Most important improvement: CS should provide expertize in modern tools for modeling and programming. and with Oracle. Standard public domain tools (like Gnu) should be maintained up-to-date. Majority of forms should be moved to Oracle (with Web based UI). Web should used in more organized and rational way. Address DB and organization of conferences should be implemented on the Web a.s.a.p.
Additional comments and suggestions: The scope and priorities of the CS support should be well defined and known. ETA for fixing a problem should be specified quickly. All reported problems should be reliably fixed (some requests are "forgotten", which spoils the image of CS - most of the CS staff work efficiently, hence cases of un-reliability should be eliminated).

Most important improvement: Take care that the hardware people have matches their software use
Additional comments and suggestions: -

Most important improvement: CS Programing Support

Most important improvement: 1. By introducing proper training, hints and tips exchange and involving IIASA (and non-IIASA) specialist in particular product or tool that DOES not work in CS. 2. Network services as well as OS upgrades (and supports) should be carefuly planed and

Most important improvement: Improve the network to reduce response times and waiting times for loading data etc.
Additional comments and suggestions: I would VERY MUCH appreciate a fast way (e.g. line-mode unix and DOS-WIndow) command to find the telephone number of a Staff member (since we don't get phone books any more).

Most important improvement: Explore networking devices/facilities further. Esp. communication (voice/picture) and tools for "collaborative" writing.

Most important improvement: 1) Better information about existing and new software available at IIASA. 2) Creation of newsgroups concerning different computer topics (EXCEL, WORD groups, NT group), where you can get advices about different problems which (as I know) happen very often in a similar way. Like setup problems, fonts, OLE, DDE etc. 3) Email hot line 4) FAQ for various topics - hardware setup, software, network, Internet, ...

Most important improvement: Sorry, I can't limit my response to one item:
1)speedier computers for everyone. I can't really use Corel Draw or Adobe, because there is not enough Ram (this is what I understand), and everything is MUCH TOO SLOW! (that includes the Network, which I know is just about state-of-the art)
2)human support - absolutely essential. Rather than decrease it -- increase it.
3)hands-on training (see box below).
Additional comments and suggestions: It is very difficult NOT to have the impression that the questions as formulated are related to the people who work in CS. This made it difficult for me to answer, because I have had only good experiences with my colleagues in CS -- they have been very helpful, and come as promptly as possible.d When I wrote that the "adequacy of training" is only "fair", it has nothing to do with who is doing the training. I mean this in terms of the opportunities for hands-on training. A talk about using different programs are not the best way for me to learn. Re: Web-weaving. I take care of the IIASA Society Web site, and there are other colleagues who do, or would like to be able to creatively present their departments or projects. Hands-on training is the only possibility for learning this. I have been given essential help from Iris when I needed it -- as a matter of fact she did most of the basic work for the IIASA Society. But I would like to be in a position to work jindependently. I would imagine that this is true for many colleagues. I agree that the Web is a most important part of the future of communications -- and we, at IIASA should be in the forefront of presenting the Institute as effectively as possible. I think this means that more of us should be in a position to make concrete contributions -- and this means hands-on learning, both about html, and whatever editing program might be used on an Institute-wide basis (FrontPage, as far as I know).

Most important improvement: I'd like 1. occassional access to a really fast machine 2. dial-up access from home 3. more flexibility in backing-up my files 4. a comfortable (ergonomic) keyboard with a touch pad.

Most important improvement: If IIASA can install "Scientific WorkPlace", it would let everybody have access to LaTex, and would help reseachers to save time and energy a lot. Scientific WorkPlace is much more user-friendly than tranditional LaTex.

Most important improvement: Have CS discuss with each user what the users really do, decide what the best software is to meet those needs (ensuring as far as possible that people are using compatible applications for similar jobs, to save conversion), and actively train users.

Most important improvement: I would like a basic training course in the use of windows and Eudora as I have no idea what all the icons, bookmarks, etc., do -- having never had a lesson and only learned from what various people have taught me over the years. Being a computer idiot: hands-on training would be preferable.

Additional comments and suggestions: External training should be available for the computer servicepersonnel. This would improve their knowledge of a particular program and assist us as the user in the long term.

Most important improvement: I think some more "hands-on" training courses -- and much more frequently -- would be a great asset.

Most important improvement: Upgrade of Desktop Hardware
Additional comments and suggestions: see my separate mail below:

... Below you find a somewhat more civilized version of my comments, which i guess should be no problem to be distributed: I'd like to comment on some possibilities to improve the computing situation at IIASA.

