Increased Support Available for Users of ALW's Workstations

DCRT's Advanced Laboratory Workstation (ALW) system gives researchers "plug and play" capability for Unix workstations made by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI). The ALW system gives users access to a large managed disk storage system linked to the Internet as well as automatic backup of data, security maintenance and monitoring, distribution and maintenance of scientific software, delivery of electronic mail and news, and World Wide Web access. ALW system workstations are administered by DCRT computer specialists, who keep Unix workstations running reliably, securely, and efficiently.

DCRT recently improved ALW system support for two popular Unix workstations:

• SGI Workstation. Support for the SGI, often used for molecular modeling, has been upgraded by replacing the Network File System with the faster, more secure and more powerful Andrew File System already used in other ALW system platforms. In addition, SGI users of ALW will find its software distribution services an easy way to get automatic updates of molecular modeling applications maintained by the DCRT Center for Molecular Modeling.

• Sun SPARCstation. For these users, moving from the SunOS to the Solaris operating system is a major upgrade, giving improved performance, security, and usability. ALW users with scientific software, which require the Solaris upgrade, can get help assessing their needs from DCRT.

  Users of ALW workstations benefit from the system's file distribution functions in several ways. For example, researchers requiring more computing power can access their ALW files directly from the Convex and IBM SP supercomputers. Under the ALW system, researchers who share data or data analysis software will find it easier to access common ALW system files from their own workstations without having to transfer files. The ALW system can restrict file access to specified individuals or groups.

Try a Unix Workstation for a Month—Free

Through a DCRT loaner program, researchers considering an investment in a Unix workstation can evaluate the ALW system free of charge for one month. To learn more, call TASC at 594-DCRT or send an E-mail message to 4dcrt@nih.gov. See also the ALW system home page at

http://www.alw.nih.gov

Interface 196 (June 15, 1996)