Issue 20, January 18,2000.
The "Leap Year" Rollover
CSC/ITSU's Preparation
In spite of the smooth rollover to the new millennium, CSC/ITSU is still closely monitoring the operation of the centrally managed computer
systems and networks. Furthermore, CSC/ITSU has established a plan to tackle the rollovers from 28 February to 29 February and from 29
February to 1 March, 2000 (the "leap year" rollover), and is now undergoing the necessary preparation.
CSC/ITSU will perform the following tasks as part of its contingency plan:
- A full data backup will be performed for the centrally managed systems between 00:00 on 22 February and 18:00 on 28 February, 2000.
In general, this implies that any data that users modify within this period will probably not be captured on the backup media.
- Comprehensive systems/networks checkings will be performed during the following two periods:
23:00 on 28 February to 03:00 on 29 February, 2000, and
23:00 on 29 February to 03:00 1 March, 2000
During the comprehensive checkings, it is inevitable that some systems/networks may become unstable. Therefore, we suggest you avoid
scheduling important computing activities during the above periods.
- No new centrally managed systems will be introduced from 21 February, 2000 to 5 March, 2000 inclusive in order to help isolate and
resolve problems, if any should arise.
- Professional and technical staff will not take normal leave between 28 February, 2000 and 6 March, 2000 to ensure CSC/ITSU has sufficient
manpower to deal with any unforeseen problems.
- Two direct lines (26037804 and 26037854) will be made available for users to report problems and to enquire about the operational status of
the centrally managed systems and networks from 23:00 on 28 February to 24:00 on 1 March, 2000.
Your Preparation
Similar to the preparation for the Y2K rollover, we advise you to establish a contingency plan for business functions. In particular, we
strongly advise you to make a full backup copy of all your data by 28 February, 2000. This is because problematic applications may damage
your data over the "leap year" rollover, and this backup will be the best protection for your data should that happen.
Please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/y2k for the latest information.
Internet Access Points (ClassNet) Available in Pi Chiu Building
Apart from the network outlets that are currently available in the classrooms and the University Library, another 8 Internet access points
(ClassNet) have now been set up in the Manual Reading Room (Room 132A of Pi Chiu Building) and Refreshment Corner (Room 124 of Pi Chiu Building).
After registering the Ethernet Address of your network card on our system, you can then plug your computer into any one of these ports to
have the access of the Internet.
Before using a network port, you can also reserve it on-line in advance at
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/onlineapp/facility/index.html to ensure that you can get a port to have the access to the network at the time
you need it.
While you are using the network, you should observe the rules and regulations which are stated in the "Campus Network - Policies and
Guidelines on Access and Usage". Please visit
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/network/classnet for registration and other details.
Additional Classes on WebCT
In the last issue of CSC/ITSU Digest, we announced a training workshop on the use of WebCT in early January. The workshop was soon full after
the first announcement and we thank you for your interest. We are still receiving many requests for additional training classes for teachers who
would like to launch a web-based course in this semester. We have therefore added two new training workshops on January 22 and 29. If you
plan to have a web-based course this semester and are not familiar with WebCT, you and your teaching assistants should not miss these seminars.
Please register at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/training registration is
provided on a first-come-first-served basis and will only be accepted until the classes are full.
Renovation of the Air-conditioning System in Pi-Chiu Building
The Estates Management Office informed the Centre that renovation of the air-conditioning system in Pi-Chiu Building is being carried out until
the end of April 2000. During the renovation work, the air-conditioning of all office areas, the User Area and the corridors in Pi-Chiu Building
will be affected, except to the office areas on G/F and Central Machine Room. According to the current schedule, there will be no provision of
cooling to the affected areas in Pi-Chiu Building between January 10 and March 13. In addition, only natural ventilation will be available
between February 14-27.
The Centre has put several heavy-duty electric fans in the User Area in order to maintain a minimum level of ventilation during the renovation
work. Please contact our consultant (Room 131A of Pi Chiu Building) or the Security Office (26097999) if you feel discomfort when working in the User Area.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Computer Services During Lunar New Year Holidays (February 3 2000 - February 8 2000)
User Area, 1/F of Pi Chiu Bldg.
Closing Period : 16:00 February 4 - 09:30 February 8
User Area, Room 103 of Wong Foo Yuan Bldg.
Closing Period : 22:00 February 3 - 09:15 February 8
Information Counter, G/F of Pi Chiu Bldg.
Closing Period : 17:00 February 3 - 09:00 February 8
During this period, other computer systems and network services will operate without being monitored by our staff.
Wish you a Happy Lunar New Year!