1. Improve the Desktop Hardware Situation:
IMHO this is the most important point. Commonly accepted is a lifespan for a PC of 3 years, even the austrian taxation offices (which are known to react slow and unwillingly) allow the write-off of a PC in three years. We at IIASA actively run machines of up to 6 years age. And more than a third of our complete desktop machine basis consists of 486 machines. We are facing a growing number of users, who cannot complete their tasks in a straight and efficient way, simply cause their machines are too weak. Besides that, there are several other negative side effects to be observed:
- significantly higher probability of hardware problems, coming along with man hours spent in troubleshooting
- significantly lower probability of finding adequate spare parts, coming along with unnecessarily high repair costs
- incompatibility or lacking compatibility with modern systems, locking resources for finding tricks and workarounds
- bad ergonomics (small monitors with low refresh rates, bad response times)
Sure, it is expensive to invest in new machines. But given the raise in user productivity to be expected and the amount of then 'unlocked' CS resources, the calculation might not look that bad.

2. Hot line & Web based Help requests (subtitle: how to open a 'call' with CS)
Looking at the web based help request form just now, i have to say that this project seems to be a failure. Since september, there are 6 requests listed, 5 of them are from you. I hope you agree with me that the web based support form is not widely accepted. The telephone Hot line seems to me problematic too. It is located with Nora, who has been reduced to 60 percent, leaving the phone unattended for 40 percent of the time. Although i estimate more than 75 percent of service requests to be done directly to a CS staff member, i believe we should come to a more objective and more efficient way of handling support calls, and maybe that the dispatching of requests should be done by professional staff and not by administrative staff.

3. Internal CS communication
Due to the nature of our work, we spend more time away from our desks than other departments. This of course leads to 'physical' communication problems. It can take some time to locate a CS staff member 'out in the field' and e.g. dispatch a help request to her/him. In times of decreasing costs of wireless communication the solution is almost at hand: i suggest we buy two or more GSM phones, using them either on a ONE provider basis or on basis of prepayment cards without any running costs. Both methods are pretty cost efficient and would highly improve the reachability of CS members.

Most important improvement: More competent Support staff. Good Network(dedicated File-) sever.Color Printer with overhead support. Improve Support for access the IIASA network from home. (PPTP etc.)
Additional comments and suggestions: Uitilty programs like WINZIP, HiJAAK pro, Norton utilities, Virus checkers need more frequent update and better support.

Most important improvement: Introduce Training for Software - Training for Software is basically non existent; if it exists it's at such a low level that it does not help the user too much. On the one hand I can understand the policy that at a research institute the employees should know the software they are using, on the other hand however there's so much change in the software world that one has to 'learn on the job'. Myself, for example I would be very happy if I could have: *) An introductory course into SPSS (followed by a more advanced course later)
*) An advanced course for Access
*) A person who I can specifically adress when I've any questions in C++ (maybe even some training in C++)
Additional comments and suggestions:
*) Access to hardcopy documentation of Software e.g. Sometimes I would have liked to have access to the hardcopy documentation of Excel, which I use frequently; this was practically impossible because usually there're are so few copies that those who have the copy don't want to give it away. (Of course then I use the online documentation but when I start something new, such as what statistical functions does excel have?, I would prefer to first have a good overview in the printed documentation distributed by the company)
*) Regarding dismiss of Unix and move completely to NT If this is done we would need much stronger (!) PCs + large screens for the PCs Further I hope under NT I could use all the Unix commands, otherwise I would have big difficulties in moving.
*) Ad training; Is it very expensive to get an expert outside IIASA to give a training course in a software packets for e.g. at least 5 to 10 persons (e.g. for SPSS or C++)?

Most important improvement: continue (more improved) in-house trainings and up-to-date hand-on. adequate unit(s) to suit worker's needs.

Most important improvement: faster server or an SP machine, better Internet access (but I know that's costly.)

Most important improvement: Faster and more reliable net

Most important improvement: More competent support staff, file system on the network

Most important improvement: more training for newcomers, especially on Unix.

Most important improvement: Improve network speed (reading disc drives is slower than from a floppy) Give scientists at least that quality of PCs that their children use at home for their video games Reset priorities towards support and enhancement of scientific applications/programs. The fact that point 7 made it to this survey is the ultimate proof that IIASA seems to have lost any idea about its scientific mission (after all, everything can be done in World and Excel???)
Additional comments and suggestions: I wander what the opportunity costs are between the resources put into the work of the committe, having numerous meetings, drawing up electronic forms, analyzing them and dafting recommendations (two scientist-years equivalent, i.e. 2 million Austrian Schillings) and the resource allocation for improving software/hardware according to the Committees' recommendations (200,000 AS??? if at all). But of course that's too cynical, so good luck in your efforts to try to improve things.

