In addition, a separate room in this facility contains several older computers and computer parts that are available for student projects. For example, a student built a 4 processor Beowulf cluster as part of his senior project this spring. Both labs have shared network printers. Almost all of the lab computers are networked to departmental servers and the Internet. However, a few Linux computers in the advanced lab were deliberately left disconnected to allow students to experiment with the operating systems in ways that would not be permitted on the networked computers.
Additional software is added to support coursework as needed.
Linux machines have Star office and the standard development software that comes with that system. The Rieke 222 electronics lab supports digital and analog electronics classes. For digital labs it contains 12 stations each with a logic kit and assortment of chips and wires. It has 6 Altra FPSA boards. Mentor Graphic, PSpice, and MatLab, Microsoft Office and common networking tools are available.