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The number of Macintosh (Mac) systems at the laboratory is relatively small compared with Windows and Linux installations and comprises approximately 4% of the total. Each operating system supported by the Computer Center represents a considerable investment of resources. At this time the Computer Center can only fully support two operating systems and those are Linux and Windows.
Recognizing that some user prefer Mac systems we provide support for Macs at a basic level. Support is obtained via requests or trouble reports to the Helpdesk using the CCPR system. In the longer term the situation is less clear. The Mac OSX systems are BSD Unix based which makes available some services that were difficult to provide under earlier version of the operating system. However, significant differences in behavior between Mac OSX and Linux systems remain and we cannot guarantee continued capability with our central computing environment.
With the current resources available to the Computer Center and the small Mac user base it is clear that, although we will attempt to maintain services at the present level, compatibility with the Mac operating system in not a driving force in design decisions.
Support for MacOS systems is provided at a basic level only for OSX systems and only in those areas where the similarities between OSX and Linux come into play.
The laboratory was recently review to assess the level of cyber security. Several recommendations of the reviewers are being prepared for implementation. For the purpose of the review the small number of Mac systems on site were treated in the same way as Linux. As our cyber security response evoloves, the availability of CUE resources to Mac systems may become limited by our ability to integrate MacOS into the new environment.
Use of a Mac with CUE requires Mac OSX. We will not support earlier OS versions, except to assist in upgrades where the hardware permits. We will not automatically approve the purchase of new Mac systems except for specific identified and justified needs. If you are purchasing a new system then we encourage you to contact the user support group (x7155) to discuss your requirements and the support issues involved and whether those needs may be better met with a Windows system. With a Mac you will likely not get the full benefit of the central Common User Environment and continued compatibility with that environment cannot be guaranteed. We will not route the Appletalk protocol after 30 September 2004, as the IP protocol is built into Mac OSX, and maintenance of the appletalk protocol requires significant network support resources which greatly outweigh the benefit to the laboratory.
All Macintosh users must maintain their system by running the Software Updates at least once each week. This process ensures that security patches are applied to local machines, thereby protecting all JLab networks and computers.
Running Xwindows applications from Macintosh OSX.
Accessing db1 or other systems with Mac OSX's Terminal
Macintosh Applications
This document is maintained by {helpdesk@jlab.org}
Copyright Jefferson Lab 2007