Most important improvement: 1) Hardware; allows more efficient usage of current software 2) Training possibilities for in-house CS staff; as a result this: training/presentation possibilities for end users

Most important improvement: - Our bottle-neck is our file-server. - It is strange that most of our necessary software packagies we had to buy privately as Symantec C++. I would appreciate an improvement in the software purchase policy. - We are missing a CD-writer.
Additional comments and suggestions: There is lack of information about new software packagies available at IIASA, their features, comparisons to previous versions and some information about their compatibility ! I would need better and bigger display.

Most important improvement: I'm sorry It have been only one month since I came to IIASA.

Most important improvement: As IIASA's server-side system administrator, I strongly recommend that serious consideration be given to upgrading our computing enviroment with a high-speed, dedicated file-server. This would reduce the load on our other servers and help to take advantage of our upgraded network infrastructure.
Additional comments and suggestions: I would like to say that I think the questionnaire is a good idea and was well thought out with the possible exception of question 7B on whether a user could stop using UNIX. In most cases, the average user doesn't even realize when his application (WWW, mail, printing, etc) depends on UNIX. The question of whether to phaseout UNIX should not be dependant on whether a given user has direct contact with this operating system. The question should be whether a given service such as WWW or mail is being adequately supported. Once this is established, then, and only then, can one go onto the question of how best to provide this support. Anything else would be antemount to putting the horse before the cart!

Most important improvement: Not to become worse

Additional comments and suggestions: Oracle will be used in the near future at the POP group (together with the University of Pretoria, South Africa) We are in contact with CS (Helmut)

2) An increasing number of databases, etc., are available on CD-ROM. Because most of the computers here (at least in POP) do not have CD-ROM drives, this is a potential problem. EITHER computer services should consider a higher proportion of computers with CD-ROM drives when they buy new machines (perhaps they already are -- I don't know) OR a central network CD-ROM should be available. This is not a burning issue, but I thought of it, so I wanted to share it with you.

Most important improvement: provide proper training for IIASA staff. give more attention to evolving user needs. switch from questionaires to empirical observations. develop software tools for support staff needs

Most important improvement: - faster/improved access to the network drives.
Additional comments and suggestions: The review of software usage in section 5 does not include general support programs which are not used for several hours but often several times a day. In fact I added such a program to the list, i.e., WinZip. There are many others, just to mention a few: virus scanners, graphic files conversion, i.e., HJack, and some other utilities like Norton Utilities. These programs are important part of our everyday work and computing environment. I believe it is important to have these products available and when they are already here one should not forget to update them.
Maybe I am not reading CS web page often enough but I have the impression that the information about updates and new software is rather poor. One of the recent problems with NT and NFS (I refer to the problem of losing files in MS-Office when working on the network drives) might be pretty painful and other some solution will be hopefully found soon.

Most important improvement: Better support for frequently used software (seminars on what is new and how to efficiently use it, clear assignment of responsibilities for support (assistance including hands-on training, troubleshooting). Such an assistance should also be available for advanced users.
More infromation about current network and PC setup. What can be done by the user and what requires intervention of system administrator?

Most important improvement: Improved training particularly for the support staff.

Most important improvement: The stability of some software products should be improved. E.g., the problem with saving EXCEL files should be fixed.
Additional comments and suggestions: • 90 % of my computer-related frustrations are due to software design (Windows, EXCEL, etc) • There seems to be a basic problem with the mail server • I missed a "good" option for answering your questions, in particular in Category 3 • Comment to Category 2: I had steeply increasing demand for CS support after the introduction of NT.

Most important improvement: Get better hardware, Training programms

Most important improvement: I have had problems saving Excel files over the network, with Word crashing, and at times with lost e-mails. A stronger, speedier machine would be the biggest help.
Additional comments and suggestions: A number of the software assessment questions I would have prefered to have left blank. In these cases none of the options accurately reflected my opinion, and thus the default options that were inserted for me give an inaccurate picture.

