Information Office Program
Michael J. Liszewski
Information Office Program Manager
Phone: 928.556.7458
E-mail: mjliszew@usgs.gov
System Administration
The GCMRC computing environment is a complex system of servers, workstations, laptops, printers, plotters, disk arrays, routers, hubs, switches, tape backups, copy and Fax machines, and audio-visual and telecommunications equipment. In addition, over 50 software applications are utilized by scientists and support personnel in carrying out the collective mission of the GCMRC. The computing environment currently includes workstations, laptops, network printers, tape backup systems, and over 7 Terabytes of disk storage. These devices must work together in a reliable, seamless, and secure manner in order to facilitate the mission of GCMRC.
The systems administration program (SAP) supports the collective mission of GCMRC by providing a secure and standardized computing environment for scientists, managers, administrators, and support staff. Computer hardware is largely a combination of state-of-the-art PC (Intel) processors running the Microsoft Windows operating system. Each workstation has a core suite of software applications that include mainstream off-the-shelf integrated office products such as a word processor, spreadsheet, graphics, database, Internet browser, etc. Additional software needed for specialized scientific data processing is also available. To the extent possible, hardware and software is standardized throughout the GCMRC. Standardization facilitates the inter-office exchange of information and reduces the administrative effort needed for hardware and software support to a sustainable level.
The SAP normally replaces desktop computers, servers, and other hardware every three years on a rotational basis; however, in some cases it may be as often as every year. The newest and fastest computers first go to the areas within GCMRC that place the most demands on them. These areas have traditionally been GIS, survey, graphics users, and biostatistical users.
The SAP is staffed by one permanent full-time federal employee and one contract student employee primarily responsible for assisting with troubleshooting the GCMRC’s computing environment.
SAP activities are as follows: