Nebula Services

Nebula is a system of networked personal computers, centrally managed and supported by UW Technology. Nebula provides services such as:

• Network file services including both shared and unshared directory space
• Backup and emergency restore of file services
• Network printer and fax services
• Operating system updates including hot fixes, security patches and enhancements
• Account services to provide directory permissions
• Virus updates
• Detailed workstation reporting

Nebula is an excellent option for clients who would like the management and user benefits of being in a well-managed Windows domain, without the technical burdens of administering the domain. There are several different levels of support to accommodate clients who have different levels of on-site technical support staff.

Nebula Service Options

Nebula currently offers several service options, Nebula Gold, Nebula Bronze and the Husky Kiosk; they are briefly described below. UW Technology also welcomes the opportunity to work with units to tailor an approach that meets their individual needs. For more information contact the Nebula support team at nebula@u.washington.edu

Nebula Gold is a full-service, managed desktop option that provides all software and technical support. Gold computers:

• are configured with a standard operating system (Windows XP Pro) and suite of software, which are tested and maintained by UW Technology software engineers and technical support staff. The suite of software is listed on the Nebula Software Packages page.
• have access to group calendaring software; currently, this software is Oracle Calendar.
• are under warranty; current hardware specifications for a Gold Nebula include a Pentium 4 (or compatible)-based PC. Hardware must be under a manufacturer's warranty; three years is typical, and must be replaced at the end of the warranty. Purchasing specifications are available on-line.
• are given access to servers which provide file sharing and network printers. Directories for individual and shared group use are provided, and are available through two drive mountings: H:\ (home) for individual access, and I:\groups (Group) for groups of defined users to share files. Access to user files is available not only from Nebula workstations, but from home computers, other campus computers, portable computers with modem or network cards, or other machines connected to the Internet.
• receive software upgrades via network distribution
• are supported and maintained by Nebula-Support. This is provided during normal business hours, typically Monday-Friday, 7:30-5:00.

Nebula Bronze is a lower cost managed desktop option designed for departments that have limited onsite technical support staff, but are interested in having some of the most critical desktop services managed centrally. A brief description follows, and more information is available at the Nebula Bronze Services page. Bronze computers:

• use the standard operating system (currently Windows XP Pro)
• receive operating system patches and virus updates via network distribution
• are given access to servers which provide file sharing and network printers
• depend on local technical staff to provide hardware and software support and maintenance
• may run server services but not firewall software.

UW Technology's Computer Maintenance Group offers a Husky Kiosk configuration. This is intended for public-area computers whose primary function is to make Internet, email and secure file transfer services available to users. They have no hardware requirement except to be able to run the standard operating system; repairs are the responsibility of the department. A login is not required, and users are not allowed to install software or changes configurations. For more information, please contact this group at 543-7865, or cmg@u.washington.edu.

Current Rates

The rate package per PC, effective October 1, 2003, is as follows:

Nebula Support Team (nebula@u)
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Last modified: January 28, 2008