Way back when, many Lab researchers and groups set up their own Web servers to provide a repository for easily sharing documents, research results and data. But with the growth in size and sophistication of the Web, some of these small sites have evolved into complicated Web services. For those who find themselves overwhelmed by Web duties, several departments in the Lab’s Information Technologies and Services Division provide a range of Web services and hosting options.

Phone, Network Infrastructure Upgrade Progressing
With the ever-increasing demand for additional bandwidth, the Laboratory is undergoing an in-building upgrade of all telephone and network wiring. This upgrade allows for future Laboratory network and telecommunications growth and the ability to keep pace with changing technology.

Computer Procurement Team Ready to Provide Expertise in Purchasing Computing Systems
Lab organizations looking to buy high-performance computing systems, such as cluster computers, will find their procurement request being handled by the Computing Sciences Acquisition Team sooner or later. And the team, which has experience buying systems ranging from small clusters to some of the world’s biggest supercomputers, would like to get involved in the process sooner, rather than later.

“Buy A Computer” Web Page Upgrade – New Flat Screens, More Powerful Laptop
The Lab’s Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA), which streamline the purchase of specified Micron PCs and Dell laptops, have been upgraded to include a more powerful laptop and three sizes of flat-panel displays.

Confessions of a Real-Life Spammer, From the Oregonian Newspaper
The Sunday, May 11, edition of the Oregonian newspaper (published in Portland) carried an article in which a professional spammer told how he plied his trade, sending out up to 10 million messages a day – and why it’s so hard to eliminate spam. Read the article.

Automated Computer Account Closing System Rollout Continues
Seven Lab divisions and one department are now using the Termination Notification System (TNS) to close various computers accounts of employees who end their employment at LBNL. The system provides timely closure of accounts, improving cyber security and saving support funds.

UNIX Distributed Printing Update – Migration to New System Due to Be Completed in June
In the August 2002 edition of Computing News, ITSD announced plans to develop an alternative to the old method of providing a centralized service for UNIX printing. Called Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS), this Linux-based approach will allow users to more easily print different types of files and use some of the untapped functions available in newer printers. The team expects to finish the migration by the end of June.