Most important improvement: An evaluation should be undertaken to identify the needs (hardware and software) of individuals, BASED ON THEIR WORK NEEDS; i.e., some scientists have top-grade equipment/tools and don't seem to use them yet some support staff, mostly the secretaries that have to produce complicated or heavy-duty figures/graphs, etc., lack sufficient memory, hardware etc., to do this in a speedy and effective way. Some serious upgrades need to be made, based on a comprehensive survey, not simply what 3rd or 4th parties think/believe that user needs.
Additional comments and suggestions: Transferability of files from Latex to Word is still practically impossible; at least, I don't know how to do it..
I encourage my colleagues to transfer documents to me via email (the I:\ drive is publicly accessible, whereas email is person-destined) so for DIR purposes, the email transfer is the most appropriate method. However, some applications do not open up at the touch of the double-click from within Eudora... it means that I have to run around looking for the right application to open to retrieve the attachment. This is very time consuming and I am not that well versed as to know what to open, or where to find it. Would upgrading EUDORA help, or do I need more softward to access more types of documents?

Most important improvement: (1)Much better PCs: Pentium II PCs, 266 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 6 GB HD, 19" monitor (2)Better organized and better designed IIASA web site (3)Application-oriented training for the MS-Office package from highly qualified external consultants. (4)CS should have handies, so that they can be reached more easily (5)Utilities and software should be more regularly updated. We have fairly old versions of PKZIP, WinZIP, Internet Explorer, Norton, etc.
Additional comments and suggestions: I could not answer many questions adequately, because the answer alternatives did not cover my response. Some questions pooled software into one category, for which I have different answeres; for instance: VB 5.0 and Delphi 4.0 are in the same category but I like Delphi much better and use it much more frequently than VB. I use many other programs for which there was no space to answer.

Most important improvement: ?

Additional comments and suggestions: Although I use UNIX machine rather rarely, a) I need its C to process big binary files. I can do the same using, for instance, Visual Basic but it is much slower. If you recommend me a compiler for Windows NT (C, Fortran or another) I can stop using UNIX machine; b) I have a feeling that WinZip does not process some big (>10Mb) zip files correctly, for example, *.gz files. Is there anything for Windows NT like gunzip for UNIX?.

Most important improvement: We need (1) more support with scientific software, (2) better compatability with home computers, (3) an institute pool of laptops
Additional comments and suggestions: We might consider a two-tiers computer support system. First tier is support in the CS dept for applications that are frequently used, including mathematical and modeling software. For applications used infrequently and that cannot (because of resource constraints) be supported by CS, perhaps we could put in place an organized system of scientists and secretaries willing to help out. CS could put together a matrix of people at IIASA who are expert in, eg., Word Perfect. The director could specify how much of their time they can devote to helping others, eg, 3 hours a week. Then we would know who to call when we have a problem that is not supported by CS. Finally, we need extra support in the summer for the YSSPers.

Most important improvement: I think network availability of: Scientific Word 3.0, Easy Plot 4.0, Delphi 3.0, Stata 5.0, would be useful.
Additional comments and suggestions: many cd-rom data bases are used nowadays -- more and more of the desktop hardware should (over the replacement cycle) include cd-rom drives

Additional comments and suggestions: I want to reiterate that I have invariably been satisfied with the help I have received from the CSC staff members. My only concern is that there sometimes is a bit of a lag between the time a problem arises and the time someone from CSC is available to fix it.

Most important improvement: 1. To make the network more reliable (it is not very bad) 2. Does any information exist about the availability of the software, e.g. about the software developed in the projects? If yes, how to get it? If no, then this information should be somehow to collect together. 3. The raliability of some software should be improved. For instance, my own computer fails time to time. 4. The use of the Web will beome more and more common. The secretaries should be taught to build up web-pages. Necesary support should be also arranged for them.
Additional comments and suggestions: I have been here almost 6 months. That's why I cannot say much about how the situation has been changed. When I visited two years ago, the network was terrible. Now it works quite fine. Most support I have needed have been associated with network and the implementation of some software. Those services have worked also fine. One problem are computer facilities. Our secretary ... has no powerful computer that she could use FrontPage. (We have not tried to implement, but this is the information we have received.)

Most important improvement: 1) Above all, better quality of training: the 2 courses I attended (Access and NT) were a complete waste of time. The Access course was far too technical for my purposes, the NT course was a lecture without any hands-on training. 2) The central address database is unusable for me. It should be integrated with Word. 3) Why is software not automatically upgraded? I see colleagues using a new (and, it seems, much improved) version of Eudora. I am quite sure I will get it upon request, but why is this left to coincidence? 4) It is often very difficult to find the information I am looking for on the IIASA Web page. Much of it is hidden in places that are not immediately obvious and it requires a lot of digging.
Additional comments and suggestions: It is my impression that the computer is much more stable since we moved to NT. Web access is also much faster. Also, I am always impressed by the quick and effecient help I get from Helmut Klarn in particular - whenever I have a problem, I call him because I can be sure he solves it.

