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Sandbox : Software

Boot priority

Sandbox machines are configured to boot the first functioning OS found at (in order):

  • The hard disk
  • Any USB port
  • The network

Network boot

Network booting launches a remote X Windows remote client session (i.e. XDMCP client) that connects presents a login screen for an effectively random workstation running CentOS in the SunLAB.

If a local hard disk is present but not properly installed or detected, Sandbox machines will proceed to the network boot. This can be disconcerting if (for example) you were expecting to see Microsoft Windows. Connecting the hard disk after X Windows has started is useless. The remedy is to power off the machine, correct the disk problem, and re-start. Pressing the power button for 2 or 3 seconds will cause the X Windows client to do an orderly shutdown.

Supported operating systems

Available operating systems include (but are not limited to):

  • Ubuntu
  • CentOS
  • Debian

  • Windows - Any Current Versions, Workstation or Server.
    The default installation includes some basic applications for general use. Other applications can be installed upon request. Supported applications include:

    • Microsoft Office
    • Java
    • Acrobat Reader
    • SSH Clients
    • Matlab
    • Visual Studio / Visual Studio Code

  • Fedora

  • FreeBSD