8/9/2022 2 min read
An outline of Linux support changes happening during Summer 2022
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Some changes have been made to EWS Linux Labs and Virtual Machines (VMs) that you need to know before the semester begins. Please note the action steps regarding instruction on Linux systems and lab availability.
Limited Linux VM Support
Due to the intense demand on limited personnel, we must prioritize provisioning of scalable student-assigned VMs for courses to ensure academic continuity. To accommodate this demand, we will not be able to provide system administration or infrastructure build support for non-student VMs. We continue to recruit Linux systems expertise but our support capacity will remain constrained in the meantime.
All EWS Linux machines will be upgraded to Engineering Linux 8 (EL8) before August 22.
This upgrade is due to the end of support for the current OS. Please test your classroom materials and MPs to reduce compatibility surprises during the semester.
Linux workstations in Grainger Library are available now for testing and FastX will be upgraded no later than August 15, available via https://fastx3.ews.illinois.edu.
Closure of Linux labs in Siebel Center for Computer Science
The department of Computer Science has repurposed Linux Labs previously located in the basement of Siebel Center for Computer Science: Rooms 0218, 0220, 0222, 0224. Please update any syllabus information accordingly.
Students can still find EWS Linux machines in the basement of DCL, the walk-in EWS machines in Grainger Library and via remote access using FastX.