Most important improvement: computers should get upgraded

Most important improvement: training and awareness activities. making people aware of what's out there and then if to go with a particular package than adequate training.

Most important improvement: Adequate training and computing education.

Most important improvement: Get newer Sun Workstations and more disk space on dedicated file server(s).

Most important improvement: hardware upgrades

Most important improvement: More frequent training courses

Additional comments and suggestions: Publications Catalogue needs to be upgraded

Most important improvement: Staff should be well informed on all changes and new computing applications at IIASA; and training courses should be available, not only for basic ones but also for advance courses, too.
Additional comments and suggestions: If a software will be installed, it has to be uniformed or all alike to everyone.

Additional comments and suggestions: I would like to see more and easier access to software documentation. Also, sometimes it is impossible to reach anyone in CS; perhaps we could get them a portable phone (or a beeper) so that at least one of them is available at all times.

Additional comments and suggestions: We would need another trouble-shooter like Martina Jostl in CS. She was always fast, friendly and very efficient.

Most important improvement: The WindowsNT environment seems unusually unstable. Applications often halt on an "access violation" error. I don't know if there are any alternatives, given the ubiquity of Microsoft products, but it would be helpful to have a more robust OS. In my home institution Novell is used for connectivity and Windows95 is used as the OS, and this seems to work reasonably well.
Additional comments and suggestions: The responsiveness of the CS Department is outstanding. I have rarely had to wait to get a response, although at times the limitations of the software itself (MS products) preclude a satisfactory solution. Perhaps an evaluation of alternatives to MS products, including the requisite training to be able to use any alternatives, would improve the level of functionality.

Most important improvement: To upgrade my PC, otherwise Windows NT is TOO slow.

Most important improvement: I thing that our file servers and also workstations have to be upgraded. Most of them are more then four years old and not adequat at all for latest version of Solaris OS and Unix based app. packages. Our workstation are equipped in most cases with 40 - 60 MHz processors and imagin that on PCs we already have 180 MHz processors. After the instalation of structured network cabling in Schloss is finished, we will have good, reliable and fast network. The bottleneck will be the servers.

Most important improvement: No idea

Most important improvement: Faster machines.

Most important improvement: more information about computing in general

Most important improvement: A short but efficient training of the new comers at iiasa is needed, especially for people who usually work on Macintosh,... yes, it exists!! And a interactive presentation by the computer staff of all the software and facilities available at IIASA , that could eventually be interesting for people who a priori don't know them, For example I don't know anything about most of the software listed above.
Additional comments and suggestions: I don't know how to use the iiasa e-mail boxes on the web.

Most important improvement: It is imperative that IIASA purchases high quality color printers.
Additional comments and suggestions: I would like to point out that I have answered the questions in the survey from my own point of view and not as head of department. I would have other ratings if I answered the quesions on behalf of the department. Suggestions: It would be useful if we had a database of the available software with a short description of each item; information on upgrades as they become available is of utmost importance. Clarification on licensing of new software - if Publications buys new software and a member of the Department is assigned the license, should we be "lending" this software to others? I personally think the Institute should make any new software generally available but I have reservations about the way licensing is currently handled.

Most important improvement: more training sessions like the two one hour seminars we had in November and December (Access and NT).

Most important improvement: Faster PCs, more in-house and hands-on training, an appropriate and usable data base for address lists and easy/convenient/infallible ways to convert existing address lists (Word Perfect and TQ) into a usable and user-friendly system
Additional comments and suggestions: I think the secretaries and other support staff need to have better PCs. We spend most of our time working on the PC, and faster, more efficient usage would be advantageous. And the decision to give the support staff better equipment should not only be the responsibility of the Project Leader or Dept. Head, since they often have other "agendas" in mind.

Most important improvement: Perhaps more and better computers, more training, for instance also on web use.
Additional comments and suggestions: Without Joerg and Martina I think that CS is understaffed.

Most important improvement: Better hardware and training for project support staff; better options for exchanging postscript graphics between applications (e.g., ARC/INFO) and Word.

