Installing Computers
Fysikum supports the installation of Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and Scientific Linux CERN (SLC) 6.
Other Linux versions and operating systems may work with Fysikum infrastructure as well but we do not provide support for these.
The easiest and recommended way to install an operating system supported by us is to do a network installation.
Please talk to the sysadmins before installing a new machine!
Install from network
To install from network your machine needs to be connected to the Fysikum network by wire and configured to boot from the network using PXE. This is done either via functions keys on system bootup or in the bios settings, see the instructions for your machine. All modern network cards know about PXE. PXE is the component that allows a PC to boot remotely from an image stored on a server. PXE does not "know" about the operating system it loads, so it allows to install practically any system (Linux, Windows or any other) remotely, without using floppies or DVD's.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a complete desktop Linux operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. Ubuntu is suitable for both desktop and server use. Ubuntu includes more than 1000 pieces of software, starting with the Linux kernel version 3.2 and GNOME 3.4, and covering every standard desktop application from word processing and spreadsheet applications to internet access applications, web server software, email software, programming languages and tools and of course several games. Ubuntu comes in many flavors, like Kunbuntu and Xubuntu, and we support them as well. Click here for instructions on how to install Ubuntu on your machine.
Scientific Linux CERN
Scientific Linux CERN (SLC) is a Linux distribution build within the framework of Scientific Linux which in turn is rebuilt from the freely available Red Hat Enterprise Linux (Server) product sources under terms and conditions of the Red Hat EULA. Scientific Linux CERN is built to integrate into the CERN computing environment but it is not a site-specific product: all CERN site customizations are optional and can be deactivated for external users. Click here for instructions on how to install SLC on your machine.
Fysikum Machine Setup
A Fysikum machine is a service provided by the Fysikum Computing Service Group who will manage the computer for you. We set up the machine so it is ready to use SU and Fysikum services like SU login on the computer, printing, AFS and the user network home space (CIFS). This setup has been tested with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, Ubuntu 16.04 and SLC6. Click here for instructions on how to make a Fysikum machine setup.