Student Handbook Linux 110501
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View Student Handbook Linux 110501 as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 7,115
- Pages: 28
The University of Edinburgh in association with
Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd
ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services (Linux Users)
Draft Version 2 Issued: 09/05/01 Copyright - Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd Not to be copied or reproduced without the consent of Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd Copyrights and Trademarks of Third Parties acknowledged.
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
WELCOME TO RESNET
WHAT IS RESNET ResNet enables you, as a University of Edinburgh student, access to your study files, undertake research on the Internet, and access any other support materials and teaching aids directly from the University’s network (EdLan), all from your bedroom. Additionally, ResNet allows you access to the University’s student e-mail system. As such, the use of ResNet means that whatever the time, and whatever your deadline, you have access to all of the materials and research tools that you need. For residences which offer ResNet as well as the Internet, electronic mail and intranet services, over the next few months, Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd (PFML), in conjunction with the University, will be providing an individual phone-line to all student bedrooms; improving the existing service within Pollock Halls, whilst delivering a new service to all outlying buildings.
WHO PROVIDES RESNET - PFML RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY ResNet has been developed by PFML in partnership with Edinburgh University. ResNet is operated solely by Pell Frischmann MultiNet Ltd (PFML), a telecommunications service provider, which specialises in the development and operation of physical telecommunications networks and facilities for Higher Education institutions. The staff of PFML are, therefore, your first point of contact for questions regarding access to ResNet, and have a dedicated Helpdesk which operates Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 21:00, and at weekends from 14:00 to 17:00. Please see Section 7.1 of this document for further details.
OVERVIEW OF RESNET DATA SERVICES The following services are available to you, once you have successfully registered to use ResNet: • Indirect Internet access (i.e: via a Proxy Server) • Academic intranet access • Access to your University personal electronic mail account • Individual phone line and account • Free telephone helpdesk support
Page 1 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
CONTENTS 1. RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS 1.1 OVERVIEW 1.2 THE MAJOR SERVICES WHICH RESNET PROVIDES 1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE SERVICE 1.4 OVERCOMING THE RESTRICTIONS 1.5 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH’S FORMAL ACCESS POLICY 2. USER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING A PC TO RESNET 2.1 BEFORE YOU START 2.2 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY 2.3 OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY 2.4 NETWORK ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY 3. REGISTERING TO USE RESNET 3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS 3.2 HOW TO REGISTER 4. CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET 4.1 OVERVIEW 4.2 INSTALLING A TYPICAL NETWORK ADAPTER 4.3 CONFIGURING THE TCP/IP NETWORKING PROTOCOL 4.4 CHECKING THAT YOU CAN COMMUNICATE TO RESNET 5. CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES 5.1 CONFIGURING YOUR INTERNET WEB BROWSER 5.2 CONFIGURING THE NOVELL CLIENT 5.3 MOUNTING YOUR SMS HOME DIRECTORY 5.4 CONFIGURING SMS MAIL 5.5 ADDING A NETWORK PRINTER 5.5.1 TO ADD A NETWARE PRINTER 5.5.2 GENERIC NOVELL PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS 6. TROUBLE SHOOTING 6.1 SIMPLE CHECKS 7. FURTHER ADVICE 7.1 HELPDESK SUPPORT 7.2 APPLICATION SUPPORT 7.3 PC SUPPLIERS 7.4 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Page 2 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
1.
RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS 1.1 OVERVIEW This Section explains what RESNET offers to students and what restrictions are placed upon its use. RESNET is provided to enable you to perform your academic course work or research more conveniently, by using your own computer connected to The University of Edinburgh’s computer network, which is called EdLAN. Please Note: All use of ResNet is subject to The University of Edinburgh's Computing Regulations. 1.2 THE MAJOR SERVICES WHICH RESNET PROVIDES i.
The ability to access your Student Mail Service (SMS) e-mail account to read and send e-mails.
ii.
The ability to browse the World Wide Web (WWW), with direct access to all web based sites within the University network (i.e. within ed.ac.uk), along with restricted access to the Internet via The University of Edinburgh’s proxy cache servers. (See Section 5.1 for further details).
iii.