Most important improvement: Information about available software at IIASA and what it can be used for. Better quality and more color printers.
Additional comments and suggestions: A greater comunication and coordination regarding the software, between the individual departments and CS may be useful. Some points concerning licences need to be clearified.

Most important improvement: I would like to know of all the recent software that is available and where it is available. It seems that the software database on the web is not always kept up-to-date. I believe that IIASA has a great deal more resources than I know about. I have what is absolutely essential to me, but I'm sure there is a lot there that I could use if I knew about it. I would like to have a database that tells me absolutely everything that is available for computers and also easy access to training books on some of the new software. Also, I think that more than just the minimum requirements for hardware should be put on the machines. I use emory-intensive programs that use both a lot of hard-drive space and RAM. For this reason, I brought in my own computer, since I wasn't easily and quickly getting what I needed on IIASA machines. However, I also understand that IIASA and computer services have limited resources and they do very well for what they have, I think. what I needed on the IIASA
Additional comments and suggestions: The greatest barrier I have to moving completely to PCs and windows from UNIX machines is GIS. I know ARC-INFO is now available for PCs, but as far as I know the full ARC-INFO for PCs is not yet available at IIASA. This is a product that should certainly be available.

Most important improvement: more information, more transparency
Additional comments and suggestions: most of all!!!! HELP in teaching "HANDS ON" from the beginning, not after some time. asking for HELP (answer: I am very busy! SO am I!!!) even the support material such as book or cdrom, seems to creat a big problem

Most important improvement: 1. Better support for standard software 2. Better information about and access to the available software at IIASA 3. Distributing information about plans for improving the computing environment 4. Planned acquisition of software jointly with research projects. Example: econometrics software such as TSP, E-Views, STATA. 5. Installment of CD drives and planned acquisition of CD-Roms for data base and background information.

Most important improvement: availability of training
Additional comments and suggestions: It's a pity that Martina left the CS. She was a great help to all of us!

Additional comments and suggestions: I would appreciate courses on Latex, as I need refreshing my knowledge, would not mind knowing the difference between the old and new version. Also, I would be happy to know ACCESS database. Generally, would be more happy with regular courses offered. Also, one more thing, a course on how to use the NETSCAPE, like putting infos on the WEB, making announcements etc. Thank you. ...

Most important improvement: 1. Restoring the support for Unix to its previous level, including keeping the systems administrator position. 2. Finally making enough disk space available for those who need it!
Additional comments and suggestions: I think that each project should have its own colour printer, located somewhere close to the people who need it. There is an unbelievable amount of time wasted at present in getting to the nearest colour printer, only to find it : (a) out of action (i) because of some fault or interruption (ii) because of lack of paper; (b) busy (i) needlessly ejecting pages of rubbish from an inappropriate file (ii) printing dozens of black & white pages from the Web; (c) moved without warning to a new location. The problems are worse, of course, if you are trying to make colour overhead transparencies and need to coordinate somehow changing the paper/medium and sending the file to print.

Sorry for my tardiness. However, I just filled in the questionnaire and received an email from "your friendly CSC ... agent" :-) There are a few comments that I have, but the most important (I think) is that such bottom-up approach rarely works wrt the productivity software and general purpose packages. Perhaps CSC may consider joining forces with the committee that deliberates on the IIASA's future directions (forgot it's name) and in which you, Heilig and others are members and provide suggestions/vision which then may be discussed.
Best wishes in your endavour,

Most important improvement: macintosh support

Most important improvement: I think we need better and more colour printers.
Additional comments and suggestions: I would welcome more information, support and guidance about available software besides, when ordering it also a possibility for advanced training (if needed).

Most important improvement: Programming support to make the most of the soft and hardware which is currently available. I am convinced that current utilization level of the power of our present resources is very low. For adminsitrative applications there is an immense potential which could be realized were we to have (and keep) a person continually introducing and improving data base applications.
Additional comments and suggestions: Continue to maintain a policy of trying to keep up with new technologies, but at the same time make the best use of what we have currently.

