Reasons for these changes:
1. Security
CentOS has reached end-of-life. To maintain secure and updated systems, we need a Linux distribution actively receiving security updates and bug fixes.
2. Performance
Web browsers and applications often use cached files stored in home directories. Network-mounted home directories have resulted in slower performance and occasional application crashes. Additionally, some modern applications distributed via Snap packages require the home directory to be on a local filesystem.
3. Workflow Alignment
With these updates, the organization of local and network home directories will align consistently across Linux, Windows, and macOS. After implementation, the directory structures will be uniform across operating systems, desktops, and servers.
We will implement these changes gradually on desktop systems and will coordinate closely with you. If you have questions or require support, please feel free to contact us or open a ticket by emailing
Desktop
We have tried to carry over the look and feel of Centos to Ubuntu by adding a modified version of the desktop.
To access this modified version of the desktop
- Enter your netid to log in.
- Click the gear wheel located on the lower right corner of your screen.
- Click Gnome Flashback (Metacity)
- Enter your password to login.
The following links provide more information on navigating the default Ubuntu gnome desktop.
File system and storage - Important!!!
Your home directory will now reside locally on your desktop’s internal disk. The directory path will remain as /home/NetID
Network-Mounted Directories
Your network-stored home directory will be remounted at:
/netusers/DEPT/NetID (where DEPT is chem, math, physics, etc.)
Shared departmental directories will be available at:
/netshare/DEPT
Your local home directory will not be backed up, so consider it as temporary storage.
You can work in your network-stored home directory and encourage you to do so as files saved to the network will be accessible if you log into a different linux computer or math server.
Applications
Applications that require a license or requires you to log in with your netid/password will be installed on request.
SSH
When you ssh to an upgraded Ubuntu 24 computer you may get a message that the host key has changed.
Depending on where you ssh from you'll have to edit your ~/.ssh/known_hosts file and remove entries for the destination computer. then ssh again to update the host keys entries.