Also, since the file servers are specialized systems, they do not run software such as that for handling electronic mail and file transfer that intruders typically use to gain unauthorized access to files via the network. Also, CIT has implemented enhanced security monitoring and software on these machines. ALW support staff monitor ALWs daily for potential security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access attempts, and regularly install and distribute software security updates to the operating systems and application software. The ALW systems staff maintains all software centrally, with upgrades distributed to all workstations automatically via the network. File sharing The distributed file system makes it easy for users to share programs and data with other users if so desired.
Users can also define their own user groups, and control who is a member.
This is extremely useful when a group of people wish to collaborate on a project. The distributed file system also makes it possible for users to access their files from virtually any UNIX machine connected to the NIH network. They can thus conveniently work on several machines without needing to explicitly move files from machine to machine or keep track of where the most recent version of a file resides. These characteristics make ALWs ideal for shared or public use. For example, a user may have one window on his ALW display running a text editor or drawing program locally, another command window running remotely on one of CIT's Helix systems, and a third window displaying the results of a visualization program running remotely on another workstation.