Channel

September 2002, Issue No.37

What's inside ...

● Upgrade on campus computing infrastructure

● HARNET's Internet Link Upgraded to 96 Mbps● Wireless MobileNet Service Extended to 7 Larger IT Classrooms● Enhancement of Domain Name Service● Dynamic IP Service Rollout● Connecting HARNET to Internet2

● I.T. central facilities and services

● New HKUST WebMail Service● Email Quota Increase for HKUST iMail users● Pilot Run of Spam Detection Service for HKUST iMail User● Updates on Campus Printing Environment● Improvement in Lecture Theater and Computer Barn

● Special Offers

● Over 1,500 Notebooks Sold in Notebook/Desktop Ownership Program 2002

❍ Summary Findings of Notebook/Desktop Ownership Program Online Survey

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Network Systems Team

HARNET's Internet Link Upgraded to 96 Mbps

HARNET's Internet link has been upgraded, with its international connection increased from 72 to 96Mbps and local connection (to HK sites) increased from 80 to 100Mbps. The above upgrade was completed on 1 August 2002. This is to accommodate the increasing Internet access need for the new academic year.

HARNET stands for Hong Kong Academic and Research Network. Its Internet links are shared by the eight UGC-funded higher institutions in HK. These links are currently subscribed from the ISP Equant.

To tap the increased Internet bandwidth, the local link between UST and Equant will be upgraded from 45Mbps to 60 Mbps in late September or early October 2002.

The above upgrade enables yet more people to access the Internet at the same time without penalty in access speed, as well as faster Internet access speed.

The latest Internet configuration is shown below, and further details on current Internet connectivity information can be obtained here:

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Network Systems Team

Wireless MobileNet Service Extended to 7 Larger IT Classrooms

In the past summer ITSC has further extended our MobileNet coverage by installing additional 7 wireless access points (or so-called base stations ). Seven larger IT classrooms, each with seating capacity over 85, are selected and one access point is installed in each room. This allows up to around 20 wireless notebook users in each of these classrooms to access the network concurrently.

Below please find a brief summary of the present wireless MobileNet coverage:

● Library - Being the most popular locations for wireless MobileNet access, Library is now installed with a total of 13 access points, providing good signal coverage for all library seating areas except some blind spots.

● Lecture Theaters - All the 8 lecture theaters (A-H)

● IT Classrooms - 7 larger IT classrooms (with seating capacity over 85), namely,

Rm.1403, 2306, 2407, 2464, 2465, 2503, and 4334.

● Computer Barns - All 3 computer barns (A, B & C)

● University Center - 3 access points are installed to serve UC Bistro, Quiet Lounge, Staff Lounge, and Multi-purpose Hall.

● Catering Outlets - Canteens (G/F, LG1, LG5, & LG7), coffee shop as well as UC Bistro

● Miscellaneous - LG4 student common room, 3/F Self-Access Center, atrium and academic concourse

You are welcome to send in your suggestions on other locations where we should provide this service. For further details of our MobileNet service, please refer to its home page at:

http://www.ust.hk/itsc/MobileNet/

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37Mr. Charles Choy, charles.choy@ust.hk

Enhancement of Domain Name Service

In order to improve the performance and reliability of the campus DNS service, two enhancements were made.

Previously, the campus DNS service was provided by 2 eight years old SUN Sparc 10 servers. In May, these 2 SUN servers were replaced by 2 DELL PowerEdge 1550 servers running RedHat Linux 7.3. The more powerful Linux servers can support more DNS requests, and provide higher hardware stability.

In July, we added a third DNS server. Two of these three servers were rearranged to be put behind a Layer4 network switch. The Layer4 switch provides a redundant IP for the primary DNS IP 143.89.14.7. Under this arrangement, all accesses to 143.89.14.7 are redirected to 2 different servers. The overall reliability of the campus DNS service is greatly enhanced in this new design.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37Mr. Charles Choy, charles.choy@ust.hk

Dynamic IP Service Rollout

In May, dynamic IP service was rolled out with the aims of solving IP shortage problem and improving PC node registration efficiency.

