UNT CAS CC 11/17/97 Minutes

1. Approve 10/24/97 minutes.
   Minutes were approved without any changes.
2. Status of CASCSS (Christian)
   • GALs
     
     • Wil Clark submitted his resignation and it was mentioned how well the labs have been run under his care. CASCSS is still working out the details of how things will be handled until a replacement is hired.
     • Chris Cofer was introduced to the group as the new General Access Lab Network Administrator (replacing Andy Kreiling who quit earlier this year).
     • The plan to upgrade GAB 330, GAB 550, Terrill Hall 220, and Wooten Hall 120 labs equipment to the following was approved:
       • Pentium 200MHz MMX processor
       • 2.5 GB hard disk
       • 10/100BaseT ethernet cards
       • "True Color" video adaptor
       • 32-bit sound card
     • Wil handed out the turned in portions of the software requests. There will be an on-line vote to determine which of the software packages will be purchased.
     • Dr. Jeff Clarke mentioned there were problems with the Terrill 220 whiteboard. It appears to be either very dirty, or it needs to be replaced. Dr. Delatte also mentioned the GAB 330 whiteboard had the same problem. If the whiteboards cannot be cleaned, new ones will be ordered.
   • CASCSS
     
     • Dr. Meernik asked about WordPerfect Office 8 support. Tim will email CASCC possible benefits/detractors of selecting MS Word, Corel WordPerfect, or both. CASCC members will talk to their departments about these issues and discuss results at the next CASCC meeting.
     • Tim mentioned the CBT Systems contract with UNT. The following is an 11/11/97 statement from Bill Buntain (CBT project leader for UNT):

       The University of North Texas recently entered into a contract with CBT Systems to provide computer based training courses for technical support personnel in Windows NT and IntranetWare 4.11. As that contract was being negotiated, CBT Systems extended a one year grant to the University for the use of their Microsoft Office 97 training courses. Shortly after that contract was put in place, the Alliance for Higher Education, of which UNT is a member, signed a contract with significantly more advantageous pricing for member institutions than CBT Systems' standard educational contract. As a result, the University is reviewing the possibility of expanding its commitment to CBT Systems courseware, including use in support of curricular needs.

     • The Computer Workstation Acquisition and Upgrade Plan is now moving forward. It will be included in the 3-year plan for CASCSS.
     • Year 2000 (Y2K) issues were discussed and they will be included in the 3 year plan.
3. IRC/RPG Report (Mueller)
   Dr. Mueller had nothing to report at this time that hadn't already been covered in the meeting.
4. 3-, 5-, and 10-year planning (discussion)
   Some of the things mentioned were the following:
   • Computer Classrooms for faculty/staff/students.
   • Departmental labs.
   • Classroom overhead support.
5. Unix security problems. Request a Computer Systems Manager again?
   Based on the increase in the number of unix computers within Arts and Sciences, there is still a significant need for a Unix Computer Systems Manager. This position would coordinate with Computing Center in supporting Unix desktop computing. Initially, it would support all platforms of Unix. Over time, it is expected that the number of Unix versions would be reduced to a fewer number to improve support. Toward this end, Tim will do the following:
   1. Survey departments for existing new/old desktop unix platforms.
   2. Re-do the previous request letter to fit current trends.
   3. Submit to CASCC for approval.
   4. Submit to the Deans.
6. Do we need to meet on 12/8/97?
   CASCC does not need to meet again this semester.
7. Old Business
   None.
8. New Business
   The status of MacOS8 was discussed. The bug when MacOS8 reboots and fails to boot again has been fixed by Apple. CASCSS is currently testing the patched OS to ensure the problems are truly resolved. Once this has happened, Dan Freise will formulate the procedure for rolling out the software to the desktops.

Last updated on 11/18/97 by Tim Christian (tim@unt.edu)