Constraints on our time and expertise require us to support only particular hardware and software platforms. This does not mean that college users cannot deploy other operating systems, but rather that we cannot provide technical assistance with those other operating systems.

In some cases, we find interoperability problems between certain operating systems and the college network. With some operating systems, certain patches may required for CLASnet support. In all cases, the units must obtain any required software licenses before operating system installation. All college computer users must be in compliance with the UF Acceptable Use Policy

Intel Systems

We support these operating systems on Intel-based hardware. All require patches. We have server-based scripted installs for these operating systems, which our technicians install. Anti-Virus software must be installed, and set to update nightly.

Windows XP Professional

All applicable service packs and hotfixes must be installed. Novell Netware client is required on CLASnet-supported systems for server access, patch deployment, and access to licensed software.

Windows 2000

All applicable service packs and hotfixes must be installed. Novell Netware client is required on CLASnet-supported systems for server access, patch deployment, and access to licensed software.

Windows NT 4.0

This is the oldest version of Windows we can actively support. Service Pack 6a and all applicable hotfixes must be installed, and the Novell Netware client is required for CLASnet server access.

Windows 95

Limited support available. Deprecated, and not available for new computer installations. Legacy systems only. OSR 2.0, OSR 2.1, or Winsock 2.0 must be applied, and only limited USB support is available. No support from Microsoft. No new applications will be available for this platform. This platform may not be compatible with the UF portal.

Macintosh Systems

We support these operating systems on Apple Macintosh hardware. Note that Apple no longer supports any OS besides MacOS X.

MacOS X

Both 10.2 and 10.3 are supported by CLASnet. All applicable updates should be installed. Due to a bug in the DHCP client code, the IP stack must be set to BOOTP mode. Earlier versions of OSX are not supported.

MacOS 9.0.4, 9.1, 9.2.1

This is the last "classic" MacOS supported by CLASnet. OpenTransport 2.6.1 is required for proper network connectivity. 9.1 has the same DHCP bug as OSX, and must be set to BOOTP mode. Acceptable for G3 and G4 systems.

MacOS 8.x

Deprecated. PowerPC-based systems can run any version of MacOS 8 (8.0 - 8.6.1) without incident. OpenTransport 1.1.1 - 2.0.3 is required. No new applications are available, though the "Chrome" libraries are available, which will make some MacOS 9 apps work under 8.

MacOS 7.x

Obsolete. Only suitable for 680x0 series "classic" Macs. No new applications are available. OpenTransport 1.1.1 should be installed for proper DHCP network support.

Unix Systems

While other versions of Unix may provide stable work environments, we can only support our build of Solaris.

Solaris 8

Most Sun (sun4u) systems can run in 64-bit mode. Sun SPARC 5/10/20 (sun4m) systems can run Solaris 8 in 32-bit mode. CLASnet has a recommended JumpStart build, which will automatically install security patches, disable nonessential services, and nightly sync the systems with the CLASnet master server. Older Sun systems (sun3, sun4, sun4c) cannot run Solaris 8, and are unsupported.

Unsupported

We are often asked about support for alternative operating systems. This is not an exhaustive list.

Windows XP Home

Microsoft deliberately reduced network functionality in XP Home. Thus, the OS is not suitable for campus use.

Windows 98, ME

Both Win98 and WinME are designed for home use, and are not designed for corporate networks. They have known problems with their DHCP clients, ActiveDesktop components, and other system utilities.

MacOS 9.2.2

The upgrade from 9.2.1 to 9.2.2 is for increased compatability inside MacOS 10.2 or 10.3. We do not recommed this upgrade on Classic MacOS machines.

Linux

Due to the large number of different Linux distributions, each with different installed packages, security defaults, etc, we cannot support this operating system at this time. We expect to provide a supported SuSE build in the near future.

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Last updated: Sep 10, 2004 (01:16:03 PM EDT)
URL: http://www.clasnet.ufl.edu/computers/software/os.shtml