NetReg
FAQ
1) What is NetReg?
Netreg is a security system implemented by Morningside
College's Information Services staff to improve network
service to everyone on campus. NetReg associates each
computer on the network with a valid network (email)
username, making troubleshooting and network maintenance a
much easier task. NetReg allows Morningside I.S. staff to
keep the network running efficiently and securely and to
respond to problems more quickly.
2) What will I see?
When you first connect your computer to a NetReg-monitored
network, you will notice that every web address (URL) you
enter leads back to the registration page. Email and instant
messaging won't work. At this point, you must register with
your network (email) username and password before being
granted full access on the Morningside Data Network. Once
your computer is registered, network access will be restored
to normal.
3) Will I have to register multiple
times?
Once your computer is registered on the network, that
registration is valid on that network for the remainder of
the current semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). At the end of
each semester, registrations will be cleared to force an
update of all information. See the next entry.
4) If I move my computer on campus, do
I have to re-register?
Possibly. You will need to register on each network your
machine will be connected to. For example, if you register
while plugged into the wired network in your dorm room, you
will need to register again the first time you use the
wireless network. However, if you move to a different dorm
room or connect through a different wireless access point,
you will not need to re-register until the beginning of the
next semester.
5) What if I have more than one
computer?
You are permitted to automatically register one network
connection (MAC) address per network. In order to register
additional devices, you must submit an additional network
registration request form. Click here
to do so. If you have trouble doing this, contact the Help
Desk at x5544.
6) What about my
privacy?
All information collected by NetReg is intended only for the
use of Morningside I.S. staff and will not be made public.
(See also the next question.)
7) Does NetReg modify my
computer?
No. NetReg collects basic information about your computer
when you register: operating system, web browser type,
network (email) username, IP (network) address, and MAC
(network hardware connector) address. It does not, however,
store any data, install any programs, or in any other way
modify your comptuer.
8) What about other devices? Will my
Xbox work?
Only devices that have a web browser will be able to
register themselves with NetReg. If, for some reason, you
wish to register a device that does not have a web browser
(or an additional device), you will need to submit an
additional network registration request here.
9) Where is NetReg
implemented?
NetReg is implemented on all Morningside networks. The dorm,
wireless, and administrative (computer labs, classrooms,
offices) networks each have a separate NetReg system.
Wherever network access is available, NetReg will be
present.
10)Will my registration
expire?
Yes. At the start of every new semester, all registrations
will be cleared in order for updates to occur. If your
registration expires prematurely, there is probably a good
reason! Perhaps your computer has been compromised and it is
causing problems on the network. Contact the Help Desk at
x5544 if this happens.
11) Why won't the NetReg server accept
my registration?
This could happen because your domain account has expired,
because you are not entering your username or password
correctly (is "caps lock" off?), or because network
administrators have told NetReg not to permit your computer
to operate on the network. If your computer becomes infected
or otherwise compromised, it will be taken off the network
until the problem is resolved. Contact the Help Desk at
x5544 if this happens.
12) I registered my Windows computer.
Why won't it work?
Did you reboot your computer after registration? If so, try
rebooting a second time. If this doesn't correct the
problem, please contact the Help Desk at x5544.
13) I registered my Linux computer.
Why won't it work?
Did you reboot your computer after registration?
Is your network configuration set to update its name server
addresses when it renews the DHCP lease? (The default
configuration in Red Hat does not.) Open the network
configuration tool in your favorite GUI and change this
setting so that it does.
Be sure that the correct nameserver addresses exist on your
computer after you register and reboot.
On the wired dorm network, /etc/resolv.conf should
look like this:
search mustang.morningside.edu
nameserver 172.17.3.1
nameserver 172.17.3.2
14) Do I have to
register?
Registration is required for normal network access. If you
do not complete the registration process, you will not be
able to access any campus servers (except the ones that help
with registration and security) or access the Internet.
15) Can't I just choose a random
address for my computer?
All devices connected to Morningside College's networks must
receive their network addresses and other configuration
information from Information Services. This happens
automatically after you have successfully completed the
initial registration process or your additional network
registration request has been approved.
Information Services regularly scans the network for
unauthorized devices.
The penalty for operating an
unauthorized device
on a College network can include
permanent loss of network access.
See the ResNet
Acceptable Use Policy for more information.
16) Will my computer still work
off-campus after it is registered?
NetReg does not modify your computer in any way. If it
worked off-campus before it was registered, it will work the
same way after registration.
17) What if I have a visitor who
brings his/her own computer?
Only current Morningside students are permitted
to connect devices to the network. Do not use your network
(email) credentials to register anyone else's computer! You
are responsible for any device registered with your
credentials.
18) I brought a computer from home.
Can it be registered?
If it meets the standards outlined in the
Acceptable Use Policy, it can be registered. However, it
will need to be configured and certified by Information
Services staff before it is permitted to connect.
NOTE: Consumer versions of
Windows (such as XP Home and Windows Millenium) are not
permitted on the campus network because they cannot be
configured to receive automatic updates for the operating
system and antivirus software. Windows 98 is permitted only
if it is configured by I.S. staff to perform a domain login,
and if it has college-supplied antivirus protection.
Return
to the NetReg page.
©2004 Morningside
College
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