25-Nov-2019

New Computer Shortage

Because of a widely-reported shortage of Intel CPUs, many of our standard computer models are currently backordered with our suppliers, with an expected delay of several weeks. Until this shortage is resolved, our remaining stock of new computers will be reserved for time-sensitive deployments. Non-urgent requests for new computers will be put on hold. Thank you for your understanding.

Please note that Windows users can avoid this delay by switching to the Linux operating system, which can run quite successfully on the many used computers we have on hand. For most basic functions, such as web browsing and email, the Linux user interface is very similar to Windows.

Windows 7 Network Termination on 07-Jan-2020

Microsoft has set an end-of-life date for Windows 7 of 14-Jan-2020. After this date, no security updates for Windows 7 will be released, and, as a result, all network-connected Windows 7 computers will be immediately vulnerable to compromise. Therefore, one week before the end-of-life date, on 07-Jan-2020, we will disable network connectivity for all CLASSE-managed Windows 7 end-user computers (i.e., desktops and laptops that you log into with your CLASSE credentials). Research systems on private networks and personal systems on LNS Protected running Windows 7 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a CLASSE-managed Windows 7 computer, and you have not yet been contacted about migrating to Windows 10, please submit a ServiceRequest at your earliest convenience to start the process. Available options for existing Windows 7 computers are:

• Re-image to Windows 10: This option is only available for computers deployed in 2016 or later.
• Replace computer with Windows 10 computer: If you have a Windows 7 computer deployed in 2015 or earlier, we can replace it with a new Windows 10 computer.
• Change OS to Scientific Linux 7 (SL7): See above. This option is available to most computers regardless of age. For computers deployed in 2012 or later, we can usually migrate to SL7 without any additional upgrades. Older computers may require a RAM upgrade to at least 8GB, and often will get additional performance boost by installing an SSD.
• Decommission the computer: If the computer will not be needed after January 2020, it can be left in place, and we will schedule a removal.

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General network and server maintenance will occur every Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. The CLASSE-IT group will always announce any expected disruptions in our NewsLetter and via CLASSE-IT-NEWS-L, but with the size and complexity of our network there is always the potential for something to go wrong. We will do our best to contain all network maintenance and planned outages to Tuesdays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM.

Unless other arrangements have been made, CLASSE-managed Windows systems may be updated and rebooted on Tuesday morning at 2:00 AM, so please avoid critical or lengthy operations at that time. For more details, please see SystemExpectations.

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Questions or problems? Submit a service request.

Other resources:

• CLASSE IT Home Page
• Previous newsletters

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