CSS Labs

The Division of Computing & Software Systems (CSS) utilizes cutting edge technology and research tools as an integrated part of its curriculum. From a technical point of view, our laboratories offer a diverse mix of platforms and software that go beyond typical desktop computing. But the labs are not merely places to house computers – they also serve as hubs for collaboration, discussion, seminars, and social activities.

1. CSS Wiki
2. Lab access and support
3. Advanced Projects Lab
4. Windows Lab
5. Linux Lab
6. Cybersecurity Lab
7. Embedded Systems Lab

CSS Wiki

For general information about the CSS labs, how to access them remotely, and other software-specific instructions and how-to guides please visit the UWB CSS Wiki.

Lab access and support

Lab access is restricted to students taking CSS classes and only granted for the quarter in which a student is enrolled. You may use the labs during building hours, which are always posted on building entrances. Building hours may differ during summer, inter-quarter breaks, and holidays.

You can access CSS computer labs using your Husky ID Card:

1. Tap your UW Husky Card on the card reader next to the door.
2. Listen for a click (the red light on card reader should blink).
3. Pull open the door (Note: the door handle will not turn).

Card not working?

To replace or activate your card, visit Campus Safety. If Campus Safety cannot activate the card, contact one of the following:

• Undergraduate students: Janet McDaniel at macdee@uw.edu
• Graduate students: Chinami Wirth at wirthc@uw.edu

Logging into Linux machines

Once you are enrolled in a CSS class you will be automatically given access to the Linux lab machines. To log in, use your UW NetID and password. If you are unable to connect send mail to uwbit@uw.edu with your name, student ID number, and NetID.

If accessing the machines from the internet, connect to them in the same manner as other uniform-access machines such as Dante. Use PuTTY (SSH) if connecting from Windows, SSH Secure Shell, or other SSH2 client to connect and run command-line programs or to transfer files. Detailed instructions can be found on the CSS Wiki.

Additional support

For support questions and to report any issues with the equipment in the labs, send an email to the IT helpdesk at uwbit@uw.edu.

Advanced Projects Lab (UW1-302)

Important: Undergraduate access to room 302 is only granted through the permission of a CSS professor, and graduate student access renews every quarter the student is enrolled.

The Advanced Projects Lab is available to student groups who are actively working on research projects with CSS faculty. The lab consists primarily of dedicated machines purchased through faculty research grants.

In addition to research workstations, the Advanced Projects lab is focused on team collaboration and provides tools such as a large conference table with 40″ display, soft seating, mobile whiteboards, and whiteboard topped tables available for students and faculty. There is also a small lounge area with couches to provide students a quiet study area.

Windows Lab (UW1-310)

This is a drop-in laboratory that serves all CSS courses that require Windows software and to accommodate software, multimedia, and gaming development using Windows-based tools.

The lab has 16 Dell OptiPlex 9020 computers running Windows 7. 14 of the workstations are configured in a ‘standard’ dual monitor setup while two of the workstations are configured to facilitate teamwork, with four monitors in a 2×2 configuration.

There is also one machine housed in an e-podium, along with a variety of audio-visual equipment, and connected to a ceiling-mounted data projector. The e-podium is used for seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, group design reviews, and social activities sponsored by student organizations.

Software available on laboratory computers includes:

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community software development environment, including the DirectX SDK, .NET Framework SDK, and XNA Game Studio 4.
• BlueJ 2, Java JDK/JRE Version 6, Java3D
• SPSS, and Matlab mathematics and numerical computing environments
• CLIPS and JESS expert systems shells
• Adobe Suite CS4
• Microsoft Office 2013
• Hardware and software for interactive media development on its two Xbox 360 consoles.
• A wide range of multimedia, internet, and other utilities

Besides the computer and A/V equipment, the Windows Laboratory has a large white board and number of tables and comfortable chairs for group projects, discussions, homework, and quiet study.

Linux Lab (UW1-320)

The CSS Linux Laboratory adjoins to the Windows Laboratory and provides on-site access. The lab has 16 desktop workstations (Intel® Core™ i9-10920X -12 Core -3.5GHz Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Nividia RTX 3070), with wide screen monitors, 2 large TV monitors, white boards with wheels, printer, and power stations.

Besides the computer and A/V equipment, the Linux Laboratory has a large white board and number of tables and comfortable chairs for group projects, discussions, homework, and quiet study. The lab also has a small refrigerator and microwave, courtesy of the CSS program, for student use.

Cybersecurity Lab (UW1-321a)

The Cybersecurity lab contains an array of dual-boot Windows / Kali Linux machines available to support Cybersecurity courses and research at both the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition the lab provides a meeting and learning space for the UW Bothell chapter of OWASP and the Gray Hats Cybersecurity Club.

The lab consists of 9 Dell OptiPlex 9020 towers (i7-4770k proc, 16GB of RAM, 500GB hybrid SSHD) configured in a dual monitor workstation. Each workstation is able to dual boot between Windows 7 and Kali Linux and be configured into an isolated network for testing and education purposes. Networking isolation tools and VM hosts allow for adaptable lab configurations and a safe testing environment.

There is also one machine housed in an e-podium, along with a variety of audio/visual equipment, and connected to a ceiling mounted projector. The e-podium is used for seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, and group design reviews.

Embedded Systems Lab (UW1-321b)

The Embedded Systems Lab is a teaching lab consisting of 12 stations that include a wide range of systems testing and build tools. Each station also has a Dell Optiplex 9020 workstation running a 3.4GHz i7 proc and 16GB of RAM. A suite of software tools rounds out the lab and provides for an exciting opportunity to explore developing systems.

The heart of the embedded systems lab is seven experimental stations that accommodate two students each. Each station has a Dell Optiplex GX620 workstations (2.8GHz Pentium Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM), an HP 16100A Logic Analyzer, a DC power supply, a ColdFire 5206E single-board computer (donated by Freescale Semiconductor), and custom-designed experimental boards. In addition, each ColdFire SBC connects to a transition board that permits the logic analyzer to easily connect to the experiment and observe the address, data and status busses of the ColdFire microprocessor running in real time.

Experiments include:

• Setting the internal registers of a microcontroller
• Designing interrupt-driven systems
• Measuring latency and cache performance
• Writing a flash memory programming algorithm
• Determining the analog waveform of an unknown source (A/D converter experiment)
• Designing a scrolling message display

The lab also is equipped with a Dell Optiplex GX110 workstation (667MHz Pentium 3, 256MB RAM) running Red Hat Linux, connected to a custom-designed Motorola 68000 processor computer “farm”. This facility provides remote network access to 10 single-board computers for embedded systems software development work.

Additional equipment in the lab includes an HP 64700 series in-circuit emulator and an optional traffic light programming experiment, robot arm experiment, a CodeTest measuring tool for real-time performance measurements, and Fluke oscilloscope and a Fluke graphical multimeter.

• Other laboratory hardware includes:
• 11 Dell Optiplex GX280 desktop workstations (3.8GHz Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, Windows XP)
• One Dell Optiplex GX280 housed in an “e-podium”, along with a variety of audio-visual equipment, and connected to a ceiling-mounted data projector
• An array of advanced data/voice networking hardware, including two
• Nortel Passport 8006 and two Nortel Business Policy Switch 2000
• Additional workstations running Windows 2000

Besides the standard CSS software load, this lab also includes specialized embedded systems and networking related applications, such as a 68000 editor, assembler, and simulator and EASy68K.