Lab Policies
An overall rule for the lab is "be considerate". This is commonly known as the "Reasonable Person Policy." Please be thoughtful about the fact that the lab space is shared by many people, and be respectful of the space and the equipment.
Lab Space Etiquette
We share our lab space with Takeo Kanade's group. Their area is the left back corner of the lab. Do not borrow, use, play with, or otherwise interact with anything that is located in that part of the lab. Do not put your stuff in that part of the lab.
- The lab contains valuable, fragile, and potentially hazardous equipment (if not operated properly). Do not try to operate the equipment if you are not trained for it.
- Make sure the lab door is closed and locked before leaving, and please turn off the lights when you go.
- The lab space is a common resource. Please keep the working space clean and dispose of trash (e.g., if you eat or drink in the lab).
- If you need something that belongs to someone else, ask them before you take it. If it is an emergency, and you cannot find that person, at least let them know that you have borrowed their stuff.
- If you get something out, set something up, or re-arrange the lab, put it back when you are done.
- Do not keep the lab common equipment such as the digital camera if you are not actually using it. Return it so that the next person can find it.
Computer Etiquette
You may use any of the machines in the lab, with the exception of the file server (carna), which should not be used for general purpose computing. The lab machine list is located on the lab wiki.
Most of the machines have multiple processors and/or multiple cores, so it is no problem to run several processes at the same time. However, please be considerate of other people who may be using the machines. In particular:
- Do not load down all of the machines with long-running processes. Either use one or two machines, or spread the load across all the machines, using just one process per machine.
- If you do have a long-running batch process, be sure to run it with the maximum level of niceness (using the "nice +19" command or "renice" command).
- If you have an I/O intensive program, use the local temp storage on that machine rather than loading down the network with large and frequent file transfers. Your program will run faster, too. Each machine has one or more local temp storage directories. They are named /tmp1, tmp2, etc.
- Use the computers only for work activities. Please do not use them for file sharing or downloading illegal music. These are serious offenses.
Information Management
In general, rules for managing data, software, and information that you work with are handled ona project-by-project basis, but there are some general guidelines that should be followed in the absence of any additional information.
- Do not share data or code with other people outside of our lab.
- Do not copy data or code out of the lab computer space.
- Any information to be made publicly available should be reviewed by your supervisor or advisor before it is published.
- Do not post comments or opinions on projects, sponsors, or people you are working with on your personal website or blog.