SandBox : Software

Boot priority

Sandbox machines are configured to boot the first functioning OS found at (in order):

1. The hard disk
2. Any USB port
3. The network

Network boot

Network booting launches a remote X Windows remote client session (i.e. XDMCP client) that connects presents a login screen for an effectively random workstation running Solaris 10 in the SunLAB.  If a local hard disk is present but not properly installed (e.g. the latch key has not been turned, or the hard disk is defective), Sandbox machines will proceed to the network boot.  This can be disconcerting if (for example) you were expecting to see Microsoft Windows.  Connecting the hard disk after X Windows has started is useless.  The remedy is to power off the machine, correct the disk problem, and re-start.  Pressing the power button for 2 or 3 seconds will cause the X Windows client to do an orderly shutdown.

Supported operating systems

• Windows 7 64-bit
  The default distribution.  What you will get if you ask for "Windows".  The base image includes:
  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • Java 7 JDK
  • Acrobat Reader
  • SSH client
  Other applications are installed upon request.  Supported applications include:
  • Matlab
  • Visual Studio 10
• Windows Server 2008 R2 64-bit
  Available upon request with additional lead time.
• Windows Vista
  Not available.
• Windows XP
  Not available
• CentosOS 5.8 and 6.2
  Works well.  No current standard image; usually installed by students.  Must be installed with "standard graphics" installer.
• Fedora Core
  Not yet tested on current hardware.
• Ubuntu
  Can be provided.
• FreeBSD
  Can be provided.
• Solaris 11 Express / OpenIndiana
  Can be provided.