The ability to access any Novell server on the University network to which you have permission - this includes any departmental Novell servers and your SMS home directory, where you have 14 Mbytes of disc space.
iv.
The ability to access any Windows NT or SAMBA server on the University network to which you have permission. This access is subject to the individual departmental system administrators with whom you will need to liase to organise access.
v.
The ability to print from any open access laboratory printer - under the control of the Central Laboratory printer accounting system (GPAS).
Please Note: Some University services are only accessible from within The University of Edinburgh’s network. Use of the proxy cache servers may restrict access to non-Web based services (e.g. audio or video streaming sites) - whether these will work via a proxy depends on the exact details of each site. Other services such as FTP work correctly via proxies. Further details are available from http://webhelp.ucs.ed.ac.uk/docs/proxycache.html
1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE SERVICE There are three main reasons for imposing restrictions on access to the Internet from within ResNet, these are: Page 3 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
i.
To help protect your PC from external attack ResNet is set up in such a way that your PC is invisible to the Internet. This means that it is very difficult for a hacker to attack it. However, you could still receive a virus from an infected file or e-mail, so you should ensure you have a virus checker installed on your PC.
ii.
To avoid the University being liable for large traffic bills The University is charged for some Internet access based on the number of bytes received. Some applications, such as watching videos or television feeds from other countries can run up large bills very quickly. If this was allowed, the University would have to implement a billing system to charge back to the students – this would be very costly.
iii.
To help enforce The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations By setting ResNet up in this fashion there is less chance of accidentally (or deliberately) transgressing the Computing Regulations. This also reduces the need to monitor activities.
1.4 OVERCOMING THE RESTRICTIONS If you have a particular need to overcome restrictions this may be possible within the controlled environment of the Open Access Computer Laboratories which have direct links to the Internet. Please Note: If any restriction prevents genuine academic activity (ie. your view is fully supported by a course supervisor) or if you have a special need which requires these restrcitions to be relaxed, you should contact [email protected]
1.5 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH’S FORMAL ACCESS POLICY a) All use of ResNet is subject to The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations. b) There is full access from ResNet to everything on EdLAN (within ed.ac.uk). c) There are no restrictions on any activity compliant with the University Computing Regulations within ResNet itself. d) No services may be offered from student machines within ResNet to anything outwith ResNet. e) ALL access outwith EdLAN is via "proxy servers" unless it is explicitly permitted for an academic reason. All of the Regulations covering the use of Computing Facilities within the University are available from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/EUCS/regs.html
Page 4 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
2.
USER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING A PC TO RESNET
2.1 BEFORE YOU START Please read the following sections to check that your Personal Computer (PC) is compatible for use on ResNet, and that you understand what is involved in configuring your PC to utilise the ResNet services. Please Note: All the latest installation instructions; including specific installation instructions for AppleMac and Linux users are available online from http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/resnet and from the Reception Centre in paper copy.
2.2 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY ResNet is designed to support Linux systems. As such, the minimum specification for a PC connected to ResNet is: an Intel 486DX2-66 processor the system installation discs 32Mbytes of RAM 900MB of hard disk space a 14” SVGA screen capable of supporting 800x600 resolution a Graphics Adapter, supporting a minimum of 256 colours at 800x600 resolution. a Floppy Disk drive a Keyboard and Mouse a free ISA or PCI expansion slot a Network Adapter (see Section 2.4), with a UTP connector. a maximum length 3 metre UTP patch cable In addition a CD ROM drive is strongly recommended for software installation and a sound card is required for full multi-media facilities. Please Note: it is likely that any PC of a lesser specification would be too slow for regular use on ResNet and would hinder your use of the ResNet services. If you are considering purchasing a new PC, typically any up-to-date specification will suffice for use on ResNet. However, specifications of PCs are continually changing and applications continue to be increasingly demanding on their use of processor, memory and disk space. Consequently, if you have any specific requirements relating to your particular academic course please discuss these with your course tutor, or ask advice from EUCS Undergraduate Support.
