The Physics Department runs a high speed ethernet network that supports both both the Unix and Novell/Windows operating systems. Users should note that, while there are some functions such as email, printing and filesharing which can be accessed from both environments, the Unix and Novell Networks are totally seperate and users will have a different account on each system. To make life easier, users would normally have the same name and password on each system.
The Unix environment consists of a number of Compaq Tru64 UNIX workstations and Redhat Linux workstations which are all serviced by the main Unix Server "Adelphi". Some groups may use other Linux distributions on some machines for research-related reasons. Unix is a robust, high performance environment but does require a reasonable level of understanding to use effectively.
The Novell environment consists of a number of Windows 2000/WindowsNT/98 PCs which use the main Novell server "Oliphant" to share files and print. It provides the usual set of applications such as MSOffice and Netscape, but licensing issues mean that each PC will have a different set of software installed - depending on what the department or group has purchased.
Peripherals such as color laser printers, scanners, high capacity tape and CD burners are available to all account holders. There may be some charges applied for consumables such as paper, toner and cd blanks. Often research groups may also own peripherals for the convenience of their members; in these cases the cost of consumables is met by the research group concerned.