Computer Registration FAQ

We have received a number of inquiries about JMU's new computer registration program. Following are some of the questions we've received and the answers to those questions:

• Is registering my computer going to be a long, involved process?
• I'm concerned that my regular work will be disrupted when my registration expires in 30 days. Has this been considered?
• Why will my computer registration expire in 30 days?
• I login to Novell or Windows domain first when I turn my computer on. Will I be able to do this if my computer registration has expired?
• I'm going to be away from JMU for an extended period of time (more than 30 days). What do I need to do when I get back and turn on my office computer?
• I'm going to be away from JMU for an extended period of time with my JMU laptop. Will it stop working when my registration expires after 30 days?
• I use JMU's wireless network almost exclusively, and rarely plug into the network. Will I have to register?
• I use a computer that's shared by several part-time faculty. Who should register it?
• We employ students who work in our departmental office and share a computer. Who should register it?
• I have labs and other specialized facilities that I manage. It will be impossible to register the computers every 30 days. What should I do?
• I run a server and other devices that already have fixed IP addresses. Do I need to register these devices?
• My office is in one building, but I actually work for a department located in another building. Which registration date applies to me?
• I'm an Outlook user. How do I register?
• What happens when an Outlook user forgets to register before opening Outlook?
• What if I'm "not" scheduled to be in my office on the day assigned for me to register?

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Q: Is registering my computer going to be a long, involved process?
A: No. Registering your computer is as easy as opening a web browser and entering your e-ID and password. It is essentially the same process as logging into e-mail, except you only need to register every 30 days.

Q: I'm concerned that my regular work will be disrupted when my registration expires in 30 days. Has this been considered?
A: Yes. We have set computer registrations to expire 30 days plus 14 hours from the last registration. This was done so that most people will have their registration expire outside their normal work schedule and pose less potential of disrupting the workday.

Q: Why will my computer registration expire in 30 days?
A: For security reasons we are challenged to know who is using which computer(s) on campus. In the event there is a security issue, having an accurate database will enable us to take appropriate action quickly. A security issue on one computer poses significant security risks on all computers connected to the JMU network. Also, computers are moved and repurposed often on campus, and a 30-day registration interval allows us to keep more up to date information.

Q: I login to Novell or Windows domain first when I turn my computer on. Will I be able to do this if my computer registration has expired?
A: Yes. Login normally. The registration process will take place when you open a web browser.

Q: I'm going to be away from JMU for an extended period of time (more than 30 days). What do I need to do when I get back and turn on my office computer?
A: Login normally to your computer, then open a web browser. You will be prompted to register your computer.

Q: I'm going to be away from JMU for an extended period of time with my JMU laptop. Will it stop working when my registration expires after 30 days?
A: No. The registration process is only effective when your computer is on-campus and plugged into the wired network with a network cable. When you return to campus and plug in, you'll be prompted to register the next time you open a web browser.

Q: I use JMU's wireless network almost exclusively, and rarely plug into the network. Will I have to register?
A: You are not required to register when using the wireless network, as every time you connect you must login with the VPN client, which is itself a form of registration. However, you will be required to register if you plug into the wired network and it's been longer than 30 days since the last time you plugged in.

Q: I use a computer that's shared by several part-time faculty. Who should register it?
A: The first person who is prompted should register the computer.

Q: We employ students who work in our departmental office and share a computer. Who should register it?
A: Any faculty or staff member should register the computer.

Q: I have labs and other specialized facilities that I manage. It will be impossible to register the computers every 30 days. What should I do?
A: The registration system allows labs and other specialized facilities to be exempted from the registration process. Please e-mail network@jmu.edu for additional details.

Q: I run a server and other devices that already have fixed IP addresses. Do I need to register these devices?
A: No, these devices have been exempted from computer registration. If the server or device does ask to register, please go ahead and register, then send an email to network@jmu.edu so we can add your device to our fixed IP addresses.

Q: My office is in one building, but I actually work for a department located in another building. Which registration date applies to me?
A: The date that corresponds with building in which your office is housed.

Q: I'm an Outlook user. How do I register?
A: You must open a web browser first to register your computer. Once you register, you can open Outlook to read mail.

Q: What happens when an Outlook user forgets to register before opening Outlook?
A: It may appear nothing is wrong, but they should notice they have no new mail and if they try to send, nothing happens. There are no error messages. Just open a web browser and register, go back to Outlook and all is fine. From now on with the 30 day re-registration they should remember if Outlook appears not to be working, to open a web browser to see if registration is the issue.

Q: What if I'm "not" scheduled to be in my office on the day assigned for me to register?
A: When you return to campus, you will be prompted to register the next time you open a web browser.