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The Small Lab (AB 605) has historically been all computers of the same kind. First, it was the original Mac Pro. Then it was the 27-inch iMac, which we did for two generations. Over the past two years, we changed the Small Lab to a mix of Mac minis and Mac Pros. Now that we have received some replacement computers for our oldest Mac minis, we have moved all the iMacs back to the Small Lab. But the setup is better than when they left:

• All the iMacs have 32 GB of RAM (instead of our regular 16 GB);
• Headphone and USB connections are more convenient with the extension cables on the right side of the desk;
• All stations now have colour hoods to make colour-sensitive work easier;
• There are three newer iMacs in the mix: Stations I and J are faster 2019 models, and Station A is a 2020 model with extra processing cores and a display with Nano-textured glass (which gives it more of a matte finish).

We will also be deploying two iMacs to the Hallway outside the Main Lab. These will be the same model of iMac as in the Small Lab, so when there are classes in both labs, you can still get a computer with that level of performance.

As scheduled classes end for the Fall, we begin preparing the Labs for Winter classes. Here’s your guide to the next few weeks in the IAML:

Deleting Student Files

• All user accounts on Lab computers will be deleted starting Thursday, December 15. This includes all files stored on our computers.
• All files (other than the assignment drop boxes) on the lab server will be deleted starting Thursday, December 15. The assignment drop boxes will be retained until January 2.

Card Access

• Majors in Art, Music, Drama, and Dance will have card access to both Labs until the University is closed (i.e., until the end of the day on December 22).
• Anyone who has been granted access to the building during the holiday closure (Dec. 23 – Jan. 1) will still have card access.
• Card access for students who were not majors but were enrolled in a Lab class this Fall will have access until December 20.

Services

• In-person services are available Monday through Thursday until December 15.
• If you need services during the week of December 19, please contact us. Staff will be working on Winter course preparation and may not be available (or on-site) at various times.
• Services are scheduled to resume on Monday, January 2. Note that both labs are booked during Block Week (January 3-7 for the Main Lab and January 4-6 in the Small Lab), so access to services will be very limited.

Just like the physical cleanup happening in the building, we will be doing our regular cleanup of files and systems over the next month or so. Here’s what you need to know:

Deleting Student Files

• Files stored on the IAML Server will be maintained until April 29. After that date, you should expect any files stored on the server to be deleted.
• We expect to erase all the computers in both labs in May or June. After April 29, you should always save a copy of your files elsewhere (e.g., OneDrive, USB stick, emailed to yourself) to avoid loss of your data.

Card Access

• Students who had access to the Labs due to a lab class will have their access deleted on May 2. Majors in Art, Music, Drama, and Dance will continue to have card access to the Small Lab during the Spring and Summer and can use the Main Lab when it is open.

Services

• The Head Technician will be working from home at times (1-2 days per week) and will also be taking vacation time this Spring/Summer. If you need in-person services, contact us in advance before making a special trip to campus to ensure services are available.

The Integrated Arts Media Labs have received funding to hire a student assistant for the Winter 2022 Term. The successful applicant will help provide services and support for lab operations such as photographic printing, equipment loans, troubleshooting computer problems, and general maintenance of the labs. Preference is given to majors in Art, Music, Drama, and/or Dance (graduate or undergraduate). You must be a current UCalgary student to be hired.

To apply (or if you have questions), contact Head Technician Anthony Reimer in person during business hours or via email at iaml [at] ucalgary.ca. Interviews are ongoing. We expect to hire someone on or before December 15.

Fall Break is a chance for students to catch up on their work, and this year it will also be a chance for our technician to catch up on his sleep. Here are the scheduled service hours for the week of November 8:

• Monday 08: No services (card access only)
• Tuesday 09: 13:30-16:00 (card access at other times)
• Wednesday 10: 09:00-16:00 excluding lunch
• Thursday 11: University closed (Remembrance Day)
• Friday 12: No services (card access only)