Page 5 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
2.3 OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY As there are many distributions of Linux, it is impossible to describe the procedures in detail such that it is accurate for all configurations. However, these general guidelines will hold true for all distributions. As Red Hat Linux 6.0 (and later) is the supported Linux distribution in Edinburgh University, that is what will be used in any given examples. Please Note: It is assumed that you have some familiarity with running and configuring Linux. Users of other systems are not prevented from connecting to ResNet, but should be wary that it may be a difficult task that requires a significant knowledge of that operating system and support is not given from the ResNet Helpdesk or the University for this.
2.4 NETWORK ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY In order to connect your PC to ResNet, you will need to fit a card that interfaces your PC to the ResNet cabling. These are known as network adapters, ethernet adapters or network interface cards (NIC). ResNet is designed to work with any suitably configured network adapter. In addition a UTP (or Category 5e) cable is also needed to connect between the network adapter and the connector on the wall within your bedroom. Below is a list of the most popular inexpensive network adapters currently available. All have been tested in the Windows environment and are supported on ResNet. Apple Mac and Linux users should consult their system supplier for advice on which card to use. Recommended PCI & ISA Adapters Any NE20000 Clone Adapter The Reception Centre will be stocking several inexpensive network adapters and cables for use with ResNet. Please Note: Note The Ethernet-HOWTO document provides further details that you may need to configure a Linux based installation. This is available from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html. Also, http://www.scyld.com provides additional information and network drivers for use with Linux.
Page 6 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
3.
REGISTERING TO USE RESNET
3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS In order to effectively manage the security of ResNet, the University requires every student to be issued with a unique reference (which is used as your machine identifier) and a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. This means that you will need to register your details in order to gain access to the ResNet services. 3.2 HOW TO REGISTER Upon joining the University, as part of the matriculation process, your signature will be required to agree to The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations. You will be provided with a matriculation number. At the same time, the University also provides you with an e-mail account and address ([email protected]) that you can access from any of the Open Access Laboratory computers. Note that there may be a delay of approximately 48 hours between completing the matriculation process and your e-mail account being activated. If you have a ResNet port in your room, as soon as your e-mail account has been activated, the ResNet Helpdesk will be informed by the University and you will subsequently be e-mailed with a request that you supply information to register for ResNet. In order to provide you with the ResNet Data service you must reply to this e-mail (from [email protected]) and supply the ResNet Helpdesk with the following mandatory information: Note: You will have to use an Open Access Lab to read all your e-mails until your have registered with ResNet.
Matriculation Number Name Full term time address of your accomodation Operating System Machine Type MAC Address of your Network Adapter
Your Matriculation number, Name and Full term time address of your accomodation is self-explanatory, as is the Operating System and Machine Type of your computer eg. Redhat Linux 7.0, Pentium II 64Mb etc. However, the MAC Address of your Network Adapter is a little less obvious. It is a twelve-digit address that uniquely identifies your Network Adapter. You can usually locate the MAC Address from the main face of your Network Adapter before fitting. This is physically written on a label. If the card is already fitted you can resolve the MAC Address by following the instructions below: Page 7 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Logged in as an ordinary user or root , select the Terminal Emulation Program Icon from the status bar and then type ifconfig eth0 at the $ prompt, as shown below.
The ”eth0 Link encap:Ethernet Hwaddr” line provides details of the Network Adapter’s MAC address, ie. the Mac Address is 00A0249B6B12. Once you have returned all these details via e-mail to [email protected] the information will be cross-checked against University records to ensure that false information has not been submitted maliciously or unwittingly. If all details are correct you will be informed via your e-mail account that your request has been confirmed as valid and is currently being processed. If there is any information that appears to be incorrect, the ResNet Helpdesk will e-mail your account stating this and requesting that you re-submit your details or contact the ResNet Helpdesk directly. Please Note: a unique reference will be contained within the e-mail from the ResNet Helpdesk. For security purposes, you should make a note of it and quote it on all correspondence with ResNet. The ResNet Data Service will then be configured to allow you unique access from your PC within your bedroom. Once configured, you will receive an e-mail from the ResNet Helpdesk confirming that the service is now available within your bedroom, and the necessary details you require to configure your computer (as discussed in Section 4). During this process, you can contact the ResNet Helpdesk for support and further advice: Tel: 0131 651 2095 (internally 22095), or e-mail [email protected].