Additional comments and suggestions: I would like to see a review of the procedures (if they do exist) for the distribution of computers when the investment plan is drawn up. I appreciate that it may not be all that easy to determine, for a number of reasons, if support staff need a faster, better machine than a project leader/senior scientist. But I do believe the operating policy of the past, ie.. low end machines for support staff, and here I talk about staff in the research projects, should be looked at. Many of us are working with archaic hardware, running under NT, and expected to work with all the various MS office software packages, as well as Netscape, Eudora etc, which as you know is tough with only a 486 sitting on your desk. I personally am also working with Access, also linking Access to the Web; creating Web pages, and here I want to say that I was interested in learning Front Page, but after having it installed on my machine, all other applications crashed even if Front Page was not open.
I have found it extremely difficult over the past half year at times to work effectively and efficiently with the hardware which is at my disposal. Here I want to point out that only through the excellent support of certain members of the CS team has it been possible for me to "hobble" along. But surely one should also be concerned about the time, money and partly useless effort being put in by CS support staff to always fix such machines.

Most important improvement: increase speed of network, and PC hardware, PC stations should be provided with CD drivers as well

Most important improvement: To hire more software support people. And I mean people or even one person that can go to the user and trouble-shoot a specific problem, as most of us don't have the time to read through manuals to find the solution to our problems. This person would also be good to meet individual needs, i.e. in setting up a database for addresses. Some years ago, I believe it was 1991, a person named Barbara Bennett (USA), who was very familiar with a lot of software, mainly for address systems and word processing worked here. You could call her and she was able to, because that was her main task, come to you and solve a word processing problem you might have in a working paper, set up an address system or improve the one you were using for your individual project needs, etc. She was very proficient because she had a lot of hands-on experience in word processing and address systems. Perhaps this is biased to support staff, but it is the support staff that mainly processes the project reports and maintains the project addresses. As the CS department seems to be continually down-sizing, support for basic applications is decreasing. It would seem obvious that we need to hire more people to support the users, scientific and support, as we are and will continually get newer software where we will need on-hands training, help with trouble-shooting problems, and simple basic guidance until we become more familiar with the software. I have marked in several areas that CS support is "fair". This criticism is not directed at the CS staff itself, but is directly linked to the fact that there are simply too few people to respond to my requests, and most likely, many others as well.
Additional comments and suggestions: I think that the distribution of computers should be based on an individual's actual working tasks, and not on one's "assumed" tasks according to their level, whether it be scientific or support staff. Many of us support people compile lengthy reports that include extensive tables and graphics. It is very difficult to work on these papers because the editing of a graphic picture, for example, can take up to several minutes. When I am working on some papers, I must close down all other applications to save memory. This can be quite tedious, and sometimes impossible when I also have to track incoming and outgoing email, search for something on the WEB and also do the normal correspondence. The choice seems to be either to work on several applications at a much slower speed, which cuts down on my productivity, or shut down all applications to work on a single paper to improve the productivity of that paper.

Most important improvement: Improve Web support at IIASA:
1. actively assist the scientific projects to enhance their Web presence
2. offer better support and expertise for Web programming (Java, JavaScript, VRML, cgi)
Additional comments and suggestions: The following comments reflect the understanding of the ADN project: + current CS support for electronic processing and standardization of IIASA's Interim Reports is insufficient + retaining an up-to-date Unix environment currently is vital + scientific publishing without LaTeX currently is inconceivable + acquisition of an up-to-standards, high-performing server is desirable to allow for complex simulation tasks + stability of Windows 'workstations' is insufficient and causes serious inefficiencies + retaining a comprehensive suit of standard public-domain Unix software is very important for external compatibility + more solid training of secretaries (e.g. two-days, hands-on courses) would improve in-house efficiency + electronic in-house forms should be inplemented without more dawdling

Most important improvement: speed - sometimes my computer is too slow!

I just wanted to say thank you to Carolyn for her nice word lessons and her splendid documentation. In addition, I wanted to thank Danny for many years of back breaking service. Lastly, thanks are due to Helmi Klarn for always bringing back life to the ancient computers I've always had to work on. My feeing is that our computer equipment should be upgraded more frequently.

Most important improvement: Your reply to the question about the most important improvement was: I would like to see certain econometric software be widely available, including Limdep 7.0 (see http://econwpa.wustl.edu/limdep/limdep.html) and the latest version of RATS.

Most important improvement: There are big problems using the modem for sending payroll to IBM. CS knows about this, and I don't understand why this can't be fixed. Payroll is not an unimportant component of all of our lives, and I don't see why my working environment has become a nightmare because the software doesn't work. Also, I have one of the old type monitors. The picture is blurry and hard on my eyes.
Additional comments and suggestions: I think that more training in general office software (Word, excel, access) should be offered.

