users.

Purpose

The computer labs should be used only in ways that are consistent with the department's mission. Priority is given to users who need the resources to fulfill academic responsibilities.

The Labs

Room 330 Thomas is a Unix Lab, while 424 Thomas is a PC Lab.

The Unix Lab contains 11 systems that can be used either locally (in the room) or remotely (using SSH remote login). The systems are:

• alpha.stat.psu.edu
• clogg.stat.psu.edu
• definitti.stat.psu.edu
• deming.stat.psu.edu
• kappa.stat.psu.edu
• lightning.stat.psu.edu
• mu.stat.psu.edu
• omega.stat.psu.edu
• pearson.stat.psu.edu
• pileou.stat.psu.edu
• thunder.stat.psu.edu

The PC Lab contains 14 Windows systems. Two of the systems are connected to Penn State's (CAC) computing network. The remaining 12 systems are connected to the Statistics server. CD burners, zip drives, and a scanner are available.

Responsibilities

Use of the computer lab is a privilege extended to Statistics Department faculty, staff, and students. All users of the labs are responsible for compliance with the terms of this policy. If a user has received previous warnings against violations of such terms, additional violations may result in suspension of lab use privileges.

• Use of the lab must be in accordance with the lab purpose as stated above and must not violate Penn State University Regulations.

• If no machine is available at the time it is needed, students should make an appropriate entry in the Lab Log. This log is also used in assessing lab resource needs.

• If at least one other computer does not remain open and available for other users, no user may use more than one computer simultaneously.

• If screens are locked for more than 15 minutes, sessions may be forcibly terminated. Screens should be locked only for brief interruptions, such as vending machine or restroom breaks.

• Many users need to run long running processes that consume large amounts of CPU time. On Unix systems, CPU intensive jobs must be run at a lower priority to avoid impacting other users on the same system. This can be accomplished using the lowprio command, such as "lowprio mybigprogram".

• Processes consuming large amounts of CPU time at a high priority may be either reprioritized or killed if they impact other users.

• On single user PCs, long running jobs will completely tie up the system. If you run a long running program on a PC, leave a note on the system to indicate that it is actively performing work. Machines should not be monopolized and left when the PC Lab is fully occupied.

• Users that are seeking a fast Unix machine with low usage can use the "labusage" command available at the Unix command prompt. The command lists all of the systems in the Unix Lab by their level of usage from lowest to highest.

• Users planning to consume large amounts of disk space should contact helpdesk@stat.psu.edu to ensure that their needs can be met.

• No more than three (3) copies of a document may be printed on the laser printers in the lab. Photocopiers or the high-capacity Xerox printer/copier in 325 Thomas should be used for additional copies.

• Used paper should be placed in a recycle bin.

• No food is permitted in the lab. Drinks are only permitted in containers with closed tops that are kept on the floor or otherwise away from keyboards and monitors. Under no circumstances may they be placed on the same desktop as keyboards.

• Software (including public domain “plug-ins”) may only be installed by Statistics Computer Operations staff. If you need other software than what has been provided, please submit a request to helpdesk@stat.psu.edu.

• As a shared environment, users and guests must respect the needs of others.

• Any users who have not learned proper procedures for unjamming and otherwise maintaining printers should request assistance from lab personnel rather than open the printer.

• Users should clean up their work area before they leave. This includes making sure diskettes are removed from the floppy drive and any unwanted paper is placed in the recycle bin.

After-hours Lab Use

Users who use the lab after hours — after 5PM M-F and all day on weekends — must make sure that the door to the lab is locked when they leave.

Computer Support Staff

Hill, Robin L. S.
Network Support Specialist
424 Thomas Building
(814) 865-5623
rhill@stat.psu.edu

Stahl, Christopher
Manager of Network and Information Technology
424 Thomas Building
(814) 865-5623
stahlee@stat.psu.edu