Page 8 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
4.
CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET
4.1 OVERVIEW In order to connect your PC to ResNet, you must ensure that you have followed the instructions and guidance given in Sections 2 and 3, ie. you have a compatible PC, Operating System , Network Adapter, UTP Lead, Installation disks, and you have registered to use ResNet. The following sections illustrate how you install a typical Network Adapter into a PC within a RedHat Linux environment, and then goes on to describe how you connect and configure your PC for use with ResNet, before finally describing how you configure your PC to utilise the ResNet services. Please Note: Even if you are the only user on your computer, as stiplulated within your Red Hat Linux 7 Installation Guide, it is important that you create a user account and use it for daily work. Logging in as ‘root’ is necessary for system configuration and maintenance, however, as root it is possible to make a mistake with catastrophic consequences, and as such the following instructions indicate when you need to be logged in as root or as an ordinary user. Whilst logged in as root please be aware of this. 4.2 INSTALLING A TYPICAL NETWORK ADAPTER Login as root then enter your Password From the Gnome Menu, select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf From the Linuxconf window, select Networking, Client tasks and then Basic host information, as shown below:
Page 9 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
This will then open the “This host basic configuration” dialogue. If no components are installed, the screen will look similar to that shown below.
If the screen looks similar to this you are now ready to fit the network adaptor. However, If you have previously fitted a network adapter into your PC then there may well be some other network components already installed, as shown in the example below:
I f t Page 10 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
his is the case, you can leave them installed and proceed to Section 4.3, and follow the instructions for configuring the Networking Protocol. Assuming at this point that you do not have any pre-installed network components, you are now ready to fit the network adapter into your PC. Before you do this make sure that your PC has been “halted” and that it is switched off and disconnected from the mains supply. Please Note: The fitting of your Network Adapter is undertaken entirely at your own risk; both PFML and the University do not take responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from this action. It is important to follow the instructions from the supplier of your PC for opening the case and for fitting additional cards, ensuring that you do not restore the mains power to your PC until you have replaced its cover. If you are in any doubt, consult the supplier of your PC, or have the work undertaken by a reputable computer dealer or service agent. D epending on the type of network adapter that you have chosen, installation will require either a free PCI or ISA slot within your PC. The diagram below illustrates the typical location of both the PCI and ISA slots.
Please Note: Removing the cover may invalidate your warranty, please check with your supplier if in doubt. Once fitted, connect one end of the UTP (Category 5e) cable into the wall socket and the other end into the socket at the back of the Network Adapter. You now need to check that your Network Adapter is installed correctly and that the Network Adapter is working properly. To do this, Restart your PC. Linux will now check that all the system components are installed and should ensure that the Network Adapter is functioning correctly. However, if you encounter any problems, you should refer to your manufacturers installation instructions.
Page 11 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
4.3 CONFIGURING THE TCP/IP NETWORKING PROTOCOL You now need to install the networking protocol that ResNet utilises to communicate with the University Network, TCP/IP. As before, you will need to Login as root and then enter your Password. Then from the Gnome Menu, select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf, Select Networking, Client Tasks, Basic host information. This will once again open the “This host basic configuration” dialogue. Now select Adaptor1, and select the Enabled and Dhcp check boxes. Also, select eth0 from the Net device options, and the appropriate Kernel Module for your adapter eg. 3c509 as in this example:
Select Act/Changes, where you will be prompted to Activate the changes as shown below:
Page 12 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Once the changes have been activated, you need to Quit the Linuxconf window, and Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.
