Linux,
featuring flexibility, open system standard, and vast free
resources (including itself), has become the hottest operating
system today.
The
Survey and Results
To find
out how Linux has been used in CityU, we performed an on-line
survey in December 2002. We collected around 60 responses
from academic, research and administrative staff. Statistics
indicated that two thirds of the respondents had Linux experience
and most of them used Red Hat Linux on the PC platform. If
Linux is to be supported in the future, most respondents recommend
Red Hat Linux, and they need central support in various areas,
including system maintenance, security, training, troubleshooting
and others.
Central
Technical Support
In response
to the demand for Linux support, the Computing Services Centre
(CSC) coordinated resources to support Red Hat Linux at system
level starting from April 2003. This support covers system
installation, applying of system patches, and troubleshooting.
Training
Courses
Two Linux
training courses have been tailored to assist general users
and system administrators. The basic
course covers fundamental Linux workstation concepts and
operational techniques, while the technical
course covers advanced topics in server configuration,
security and administration. Both courses have proved to be
demanding. Within two months, the basic course has been run
for two times and the technical one has been offered three
times.
The
Environment for Teaching
To facilitate
teaching and learning of Linux, the CSC has recently installed
Red Hat Linux through Virtual PC in Teaching Studio K. Starting
from 1 July, staff and students can use the Linux environment
and a variety of software applications including
