Linux support services are available through McCormick IT. A comprehensive support subscription for Linux-based computers can be obtained at a fee of $400 per year. This fee includes basic troubleshooting and help-desk functions as well as back-up services, installation and configuration of new machines, and consultation on a long-range plan for maintaining and upgrading the machines.

Support can be arranged for interested parties on an hourly basis at $30 per hour.

Support can be done as long as a few conditions are met. McCormick IT supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux only. Root access to the machines must also be relinquished, given to McCormick IT. If a comprehensive support subscription is not desired or needed, McCormick IT offers a palette of services. The specific services and their costs are listed below:

Configure New Linux machines: $75 per installation

  1. Format and configure drive
  2. Install OS
  3. Install other software
    1. GCC and other software on RedHat CD
    2. Commercial Client Owned Software
  4. Security tuning
  5. 30 day adjustment period

Backup

  1. Option I: $50 per machine, per year. Linux computers using departmental tape drive using Amanda: (Tape drive only for boxes we support within the department)
    1. Change tapes daily (M-F) - work study or department responsibility
    2. Recover files when needed - within reason (twice monthly)
  2. Option II: $150 per machine, per year. Backup Linux computers using McCormick IT tape drive w/ Amanda.
    1. Change tapes daily (M-F)
    2. Recover files when needed - within reason (twice a month)
    3. Purchase new backup hardware and tapes as needed
    4. Client computer must be on Switched 100 network

General support: $200 per year - (Our responsibility would be to ensure the software is installed properly, but not provide instruction on how to use it.) Additionally, general support service would:

  1. Replace defective hardware, resolve software conflicts
  2. Add new user accounts (students particularly) depending on number, scripts can be created to allow department to manage.
  3. Keep patches up to date
  4. Adding user software (commercial)

Upgrade planning and implementation: $50 per consultation. - (existing vs. new - upgrading existing boxes is more difficult than a new box with a fresh installation.) This service would:

  1. Develop Institute a plan for maintaining and upgrading machines
  2. Develop specifications for new machines that are compatible with existing configurations and McCormick environment.
  3. Order new machines according to specifications agreed upon by McCormick IT and research group.
  4. Implement the upgrade as a one-time service

Custom script programming - quoted on a per script basis.