4.4 CHECKING THAT YOU CAN COMMUNICATE ON RESNET You now need to confirm that your PC can communicate on the ResNet Data Network, and that your PC is both recognised and has been allocated a valid IP address. Logged in as an ordinary user or root, from the Terminal Emulation Program, type ifconfig eth0 and press Enter. If all is well, you should see an IP Configuration similar to the one below. In Linux the IP Address is shown is on the ”inet addr” line, and in this example, is shown as 131.0.1.113
In your case the values should be different, but the main thing is that the IP Address is something other than 0.0.0.0. Please Note: The NET3-HOWTO describes setting up networking on your PC for TCP/IP protocols. These details can be found at http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html
Page 13 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
5.
CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES
5.1 CONFIGURING YOUR INTERNET WEB BROWSER. The University requires that you configure your browser to use a Proxy cache. As such, the following details provide you with the instructions you require for configuring your browsers on ResNet. Configuration of Netscape 2 & 3 1. Start Netscape 2. Select: Options / Network Preferences / Proxies 3. Select ‘Automatic Proxy Configuration’ 4. Fill in the URL http://www.ed.ac.uk/proxy/freecache.pac Configuration of Netscape 4.05 1. Start Netscape 2. Select: Edit / Preferences / Advanced / Proxies 3. Select "Automatic Proxy Configuration" 4. Fill in the URL http://www.ed.ac.uk/proxy/freecache.pac Please note: that the http:// must be included or the configuration will not take effect. Once the above settings have been configured, try reaching “bbc.co.uk”, the BBC’s web site to test if the proxy cache is correctly configured. Full details on configuring your browser for use on ResNet can be found at http://webhelp.ucs.ed.ac.uk/docs/proxycache.html
5.2 CONFIGURING THE NOVELL CLIENT Linux provides a Package called NCPFS (Netware Client Print And File Services). When connected the system will ask for your user name and password. Login as the root user, then select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf
Page 14 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Select, Networking ,Client Tasks and IPX interface setup. Select Config and enable IPX networking and ensure primary and interface frame types are disabled, as shown below:
Now select the Adaptor1 tab, and scroll down to the Frame type section. Enable EtherII and the is the primary interface options. Also, within the Network number (hex) section enable the Probe option and ensure that the box beside it is left empty, as shown below:
You must also make sure that no other probe options are enabled, as this will produce annoying messages on the console.
Page 15 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
You now need to save the changes by selecting Act/Changes, and then selecting Activate the changes from the associated dialogue, as shown below:
From the Terminal Emulation Program, type /sbin/ipx_interface add –p eth0 EtherII from the root command prompt #, and then press Enter. The interface will then come up automatically after the next reboot. You now need to create a directory mount point for where you would like the NetWare volume to be located on your PC. As such, at the command prompt #, type mkdir /mnt/netware and then press Enter. You will now need to ensure that the ncpfs package has been installed. As such, at the command prompt #, type rpm -q ncpfs and then press Enter. This should result in a response similar too: ncpfs-2.2.0.18-3. However, if you see package ncpfs is not installed, then you will have to install it. The easiest way to do this is to get your distribution CD’s and locate the package on them. For example assuming that your cd is mounted in the usual Red Hat manner in /mnt/cdrom then the following set of commands will install the ncpfs package: # cd /mnt/cdrom/RedHat/RPMS <Enter> # rpm –ivh ncpfs-2.2.0.18.3.i386.rpm <Enter> You will now have the programs available to access Novell network services Whenever you wish to mount your SMS home directory, as root, use the following command: # ncpmount -S <novell-server> -U number>.sms.ed /mnt/netware <Enter>
This command mounts your SMS Netware home directory on the /mnt/netware directory (or whatever directory you specified earlier for this)
Page 16 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
and "novell-server" should be replaced by whatever is your SMS server name. You will be prompted for your Novell password and if this command is successful you can then access your SMS Netware home directory under /mnt/netware. If you want these files to be accessible by the normal user, then the chown command should be used on the /mnt/netware directory to make the owner of this directory the user in question. Please Note: The IPX-HOWTO specifies how this mounting procedure can be automated on each system reboot. These details can be found at http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html
