Purchasing a Computer
The Berkeley Astronomy Department system managers (a.k.a., Kelley and Bill, a.k.a. central@astro) currently support Desktop PCs running Linux and desktop Macs running OS X. While you may purchase any computer, only Linux and OS X machines will receive software support. We cannot support laptops. However, you can contract with the College of L&S computer support.
When purchasing a computer, we recommend that you do the
following:
Ask Kelley or Bill for recommended machines. Currently, we
mostly order AMD-based PCs (from here) and Macs (from here).
When planning for disk space, figure that you'll lose 10-15 Gbytes to the system and swap files. Be certain to include a DVD-ROM (for installing software), and if you do anything CPU-intensive, consider doubling the default amount memory (RAM). You do not need to purchase any general software licenses (e.g., for C or Fortran compilers), but might want to purchase a private license for IDL. Place the order with Robert Magtibay (642-6424). Wait four to eight weeks.
Connecting to the Network
In most cases, your new machine will be replacing an older one (which will either be retired or will trickle down to someone else in the department). In this case, your new machine will get the name, IP address, and ethernet port of the one it is replacing. If you don't have a port for it, you will need to get a new one at the cost of $500. Talk with Kelley about this.
Other Stuff to Buy
Don't forget to check for power! You should have a minimum of 2 outlets available (and add one for each self-enclosed peripheral, e.g., extra disk). Order a power-strip with surge-suppression.
Also, you may want an extra-long ethernet cable if your desk is away from the wall outlet. These can be ordered from a number of vendors (see Robert Magtibay).
Moving a Computer
Computer names are associated with their actual locations, so you must notify central@astro, who will update their data base, and help you with the move, at the very least shutting your machine down gently.
Buying Disks
Disks with a capacity of over 1 Terabyte are now available, however reliability and support varies, so talk with Kelley or Bill before buying anything. Also remember that if your disk will need to be backed-up, we cannot accomodate extremely large disks. (One possibility is to divide a disk into partitions of which some will be backed up. Talk with Kelley about this.)
Maintenance
We strongly recommend purchasing an AppleCare extended warranty with any Apple computers. Linux systems are usually maintained by Kelley and Bill. Most hard disks come with 3-year replacement warranties. We do not recommend buying a disk which does not come with a warranty! If your machine breaks, Bill or Kelley will attempt to make repairs and you may have to order a replacement part.
Taking It With You
Post-docs who have purchased their computers with their own funds may take their machine with them when they leave only if they first notify the department Manager; leaving sufficient time to process the paperwork.
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