When HKUST was first connected to Internet in 1992, we were allocated a Class B IP address block. During the period, new PCs have been added and replaced and lot of static IP addresses are allocated. The problem of IP address shortage becomes more prominent. Although we have developed a mechanism of reclaiming unused IP addresses, the procedure is ineffective and needs lot of human resources to operate.

In May, we started to provide a dynamic IP scheme. By default, a new PC is allocated a dynamic IP instead of a static one. The PC occupies an IP only when it is active, so IP addresses are used more effectively. The dynamic IP scheme works only for desktop type machines. For users who need to set up server type machines, static IP is allocated as before.

Our new scheme also provides a web interface for departmental IT support staff to register new network nodes directly instead of going through our help desk. In this way, communication overhead is reduced and efficiency of installing new PC is greatly improved.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37Mr. Charles Choy, charles.choy@ust.hk

Connecting HARNET to Internet2

Internet2 is a consortium being led by 200 worldwide universities working in partnership with industry and government to develop and deploy advanced network applications and technologies, accelerating the creation of tomorrow's Internet. Internet2 is recreating the partnership among academia, industry and government that fostered today´s Internet in its infancy. The primary goals of Internet2 are to:

● Create a leading edge network capability for the research community● Enable revolutionary Internet applications● Ensure the rapid transfer of new network services and applications to the broader

Internet community.

More information on Internet2 can be found at

http://www.internet2.edu/

Progress

ITSC is currently working with JUCC (Joint Universities Computer Centre) to establish a 45Mbps Internet2 connection through HARNET (Hong Kong Academic and Research Network) to the United States. The new connection will enable the academics and researchers from the tertiary institutions in Hong Kong to participate in the Internet2 collaborative research activities with their peers in the United States and other countries that require sophisticated technologies and high bandwidth network capability. Distance learning projects which require high bandwidth are also made feasible.

The Internet2 connection is currently under testing and will be available soon. If you have suggestions in any possible projects over Internet2, please contact Mr. Charles Choy (Email Address: charles.choy@ust.hk)

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Mr. James Tsang, ccjames@ust.hk

New HKUST WebMail Service

A new HKUST WebMail Service is now available for all HKUST iMail users. Apart from improved performance and stability, the new HKUST WebMail have more features, such as

● Saving draft messages,● Creating folders within folder, etc.

To access this new service, simply visit the following:

new WebMail service

There are now more than 4,000 users using our new webmail system every day. We suggest our users to use the New HKUST WebMail because there are known instability problems with the former HKUST WebMail.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Mr. James Tsang, ccjames@ust.hk

Email Quota Increase for HKUST iMail users

After the recent upgrade of our email servers on both hardware and software, the default email quota for all HKUST iMail users have been increased several times in compare with the previous default quota. With the increased email quota, users can manage their mailboxes more efficiently and should experience less interruption on email service due to over quota.

Despite an increase in email quota, it is advised that users keep follow their good practice such as:

● Keep the number of emails in your INBOX small● Delete any unwanted emails● Save large attachments onto local hard disk and remove the email● Backup old emails to your local storage device

To check your usable email quota and the usage of individual mailboxes, simply select iMail Personal Settings under Department Services of the Intranet page, or click on the following address:

http://www.ust.hk/itsc/email/imail/logon.pl

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Mr. James Tsang, ccjames@ust.hk

Pilot Run of Spam Detection Service for HKUST iMail User

In order to make it easier for our users to get rid of annoying spam messages, ITSC has recently set up a pilot spam detection service using a heuristics-based spam detection engine. All interested HKUST iMail users are welcome to join the pilot run of this new Spam Detection Service.

Namely, a spam detection engine is employed that attempts to recognize potential spam messages based on a set of heuristic rules. Suspected spam messages would then be delivered to a special email folder (called AutoTrash) of the recipient. These messages will be erased by the system automatically after 30 days unless the user saves them to another folder.

