System Performance in the University IT Services Computer Labs: New VM Image Server

After a test phase, the University IT Services installed a new server. This server has an improved network connection and a better local data system for the virtual machines images on the machines in the computer labs.

The reason behind this improvement is the sometimes intermittent character of the collective performance of the computers in the lab. Unfortunately these bottlenecks are not able to be remedied through single tests following problem or complaint reports and searching for them after the occurrence has proven difficult. In order to avoid the possibility of such bottlenecks occurring in the future, especially for the virtual machines (Windows XP, 7, Linux-Admin), we have transferred Virtual Machines Images onto a bigger machine with a better network connection. This new machine has an interface that is roughly 10 Gigabite faster than the previous computer, which was connected to the campus network. The new machine also has a local data system, which together with the improved network connection allows for the quasi- removal of future bottlenecks. The access name pool-fs.public.ads.uni-freiburg.de will remain the same and the IP address is 10.4.6.9. From now on this computer can only be accessed via the campus network or a VPN client.

Regardless thereof, please be aware of the generally higher performance grade of the virtual machines. For simple presentations and courses with internet use, we recommend using the Linux desktops that work through Open Office and Firefox. Furthermore, please be aware not all computer labs have the same hardware installed and Room -114has the weakest machines.

This and further descriptions of the individual aspects of the computer lab environments can be found on the RZ-Wiki (in German). We encourage you to add or edit any information you may find missing or false. The only requirement is a RZ user account.