Annual Report 1996-97

• A new, high speed c amp us network b a c k b o ne using Asynchronous Transfer Mo de (ATM) technology was introduced in early 1997 to replace the old FDDI backbone. When the migration of departmental networks to the new backbon e was complete, teaching videos, seminars, and conferences can be televised — l i v e o r in recorded mo d es — t o and from different locations on campus via video servers installe d at the University's Computer Services Centre. • A Residence Network (ResNet) for use by all students living in hostels on campus came into operation in January 1997. • An SGI Origin2000 Supercomputer with 24 CPU s was installed to cope with the ever-expanding computation need of University researchers. • A cluster of load-sharing machines were acquired to boost the functionality and extend the availability of the heavily-used campus-wide electronic mail system, • An Electronic Help Desk was introduced to provide better user support; a new automated system was launched for th e efficient administration of user account; courseware development and digital video production services were provided. • New administration applications were being developed during the year with the ultimate objective of enabling course registration through networked computers, as well as on-line search of research publications and projects at distant locations. 左圖： SGI Origin2000 超級電腦 右圖：副校長楊綱凱敎授（右一）主持 超級電腦啟用儀式 Left: SGI O r i g i n l 2 0 0 Supercomputer Right: Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Young (right 1) officiates at the launching ceremonyof the supercomputer 76 敎 學 輔 助 設 施