There are a few points worth noting about this pilot service:

● It will only be effective after explicitly turned on by the user. It can be turned off at any time.

● Only messages coming from outside would be checked. All internal email messages (e.g. those sent via iMail or departmental email servers) would not be affected.

● To avoid missing legitimate messages that are mistaken as spam (so called the false-positives), it is highly recommended that users should check the content of the AutoTrash folder regularly. There are some ways (e.g. tuning the proper sensitivity level, safe list, etc.) which can help cut down the possibilities of false positives and users are advised to get acquainted with them.

For more details about how to try the service, please visit our web pages at:

http://www.ust.hk/itsc/email/spam/detect/index.html

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Mr. Steve Yau, ccsyau@ust.hk

Updates on Campus Printing Environment

Introduction

In HKUST, a highly-integrated Network Printing infrastructure for various operating platforms has been deployed since 1993. There was an upgrade at back-end servers during 1998 for Y2K compliance.

The design and implementation of existing infrastructure has been running smoothly for more than 8 years. With the advances in printing technologies and operating systems, there are new solutions that will definitely benefit campus users. ITSC is now in the process of upgrading the existing infrastructure and implementing new printing technologies for campus users.

The upcoming upgrade will enhance our existing network printing environment in following areas:

- Providing new Internet Printing mechanism by adopting Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) - Providing better support for Windows 2000/Windows XP users.

The overall upgrade process is scheduled to complete by the end of 2002. Here are some more information for the upgrade plans:

Internet Printing

Internet Printing potocol (IPP) is a new industry standard designed for printing by using Internet technology. It allows more easy network printing configuration via web interface. Besides, it enables Mobile/notebook users to use network printing on campus.

ITSC is actively evaluating and implementing this new standard and will make it available to campus in near future.

Supporting New Windows Platforms

With more and more computers in campus running Windows 2000/XP, these operating systems have caused great impacts on existing print servers and brought about issues like print driver compatabilities, server loading, etc. To address these issues, existing Windows

NT 4 print servers will be upgraded to Windows 2000 using more powerful hardware. The new Windows 2000 print servers will provide a more effective printing mechanism for Windows 2000/XP clients, as well as machines with older Windows versions.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Mr. David Shiu, david.shiu@ust.hk

Improvement in Lecture Theater and Computer Barn

Lecture Theater

A few enhancements has been done in the Lecture Theaters in this summer.

1. LCD Monitor

LCD monitors has now been installed in all Lecture Theaters.■ The lectern in Lecture Theaters has been modified to suit this new monitor.■ The LCD monitor has been installed and adjusted to give the best viewing angle

for teaching colleagues standing in front of the lectern.■ The display resolution has been standardized to 1024x768 at 32 bits color.

2. New Tower Case PC

The original PC in Lecture Theaters has been reported to be very difficult to switch on (which requires twisting and pushing on the power button).

■ It has been replaced with tower cases, that require only a simple push to turn on.

■ The lectern has been modified to house standard tower case PCs.■ This modification is available in LT-B to LT-H.

3. Notebook connection

Notebook connection has been simplified. User can now connect their notebook to projector, audio and network thru a single connection devices in the lectern. The network port support 10/100M-bits network connection.

■ This modification is available in LT-B to LT-H.4. Hot-plug remote mouse

From this semester, user of our Lecture Theaters can hot-plug their remote mouse to our systems, without having to reboot the system to activate the mouse. This is done by the introduction of a hot-plug mouse port.

Please check the new appearance of the Lectern in Lecture Theater.

Computer Barn

A new color laser printer is deployed in Tang Shiu Kin Computational Laboratory (Computer Barn B). This new color laser printer is a HP Laserjet 8550, featuring a fast printing engine at 24 pages per minute for B&W and 6 pages per minute for color.

The original color laser printer in Computer Barn B has been moved to Computer Barn A and continues to service our students there.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Network Systems Team

HKUST Notebook/Desktop Ownership Program 2002

Same as last 3 years, the ITSC has organized in the new academic year a computer ownership program for the university community. The program is worked out based on the feedback of the May online survey, and with the support from the Students' Union and Purchasing Office.

