General computer system

A significant amount of work was done on the general computer system. This included the following:

• Time server: A new time server was designed, constructed and configured that will be installed on the mountain to ensure consistent time information for all computers. The time server used by TCS is only available while the dome is open. The new system is also available to the TCS as a backup, in case of failure at the main one.

• Web plus ftp server and Data-Base server: Originally, the web plus ftp server at the NOT has been used not only for this task but also as a secure gateway for users to log into our network and to store and serve their private content. In order to improve security and our operation environment, this server has been split. Now there is a computer as the main NOT content server, meaning official web pages, plus ftp server for retrieving data (e.g., ToO) files; and a second computer which holds the accounts (new gateway), and staff's web pages. The web pages were migrated to the new web server in December and at the same time a complete switch was made to the new database servers.

• Back-up system: Finally, the policy for backing-up the computers was agreed and is now being implemented.