Real World Action Needed: Inventory and Revive Equipment in 216

[katyhuff]

This repository's issues are reserved for feature requests, and bug reports, and questions.

I'm submitting a ...

• [ ] bug report
• [x] feature request
• [ ] question

Expected Behavior

The 216 office should have a sufficient number of high-memory, ubuntu machines set up ready to support the work of all undergrads and grad students. User accounts on each machine should be enabled to support all of the students likely to work on those machines.

Actual Behavior

We have acquired many desktop computers over the years. Some of these Dell CPU towers may no longer be functional. An interested undergraduate is needed to evaluate the health of these devices and either dispose of them (proper protocol requires engagement with Barb and Sarah) or set them up in the office for effective use by appropriate students.

Steps to Reproduce the Problem

1. Check the office (including desk drawers) for Dell computer tower units.
2. Attempt to turn them on and log into them.
3. Check the version of Ubuntu currently running on these devices.

How can this issue be closed?

• Identify all CPU tower units

  • [x] Become familiar with the ARFC computer inventory spreadsheet here.
  • [x] Check the office (including desk drawers) for Dell computer tower units listed on that inventory.
  • [ ] Add units to the inventory if they're missing from the office.
  • [ ] Update the inventory with the status of each item.
  • [ ] Incorporate any new unlisted items into the inventory.

• For each dormant CPU tower unit

  • [ ] Attempt to turn each one on and log into it.
  • [ ] Check the version of Ubuntu currently running on these devices.
  • [ ] If Ubuntu is out of date, update Ubuntu.
  • [ ] If the unit won't turn on or has other functionality problems, label it for surplus.

• Identify all other equipment

  • [ ] Ensure all monitors are in the inventory spreadsheet
  • [ ] Count all web cameras
  • [ ] Identify surplus equipment
    • [x] mice,
    • [x] keyboards,
    • [ ] monitors,
    • [ ] CPU towers,
    • [ ] web cameras
    • [ ] work with Prof. Huff to determine whether these should be stored in the office or sent to department/university surplus
  • [ ] Determine any needs for new equipment
    • [ ] mice,
    • [ ] keyboards,
    • [ ] monitors,
    • [ ] CPU towers,
    • [ ] web cameras
    • [ ] work with Prof. Huff to determine how many and what type should be purchased.

Once a full accounting is complete

• [ ] Summarize the outcome of the exercise here in this github issue.
• [ ] Work with Dr. Huff, Barb, and Sarah to surplus the non-functional items.

[osanstrong]

@katyhuff For the reset towers with nvidia graphics cards, do we need/want to have ubuntu nvidia drivers set up on them for any software we work with? Right now, none of the fresh installs have proprietary drivers included, so for example, Balakovo performs demonstrably worse on OpenGL benchmarks with a working GPU installed than without.

I can also look for more relevant benchmarks, and try on other machines if we actually want to run any numbers.