We have finally selected among prospective vendors the more attractive proposal from Chevalier (OA) Limited. Toshiba notebook computers and PDA, along with Compaq desktop computers, are available at a special price to all HKUST students, staff and alumni. Departmental purchase through this program is also allowed.

A choice of 7 latest Toshiba notebook models (from under $7,000 to around $14,000) and 3 Compaq desktop models (from below $5,000 to around $7,000) are available for selection. Our users can enjoy an effective discount (off retail price) of up to around 40% for notebook models and up to around 20% for desktop models.

Two rounds of roadshow and order taking were successfully held, one in August and another one in early September. Again the program this year was well received, and over 1,500 notebook computers were sold in these two rounds, around one-third of which are the slimmest Portege 2000 model. This one-time limited offer is valid till end of October and while stock lasts. For further enquiries, please contact Chevalier's service hotline at 2953-3574.

ChannelChannel - September 2002, Issue No.37

Network Systems Team

Summary Findings of Notebook/Desktop Ownership Program Online Survey

Back in end of May this year the ITSC has conducted an online survey to solicit feedback from students and staff on their purchase requirements on notebook and desktop computers. We received a total of 1,053 responses -- 201 from staff and 852 from students. The survey findings have served as a useful reference for the organising task force to plan for the HKUST Notebook/Desktop Ownership Program 2002. Presented below is a brief summary of the major findings out of this survey:

● Preferred Notebook Type - around 60% of the respondents preferred slim notebooks to all-in-one notebooks:

Slim vs. All-in-one: 52% vs. 48% (for staff) and 64% vs. 36% (for students)

● Preferred Brand Name - a higher percentage of staff (over 30%) and students (over 38%) regard Sony as their most preferred notebook brand name. For desktops, our users are more willing to buy clone instead of branded system.

Most Preferred

| | V

Least Preferred

Notebook Desktop

Students Staff Students Staff

Sony Sony CLONE Dell

IBM IBM Dell CLONE

Fujitsu Toshiba IBM IBM

Toshiba Dell HP/Compaq HP/Compaq

Dell Fujitsu Acer Acer

NEC HP/Compaq - -

Samsung NEC - -

HP/Compaq Acer - -

Remarks: Though Sony is generally regarded by both students and staff as the most preferred notebook brand name, Sony could only offer us relatively much lower discount level to their high-priced notebook models.

● Choice of Operating System - the majority of users prefer Windows XP Professional, and in general our students prefer Chinese over English Windows operating system:

Operating System

Notebook DesktopStudents Staff Students Staff

Chi XP Home 18.8% 12.0% 24.1% 0.0%Eng XP Home 8.3% 15.2% 2.4% 11.1%

Chi XP Pro 44.5% 26.6% 50.6% 33.3%Eng XP Pro 22.6% 39.9% 15.5% 43.1%

Others 5.8% 6.3% 7.4% 12.5%

● System Configuration:

❍ Processor - users tend to prefer at least a Pentium III processor for notebooks and Pentium 4 processor for desktops.

❍ Memory - 256 MB is the norm for notebook system; and for desktop system, some users even prefer a configuration with more than 256 MB memory.

❍ Notebook Specific Attributes:■ LCD Display Size - a preference of 13.3" or 14.1" over smaller screen

size■ Thickness - Below 0.9" and 0.9"-1.1" are the two most popular ranges■ Weight - notebook with a weight below 4 lbs seems most acceptable to

the users

Weight Students StaffBelow 3 lbs 37.1% 39.4%

3-4 lbs 45.2% 30.6%4-5 lbs 15.0% 23.8%

5 lbs or above 2.7% 6.2%

● General Selection Criteria of Notebook Computers - the majority of staff and students regard the following as more crucial in notebook selection (in order of decreasing importance):

❍ Faster processor speed❍ Lighter weight❍ Larger memory size