12-03-2006, 09:57 PM
Ok you can call it what you want or even argue about what it is called, but they call it the virtual computing lab: http://vcl.ncsu.edu/
The heart of VCL is a web-based service for scheduling and provisioning of remote access to a set of high-end computational resources (machine-room installed "blade" computers and other specialized University lab computers). These resources are loaded on demand with a choice of operating system images and predefined application sets geared to instructional computing.
VCL Features
* Easy to use remote access from one's own desktop or mobile computer in homes, offices, or the local coffee house, bringing the "lab" to you
* Full access to a dedicated computing resource (some scheduling choices include monitored root or administrator access). This access is the same or more than what is possible in physical computing laboratory.
* Vendor-standard remote access protocols and client software. Eliminates the need for specialized customization of one's own computer and eases updates and maintenance
* Extensible to any remotely-accessible desktop systems in specialized campus labs. Departments can bring their lab to their students.
And Elmo, I know I am not running windows, hence I said, 'Very cool, it's like running Widows without actually running Windows." And I understand remote desktop, quote: "So there is actually a computer somewhere on campus running the applications, but I am in control of the mouse and can see the screen."
I assumed that the blade servers were running virtual machines, but maybe they are not. I do know that individual stand-alone machines are used in some instances such as after hours when the physical labs are closed.
But of course, the content of my post was completely meaningless due my use of vague nomenclature; you people amaze me. I can maintain a 4.0 GPA through engineering school, but I am too freaking dumb to understand what a remote desktop is. That's why I come here, to be put in my place.
BT
The heart of VCL is a web-based service for scheduling and provisioning of remote access to a set of high-end computational resources (machine-room installed "blade" computers and other specialized University lab computers). These resources are loaded on demand with a choice of operating system images and predefined application sets geared to instructional computing.
VCL Features
* Easy to use remote access from one's own desktop or mobile computer in homes, offices, or the local coffee house, bringing the "lab" to you
* Full access to a dedicated computing resource (some scheduling choices include monitored root or administrator access). This access is the same or more than what is possible in physical computing laboratory.
* Vendor-standard remote access protocols and client software. Eliminates the need for specialized customization of one's own computer and eases updates and maintenance
* Extensible to any remotely-accessible desktop systems in specialized campus labs. Departments can bring their lab to their students.
And Elmo, I know I am not running windows, hence I said, 'Very cool, it's like running Widows without actually running Windows." And I understand remote desktop, quote: "So there is actually a computer somewhere on campus running the applications, but I am in control of the mouse and can see the screen."
I assumed that the blade servers were running virtual machines, but maybe they are not. I do know that individual stand-alone machines are used in some instances such as after hours when the physical labs are closed.
But of course, the content of my post was completely meaningless due my use of vague nomenclature; you people amaze me. I can maintain a 4.0 GPA through engineering school, but I am too freaking dumb to understand what a remote desktop is. That's why I come here, to be put in my place.
BT