Most important improvement: That upon introducing new systems, professional training be given to the in-house CS support staff rather than just giving them a couple of books from which they are expected in turn to teach us. Secondly, that before any major changes are made, such as converting to NT overnight, users are instructed, informed and prepared for the change BEFORE it happens. This is good practice and should reduce resistance to the change.
Additional comments and suggestions: My main concern is using NETSCAPE for external scanning for funding possibilities. This forms the major part of my job and presently this function is slow and inefficient; I understand that we have only been upgraded to be able to run NT, hence my computer is much too slow for the tasks I must perform. This is also true for my OSR colleagues. Note also answers under Section 5: Commonly Used Software for MS Office, MS Internet Explorer, Front Page and Access. For MS Office and MS Internet Explorer, adequacy and support were listed as bad because I don't know what they can be used for or their possibilities. Same applies to Front Page and Access; tools OSR would like to use but again, we don't know what the possibilities are. Finally, while I admire the Committee's efforts to make a difference,I have been here for 20 years and completed numerous qestionnaires and participated in several discussion and working groups on computing at IIASA; all of which resulted in little or no changes except those "forced" on the users; hence my reluctance to spend more time filling in this form. Invitations may be turned down.

Most important improvement: Eudora responds terribly slowly.

Most important improvement: Training and support to encourage professional-level Excel spreadsheet modeling and report writing (Word, graphics packages, page maker, etc.)

I haven't had a moment to look at it and am off v. soon for a few days--pls go ahead w/out my reply. I am a small user, so my concerns should not play a large role. My number one comment is that reliability should be the paramount consideration in servicing and purchasing decisions for core applications (word processing, spreadsheets, etc. ) The system seems to be more reliable than before, but perhaps data can demonstrate whether that is true. Second, CS should share more info with users (e.g. by broadcast email, not just on the web) about serious software and hardware glitches. Third, I love Wordperfect, but I am prepared to lose the battle to keep the option of Wordperfect. Fourth, the system is often very vulnerable to power interruptions at the servers. Could that problem be solved with low cost uninterruptible power supplies (last I checked they were $500US, perhaps cheaper). The savings in staff time will be recouped with the first power interruption that doesn't cause a reboot and lost files. Cheers, ...

Most important improvement:-- software "policy" re: licensing, availability to users, installation, maintenance should be clarified -- low-end, "standard configuration" machines should be seriously upgraded ASAP to a level suitable for efficient work and upgraded routinely thereafter to maintain a more reasonable standard -- a public NT workstation with a scanner, zip drive, and cdrom writer should be available somewhere where users can sit and work in peace. Necessary instructions/information should be available at the machine to enable/encourage users to work independently. -- in-house "training" should be discontinued -- IIASA's Web Page needs a major face-lift (it is, after all, one of our main faces to the world...)
Additional comments and suggestions: Since NT, the situation of software installation, maintenance, etc. at IIASA has turned into a more-or-less chaotic free-for-all. Not even the patch level of the OS is the same from machine to machine, and there must be a better way than installing SW packages repeatedly on local hard disks. Packages that CS decides to "support" should at least be kept up-to-date re: patches, not just installed and forgotten. There should be a committee--either visiting or unbiased in-house--that not only evaluates the computing situation at IIASA, but also investigates the goings-on within CS...
It would be useful to have some means of sharing information, documenting solutions to problems, tips, etc at IIASA, perhaps in the form of a "user-forum" or the like. re training: introductory training--CS's "speciality" until now--is not necessary. The nature of SW these days is such that practically anyone can easily get started (most programs even come with on-line tutorials). Advanced topics are not only beyond the scope of the instructor, but anyway are most effectively dealt with when the given user needs them. Most users only learn as much about a program as they need for their work, and when they need something new, they need it NOW. A course scheduled for next week or next month is of no use.

Additional comments and suggestions: Each new generation of software demands better and faster hardware, which in turn, grows obsolete alarmingly quickly. Therefore we seem to be perpetually working in a slightly unstable "catch up" mode where we try constantly to familiarize ourselves with new systems. A deliberate Institute policy to settle for stability (i.e. not change soft and hardware with each generation), may be desirable and advantageous both in terms of support manpower and of computing environment stability, in addition to helping the budget situation. I believe most users would prefer stable computer services that are 1-2 years behind "leading edge" technology to an unstable environment.

Additional comments and suggestions: I spoke only for myself and not for the RAD project. If you have not contacted ... who was at iiasa last summer and is now there to at least October, you should ask him to do so. He is doing some major modelling and graphical work for the project as did ... last summer.They took public domain programs, modified them and ran them pretty intensively. They also produced some graphical output.