5.4
CONFIGURING YOUR EMAIL CLIENT You can access your SMS mail folders from anywhere on the Internet, using any mail program that is capable of the IMAP protocol for mailbox access, such as pine or Netscape Messenger. Configuring PINE This section details how to setup SMS Mail using PINE . Pine is a character based SMS mail program available in Linux to setup pine use the following instructions: Logged in an ordinary user, from the Terminal Emulation Program window type the command pine at the $ prompt. From the main menu, choose S for Setup and then C for configuration. The screen will then change from the Main Menu to Setup Configuration, as shown below:
Page 17 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Select Change Val to edit the configuration screen and then set the following fields: personal-name user-domain smtp-server nntp-server inbox-path and also default-fcc folder-collections postponed-folder
= = = = =
<< type you full personal name here>> sms.ed.ac.uk sms.ed.ac.uk newsread.ed.ac.uk {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}INBOX
= {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}Sent Items = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}[ ] = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}Draft
When complete, type E to exit and Y to confirm the changes. When you first open your main mail folder you will be prompted for a username, which is your matriculation number and a password, which is your mail password. From the main screen, you can now browse your mail folders by typing L, access your main mailbox by typing I and compose a new message by typing C. The single letter commands you can use from that screen are shown at the bottom of the pine screen, as shown below:
Configuring Other Clients You can also access your SMS mail folders from anywhere on the Internet, using any mail program that is capable of the IMAP protocol for mailbox access, such as Netscape Messenger.
Page 18 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
The following provides the details you will need to configure your PC to access your SMS mail folders: •
the Server Name - set to SMS.ED.AC.UK
•
the Username - set to your Matriculation Number
•
IMAP server directory or Mail folder directory - leave Blank
•
Namespaces options - leave Blank
•
Override namespaces - If available, allow the server to Override
•
Outgoing mail server or SMTP server - set to SMS.ED.AC.UK
•
When connecting from another ISP, use whatever outgoing mail server the ISP provides (if you use sms.ed.ac.uk for your outgoing mail, it will only allow you to send to addresses within the University). Your e-mail address should be set to your University e-mail address.
•
Please Note: the SMS server does not support folders that contain subfolders and messages. The University does not recommend that you store your password in your preferences. Be especially careful when using public machines or machines that do not belong to you. Further information on using electronic mail can be obtained from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/iss/ol/comms/emailtopics.html 5.5
ADDING A NETWORK PRINTER This section describes how you add one of the EdLAN networked printers, ie. your departmental printer or a Central Lab printer (eg. Holland House Micro Lab). This process will not affect any existing printers you have setup previously. The Central Lab printers are either HP or Lexmark. The printers are named by lab (eg ATL4), either A, B or C printers in this lab (ATL4A, ATL4B etc) and whether the printer prints ‘D’uplex (double-sided) or ‘S’implex (singlesided). The following table is a summary of these Print Queues and Printer models:
Page 19 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Location Appleton Tower Level 4 “ “ Appleton Tower Level 5 “ Erskine Medical Library Greenfield Suite “ Dalhousie Land JCMB Level 3 “ “ KB Centre Level 2 “ “ “ KB Centre Level 3 “ Main Library Level 2 “ Main Library Level 4 “ “ Mylnes Court Stevenson Lab “ Holland House - Pollock “ Richmond Place Royal Medical School
Printer Name ATL4A-D ATL4B-S ATLV4-COLOUR ATL5A-D ATL5B-S EML0A-D GFS0A-D GFS0B-S DLH4A-D JCMB3A-D JCMB3B-D JCMB3C-S KBC2A-D KBC2B-S KBCL2-COLOUR KBC2C-S KBC3A-D KBC3B-S LIB2A-D LIB2B-S LIB4A-D LIB4B-S LIB4C-D MLNCA-S OEL0A-D OEL0B-S PLKHA-D PLKHB-S RICHA-D RMS1A-S
Model HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M Lexmark SC1275 HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M Lexmark SC1275 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4000
Memory 64 14 64 24 32 14 40 14 32 32 14 14 40 14 64 14 14 14 14 14 40 24 24 14 40 14 24 14 14 8
To install a network printer you must be the root user. From the Gnome Menu, select Programs, System, Control Panel select the Printer Configuration icon from the Control Panel.
