CoreImage - Flex mode reboot recommendations for users


Question

Are there reboot recommendations for users running Flex mode?

Answer

Running CoreImage devices in Flex mode allows users to run patches and updates at times that better fit within research workflows, which sometimes do not allow for daily reboots.  Labs and others are expected to create internal processes to keep devices up-to-date. Here are some examples of processes for keeping Flex devices current.

  • Perform reboots before and after longs breaks (business trips, vacations, etc.)
  • Run reboots during times when devices are not used on a consistent basis. For example, devices are not used during lab meetings because everyone from the lab is at the meeting. Computers could be set to reboot while staff is attending the meeting.
  • Incorporate reboots into weekly startup processes. For example, the first person usually gets to the lab Monday mornings around 9, but the equipment doesn't get used right away. Computers could be set to reboot before other staff gets into the office on Monday.
  • Perform reboots after runs are complete. This is necessary when devices have very long runs (hours/days) they cannot be interrupted.
  • Have key people in the lab set reoccurring events in Outlook as a reminder to run reboots.