PMC Lab Users
This page contains information that new users to the PM&C labs will find useful. The set up of internet access, computers, etc. are discussed in the sections below. For more information about the rigs and equipment in the lab see this page.
Information about using the PMC lab printer can be found here.
New computers
New computers have to be registered on the network. Technically, their NIC (Network Interface Card)s have to be registered. Send an email to help@it.up.ac.za and ask them to register a domain name. You could also phone them on x3051 (search for it on the directory service). If you phone remember to speak slowly and spell any complicated words like "acetone" or "dist" or "temperature".
The information you need to include is:
- A Name - We use names from Norse Mythology.
- Your MAC address - Get this by running Start|run|cmd and typing ipconfig /all. This is the value after "Physical Address". Avoid registering by using the NIC from the previous computer (you will have to stick with the name though).
- Your subnet - All of main campus is on the 137.215 subnet. The control lab (in fact, most of Eng II) is on the 137.215.117 subnet.
You should be able to check that the help desk did their job by rebooting or by running Start|run|ipconfig/renew (this might take a day to be completed)
The computers from Createk already have Microsoft XP Professional installed. They also have the Windows Update and Anti-virus installed. The following needs to be changed/added (if necessary):
- The QoS Packet Scheduler Service (Service)
- Client for Microsoft Networks (Client)
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsft Networks (Service)
This can be done by changing the properties of Lan connection under Network connections in the Control Panel. Then under the general tab, add the items (as services or clients) if not already there. Then run the network setup wizard (also in the control panel's network connections) using the default settings. You must be a member of the PROSESLAB workgroup. Do not create a setup disk and exit the wizard. You can now access and be accessed from other computers.
Software set-up
Now that you have a new computer you need some software. In the lab you probably need the following:
Microsoft Office - The university has some license with Microsoft so ask around where you can get an original CD.
Acrobat Reader - The latest version starts instantly and is available from ftp.up.ac.za.
Matlab 2007a - The latest version is required to run all the communication stuff we need. Remember to register the Opto22 service
Anti-virus Software - A vital necessity
Windows Update - A vital necessity
Alternative Browser and Email Application - A mozilla.org based web browser and email client is strongly recommended. We try not to use Internet Explorer as it is useless and prone to viruses, worms and spyware. Check out the Mozilla web Suite (maybe the seamonkey version) or Firefox (the second most used browser). They are all available from ftp.up.ac.za. Mozilla and Firefox are far quicker, more reliable and more secure than Internet Explorer. Tabbed browsing is another feature that will make you wonder why people still use Internet Explorer. You can also use Opera (but ensure that at least Firefox is on the rig computers. Thunderbird (also from Mozilla.org) is an excellent mail application. Ensure that automatic updates for the alternative browsers are turned off and rather use the new versions release on the ftp site to save that internet access.
Some Media Player - Winamp 5 is recommended. In the lab we play music over Heimdall. The music is kept in C:\music (this folder is not generally shared). It is recommended that you install NetAmp to control the volume of Heimdall from you workstation. This is useful if the phone rings etc. NetAmp is already installed on Heimdall as a server using the default port.
Downloads:
VNC - This is a stylish program to allow you to access other computers directly. It is usefull if you want to access a rig computer form the comfort of your cubicle or if you need to change the playlist on heimdall while somebody else is using the screen for Ragnarok. On a rig computer you need to install the server as well (remember to add the standard password). You will also need to add it as an exception to the Windows XP firewall. On your personnel computer where you probably don't want people to have remote control you merely need to copy the small VNC Viewer program.
Downloads:
Python - There are two versions of Python that may have to be installed. Version 3.7 is recommended as support for version 2.7 will be discontinued in 2020. It is recommended that you install the Anaconda distribution, which contains Spyder as a text editor and Jupyter Notebook as an interactive coding environment.
Internet access
To get internet access a document (which needs to be signed by the head of the department) needs to be completed. This document can be obtained from Zenobia Botha (on floor 5, NWII building) or here. The completed form may be handed in at room 1-25, NWII building, or sent by email to help@it.up.ac.za. Applications are processed within three days. Applicants must personally visit room 5-6, NWII building, to obtain their username and password – this is a security measure to protect the applicant.
Unless the cost point, staff/student number and signature of the head of the department are provided, the application cannot be processed.
There is a page containing details of Campus Proxy Servers
