Large-Scale PC Management and Configuration for SNS Diagnostics

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project's diagnostics group has begun its implementation of more than 300 PC-based Network Attached Devices (NADs). An implementation of this size creates many challenges, such as distribution of patches and software upgrades; virus/worm potentials; and the c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AIP conference proceedings 2004-01, Vol.732 (1), p.379-384
Main Authors: Murphy, Darryl J, Purcell, J David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BEAM MONITORING
COMPUTER NETWORKS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
MANAGEMENT
NEUTRON SOURCES
PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
PARTICLE BEAMS
SPALLATION
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Summary:The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project's diagnostics group has begun its implementation of more than 300 PC-based Network Attached Devices (NADs). An implementation of this size creates many challenges, such as distribution of patches and software upgrades; virus/worm potentials; and the configuration management, including interaction with the SNS relational database. As part of the initial solution, a base operating system (OS) configuration has been determined and computer management software has been implemented. Each PC requires a unique configuration, but all are based on a common OS and supporting applications. The diagnostics group has started with an implementation of an XP Embedded (XPe) OS and uses Altiris(R) eXpress Deployment SolutionTM. The use of XPe and Altiris gives the diagnostics group the ability to easily configure, distribute, and manage software on a large scale. This paper describes the initial experience and discusses plans for the future.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/1.1831172