General

CIT embraces Ubuntu-Thin client technology

Published

11 years ago

August 26, 2010

The Faculty of Computing & IT’s Department of ICT Support Services (DISS) has fully embraced a novel desktop solution called SUN Microsystems that helps to serve a number of thin clients supported on Ubuntu Linux operating system.

The Faculty of Computing & IT’s Department of ICT Support Services (DISS) has fully embraced a novel desktop solution called SUN Microsystems that helps to serve a number of thin clients supported on Ubuntu Linux operating system.

SUN Microsystems can be installed with just Five Hundred Thousand Ugandan Shillings, which is used to buy a hardware component that plays the role of a server. You would not need separate processing systems for each thin clients because they would be operating on one server.

Since this system runs on Ubuntu Linux, it enjoys all the benefits associated with Open-source software. Unlike Windows or some UNIX systems, Ubuntu Linux freely distributed, which gives users a chance to customize it without incurring copyright costs. This is a benefit which the CIT faculty has already tapped into as it harnesses the system to run its thin-clients.

“Also, Linux is not affected by viruses as they would affect the other operating systems” David Gaamuwa, System Administrator at DISS remarked. David further added that since they started using Ubuntu Linux, cases of virus attacks have greatly reduced.

This setup reduces on the number of processing systems required, hence eliminating unnecessary heat and reducing on the amount of power consumed. In so doing, it becomes environmentally friendly since it does not emit excess heat that might affect lab users. This also cuts on the power expenses for the computers as well as air-conditioning.

Apart from the aforementioned benefits the system also is user friendly, Ubuntu's endless list of software applications can be downloaded from the internet for free. But even with these benefits it has not yet been adopted in the whole university because it is feared that if the server breaks down it may affect a number of university systems which may result into loss of data.

However David re-assured users that the setup has alternative servers connected to the main server such that if the first one breaks down, the other servers would still do the work.

Article by Aston Mubangizi

General

Veteran Professor changed Makerere and Higher Education

Published

13 hours ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Professor Pancras John Mukasa Ssebuwufu (L) receives a plaque and citation from RUFORUM Board Member and Vice Chancellor Ndejje University-Professor Eriabu Lugujjo (Right) on 6th May 2021 at the RUFORUM Secretariat, Plot 155 Garden Hill, Makerere University Main Campus,

When Professor John Ssebuwufu ambled up to receive a certificate of recognition for his ‘exceptional’ contribution to higher education from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) at Makerere University (MU), he was thinking of many things, such as rewarding staff, that he could have done differently to impact university education more.

But he did what he could have done, under the circumstances.

He presided over MU (in 1993) when student enrolment was 5,000 and left in 2004 when the population was surging to more than 15,000.

He emphasised the use of information communication technologies in almost all the institutions he had been involved in and sent many academic staff on exchanges to boost research and innovation. Now, more African universities engage in ground-breaking research.

So, he proceeded to accept his recognition and make his acceptance speech, which was mostly about gratitude.

Ssebuwufu, 74, who is currently the chancellor at Kyambogo University and the vice-chancellor of the University of Kisubi, is credited for his exemplary leadership and pragmatic methods that have shaped higher education in Uganda and Africa as a whole.

General

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022

Published

14 hours ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022. Photo credit: AfDB

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program is a capacity building project by the AfDB and Japan which was initiated in 2017 with the aim of providing two-year scholarship awards to highly achieving African graduate students to enable them to undergo post-graduate studies (i.e. a two-year Master’s degree program) in selected priority development areas on the continent and Japan. The overarching goal the AfDB and the Government of Japan seek to attain is to enhance skills and human resources development in Africa in under the Bank’s High 5s agenda (i.e. “Feed Africa”, “Light up Africa”, “Industrialize Africa”, “Integrate Africa” and “Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa”) and key Japanese development assistance initiatives. JADS core areas of study focus include energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. The program also seeks to promote inter-university collaboration and university-industry partnerships between Japan and Africa. Upon completion of their studies, the JADS scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the public and private sectors, and contribute to national and continental socio-economic development.

About the JADS program

The JADS Program is open to applicants from AfDB member countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a graduate degree program in energy development and related discipline. The program does not provide scholarships to any other graduate degree program.

The scholarship program provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Upon completion of their studies, the beneficiary scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable development of their countries.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to those who have gained admission to an approved Masters degree course at a Japanese partner university. Candidates should be 35 years old or younger; in good health; with a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the energy area or related area; and have a superior academic record. Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to return to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development.

Application Procedures

Applicant requests for information and application forms and procedures from the chosen JADS partner university. For any inquiries, please contact JADS@AFDB.ORG
Applicant completes required documents and sends them to the university.
University evaluates and selects applicants.
University sends selected candidates to the AfDB.
AfDB reviews submissions from universities, prepares and approves the final list.
AfDB contacts selected awardees, and informs the universities.