Call for software requests for the MCS

Teaching and other software on UCS managed desktops: call for requests for 2012-13

This notice is addressed to all those who currently use or who are planning to use Computing Service Training Facilities or Managed Cluster (MCS) classrooms including MCS computers in Departments and Colleges (previously PWF), to support their teaching, whether for organized courses or for other Departmental or College teaching. It is also addressed to those desiring to use applications generally on these computers. It covers applications for all three platforms (MCS Linux, Windows and Macintoshes).

Requests/removals of applications: Submission date

Requests for new applications or new versions of existing ones for the next academical year must reach the Desktop Services Manager at the University Computing Service (UCS) by Friday, 16 March 2012.

To submit a request, please fill in the form at http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/request/swrequest.html. This applies for MCS Linux, Windows and Macintosh applications. Please also fill in the form for those teaching applications that are no longer required, so that they can be removed.

It is regretted that late requests are unlikely to be met. The list of software that the Computing Service expects to be available for the start of the Michaelmas Term will be announced at http://www.ucs.cam.ac.uk/desktop-services/mcs/software/upgrades by the division of the Easter Term.

Desktop Operating Systems

It is planned that the operating systems for the three MCS platforms in 2012-2013 will be:

Please note that not all the applications currently available, including those being upgraded, will be automatically ported across to the latest operating systems unless requested. Please be explicit when requesting applications or upgrades which are required to work with these operating systems.

The programme of installation of new software will start immediately after the end of Full Easter Term. Those teaching during the Long Vacation period should note that the installation of new versions of software during that period may have implications for them as the version available may change.

The full set of applications for 2012–13 is intended to be available from Tuesday 28 August, so that those whose teaching depends on these applications can check that they work correctly and update course notes. This also allows for any necessary remedial action to be taken by UCS staff before the start of the Michaelmas Term.

For some applications the licence cost has to be borne by the institution requiring the software. The UCS can advise on costs; please enquire by email to dsg-manager@ucs.cam.ac.uk. Note also that a request for a new version from one institution may have cost implications for other institutions that also use the software. Consequently, those requesting software are asked to consider the financial implications of their requests for their institutions and for other institutions covered by the Managed Cluster Service.