A standard UNIX configuration has been defined and is in the process of being implemented for both the UNIX machines on shore and those on the ship. The primary advantage and the objective of this standardization is to create the capability for shore testing of user introduced UNIX applications before they are installed in the shipboard environment. This should provide for early identification and resolution of problems that might exist because of differences between the user's native UNIX environment and our standard.
Generally all science reports and shipboard data are placed on this disk and are accessible to all scientists. The entire disk can now be copied onto backup media (such as 1 Gb Iomega Jazz cartridges), which should be considered a positive step. A concern expressed by some scientists, however, is that personal data, processed shipboard data, or personal science reports, which were not intended for general use, will be copied by others. The USERVOL was never intended to have personal accounts attached to it nor to be a place to store "protected" data. In fact, its purpose is to provide a disk where information can be made available to all. Creating accounts would defeat the purpose of the disk and would be difficult to administer.
Having these data available, however, does not give users the right to abuse the privileges of the owner(s). For instance, files created by others should not be moved nor should reports or data be used without permission of the creator. Proprietary data that a user does not want to have viewed by others should not be placed on the USERVOL, but should be stored on the user's personal backup media.
Scientists wishing to take home these data from the ship should provide their own backup media.
A new version should be ready by January 1997. The old version was used during Leg 169 and will likely also be used during Leg 170.
The Marine Computer Specialists take a copy of all public ODP/TAMU web files from the shore-based server approximately 1-2 weeks prior to departing for port-call. Thus, the shipboard web files are regularly updated and will include the Scientific Prospectus for the current leg.
The new LabView software for the cryogenic magnetometer is yet another exceptional package that will make using the magnetometer simpler and more efficient.
In view of the proliferation of LabView software for lab equipment, further training of Lab Technicians who are interested will be encouraged. Expanding ODP's pool of LabView experts is an important step in maintaining and further developing the high-quality software of the labs.
PC's will eventually run Windows NT, but the change will not likely occur for 6 to 8 months. In the mean time, Excel, Word, and most other PC software versions will not likely be upgraded. Once NT is installed, these software packages will likely be upgraded to the new 32-bit versions.
The cables were installed, but are not yet linked to computers. More funding (~$50,000) is needed before this project can be completed.
[ Contents of the Semiannual Report, No. 2, June-November 1996 |
| Program Updates | New Initiatives | Project Summaries | Laboratory Working Groups |
| Panel Recommendations | Appendixes |
| Semiannual Report, No. 1, December-May 1996 ]