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Nebula Frequently Asked Questions

Background Software management Dos and Don'ts Using the Shared Environment Security Using the Web Backup

Background

Where can I get help for Nebula?

This FAQ is a good place to start. The Nebula Web pages at http://www.washington.edu/nebula/ are another excellent source of information, especially the Tips and Tricks page. Of course, you can always contact your support person or refer to application manuals and online help for specific software questions.

What is Nebula?

Nebula is the name given to the centrally administered PC system supported by UW Technology. Nebula machines are standard PC hardware configured with a standard suite of popular PC software and connected through the University-wide network to a host which provides file sharing and other capabilities.

What is the standard Nebula hardware?

The current specifications for hardware are available online. This hardware specification is continually reviewed to provide the best machine for the money. Check with your support person for the latest revisions. The first Nebula PCs were 486/33s and the newest are Pentium 4/3.8Ghz. High resolution 20-inch color flat panel monitors, writeable DVD drives and high-quality sound cards can be included.

What is the standard Nebula software?

Nebula PCs run Windows XP for an operating system. They also run a suite of products that have been tested to work well together. This suite includes Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint), PC-Pine, UW Directory, Internet Explorer, calendaring software ( Oracle Calendar), and terminal emulation and file transfer software to allow connections to other computers. New software and operating systems are continually being evaluated to keep Nebula current.

Software Management

Is any other software available?

Some departments purchase additional software which can be distributed to Nebula PCs through the central distribution process as long as it does not conflict with the standard packages.

Can I install additional software on a Nebula PC?

Additional software may be installed on your system. Software of this type falls outside of the standard installation, so you will be responsible for retaining any media, and you'll need to document specific software settings.

Are there any restrictions on software which can be added to the set of Nebula software packages?

There are a few restrictions, including: the software installs without user intervention; it's configured to save data to the server; it doesn't conflict with or duplicate existing Nebula applications. Contact your Nebula Support person to enquire about creating a package for any software used by five or more folks in your department.

Dos and Don'ts

Can I change the look and feel of my desktop?

Yes. The icons and windows can be changed on the Nebula desktop. In Windows XP, any icons and window changes will only affect the person who is logged in and making the changes. See the Managing Shortcuts page for more information.

Can I store files on my C: drive?

We discourage C: drive file storage. Nebula user files are stored on remote drives which keeps them safe and secure. Files stored on your C: drive can't be backed up, and would be lost if your hardware failed.

Where should I store my files?

Files should be stored on the I:\Groups or H: drives. The H: drive is your home directory on a Unix-based file server. You can create subdirectories under H:. The I:\Groups drive gives you access to shared directories. If you are authorized to share files with a group, then you should store and view the group files under I:\Groups. For guidelines on what files are not appropriate to store on the H: or I: drives, please see the Nebula File Storage Policy.

Can I turn my machine off at night?

It's best to leave it on, so that your system receives regular updates and patches. You can log out if you like: Click on Start, then "Log off (your user name)", then click Yes when asked if you are sure you want to log off.

Using the Shared Environment

Can I use someone else's Nebula computer?

You can log into any Nebula PC as long as you have the PC owner's permission. As always, make sure you log out when you are finished.

Will I get my own files on someone else's computer?

Yes. When you log into Nebula, the H: drive will be mapped to your own home directory, no matter which Nebula machine you use. You will also see the I:\groups directory from any Nebula machine.

Will I get my own email on someone else's computer?

Yes. When you log into Nebula, PC-Pine will be directed to your own inbox, folders, and address book, no matter which Nebula machine you use.

Will I get my own desktop configurations on someone else's computer?

No. The desktop configuration, including icons, windows, printers, screen savers, and startup applications is stored locally on the PC. Any changes to this configuration stay with the PC, not with the user.

Can we prevent two people from changing a file at the same time?

There is a locking mechanism on the I:\Groups drive which prevents two people from having a file open for update at the same time (in Word or Excel). When you try to open a file that is already in use, it can even tell you who is using it (provided they have set their name) and notify you when they are done with it.

How do I set my name so people can tell who has a file open?

From the MS Word or MS Excel menu bar, choose Tools, Options. Click on the 'User Info' tab in Word or the 'General' tab in Excel, and enter your own name in the box.

Security

How can I be sure my files are secure?

The most important security step you can take is to log off of the Nebula network when you leave your PC unattended. If your PC is in a relatively secure office, you can activate a screen saver password and leave it logged in during brief unattended periods during the day. In all cases, you should log off at night. You should also make sure your password is secure.

What if someone breaks into the host machine?

The security on the host machines and file servers is very tight. Nobody but you can access your files unless they know your password.

What makes a password secure?

The most important thing about passwords is to never write them down. Here are additional guidelines:

Is there a Nebula home page?

Yes. See http://www.washington.edu/nebula/ for details. Also, there should be an icon for this page on your Nebula PC desktop. If you've removed it, contact your Nebula support person.

Using the Web

What web browser is used in Nebula?

The supported browser in Nebula is Microsoft Internet Explorer. We will continue to evaluate available browsers to find the most compatible, stable solutions for Nebula users.

I don't like that one. Can I use another browser?

Installation of software outside of the supported Nebula package list is not supported. Such installations may cause any problems on your system, and could require that the computer be reformatted and all Nebula software reinstalled (aka "rebuilt").

The Nebula software suite is designed to maximize functionality for our users. If you have problems with the way Nebula software works, please send email to Nebula support at the address below, or talk directly with your Nebula support person. We are always looking for ways to improve Nebula. Your input can help us fix problems or make changes to existing software packages.

I want to view content which requires a plugin which isn't available on my Nebula PC. What do I do?

Send email to Nebula support at the address below and explain the need for the software. We'll test it and if things work properly, we'll add it to the Nebula distribution.

How do I publish web pages in Nebula?

You can use your Nebula PC to publish web pages at UW in a variety of ways. The most important element to doing this is understanding what tools to use and what processes to follow.

That's where webguides come in. UW Technology has a team of web experts to help you make effective use of the web server environment at UW. They have a very informative web page at http://www.washington.edu/webguides/ which can provide an introduction to what's available.

What web development tools are available in Nebula?

Nebula offers the web publishing functions in Microsoft Office for web development as part of the standard software suite.

Backup

Are the network drives backed up?

Yes. All user files on the network drives are backed up every night. In the rare case where one of your files may be corrupted, check the File Restores page. If you need additional help, your support person can restore the file for you.

What is the retention of the backups?

This depends on your host. For Bank and Red, daily backups are retained for two weeks, weekly backups are retained for three months, and quarterly backups are retained for one year.

Is my email backed up?

For Deskmail, the default is to backup email for 7 days, then purge it. You can opt out of this default by sending email to help@cac.washington.edu or calling 206-543-5970.