What is available?
The standard issue PC of the university is a small Dell Desktop case with a not particularly performant CPU, on-board GPU and about 500GB disk space (NVMe).
Based on needs and availability, aspiring notebook users typically have the choice between Dell notebooks (13'', Ubuntu (LTS)) or Apple Macbook Air (13", MacOS). Precise specs may vary.
I was assigned a desktop PC but would rather have a notebook. Could that be arranged?
Our limited contingent does not allow us to equip everyone with notebooks, unfortunately. Despite this, we will try to accomodate relatable needs and personal preferences.
Why did I receive a used notebook?
Our hardware is expected to last for at least for 5 years, so on average notebooks are going to have more than one user per lifecycle. Roughly speaking you have as high as a 50:50 chance of being the first or the second user.
What are my responsibilities as a notebook user?
Since we cannot reliably administer notebooks remotely, you receive admin privileges for it. Despite the obvious advantages, you need to be extra careful. If the notebook gets compromised by malware it represents a threat to our whole network for which you would be legally accountable for. Therefore, you are expected to install any updates immediately, to set up a proper anti-virus protection, to be especially diligent when considering to install software, and to immediately respond to vulnerability warnings concerning your notebook.
Failure to comply may result in confiscation of the notebook.
Do I need to return the notebook when leaving the observatory?
Of course you need to. All items handed to you remain property of the university, including those purchased from external funds.
Also bear in mind that new colleagues rely on you returning those notebooks.