Page 20 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
5.5.1
To Add A Netware Printer Then select Add from the Print System Manager. Select Netware printer from the Printer Type dialog. For example, to add the Holland House duplex printer, enter the Print Server Name as Holland and the print queue as PLKHA-D. Then select OK. Please note: To connect to the Netware Printer you must also enter your username and password, and that your username must be in the format of <matricno>.sms.ed.ac.uk Now press Select for Input Filter, and select the relevant printer from the list of printers within the Configure Filter dialog, as shown below: From the Printer Type List, select HP Laserjet 4000 ,or a generic PS printer. Ensure that the Paper Size Is A4. Finally at Printing Option unset PS printers as a standard. Note: You must edit the file /usr/share/printconf/ncpprint to add the string -d "$user:REDHAT" The last line of this file must read: cat | /usr/bin/nprint -S $server -q $queue $usercmd -N –d "$user:RESNET" - 2>/dev/null
5.5.2
Generic Novell Printing Instructions - For Non-RedHat Linux systems This section describes the facility to print on a networked printer which you have rights to use, i.e. a Central Lab printer (e.g. Holland House Micro Lab) using the ncpfs tools included with Linux. Having first configured your system to use Novell Netware, from the Gnome Status Bar open the Terminal Emulation Program window as before, and then type the following command at the # prompt: # nprint -S <print-server> -U.sms.ed -q <printer> -d"RESNET Printing"
For example to access a Holland House Laboratory printer, enter: # nprint -S plkhb-srv1 –U.sms.ed -q plkhb-s -d"RESNET Printing" yourfile.ps
Finally, select OK. Note: You must edit the file /usr/share/printconf/ncpprint to add the string -d "$user:REDHAT" The last line of this file must read:
Page 21 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
cat | /usr/bin/nprint -S $server -q $queue $usercmd -N –d "$user:RESNET" - 2>/dev/null Once the printer has been installed you are ready to print. Advanced Printing- LPR Automation (Cont) To make nprint work with the standard Linux print spooler, lpd, if you have installed it, you must write a small shell script to print to the NetWare printer, and install that as the if (input filter) for an lpd print queue. To do this, edit the file /etc/printcap file and add a set of lines similar to the following example: <printer>:\ :sh:\ :lp=/dev/null:\ :sd=/var/spool/lpd/<printer>:\ :if=/var/spool/lpd/nprint-<printer>: The shell script nprint-<printer> might look approximately like: #! /bin/sh # USER=.sms.ed /usr/bin/nprint -S <print-server> -U$USER -d"$USER:RESNET Printing" -q <printer>. So that Linux knows it can run this file as a program, you must enter the following command: # chmod 755 /var/spool/lpd/nprint-<printer> Remember to replace <print-server> and <printer> with appropriate values from Table 1. For example to print to the Holland House Duplex printer the printcap entry would be plkhb-d:\ :sh:\ :lp=/dev/null:\ :sd=/var/spool/lpd/plkhb-d:\ :if=/var/spool/lpd/nprint-plkhb-d: and assuming that your matric number is 00998877, the nprint-plkbh-s script would look like: #! /bin/sh # USER=00998877.sms.ed /usr/local/bin/nprint -S plkh-srv1 -U$USER -d"$USER:RESNET Printing" -q plkhb-d
Page 22 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Using nprint From the # prompt type the command nprint –S plkhb-srv1 –U.sms.ed –q plkhb-s –d”RESNET Printing”
Please Note: The Printing-HOWTO provides further details on configuring a printer. See http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html for further details.
Page 23 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
6.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6.1 SIMPLE CHECKS
Are all the cables connected correctly ?
Is the ethernet card seated correctly in its slot ?
Check that the network adapter driver you installed matches the actual card.
Check network cable is connected and is not faulty. Replace with known good cable.
If your machine suddenly stops working during use, look at what you did just prior to the event. Did you install any new hardware or software ? Did you change any configuration parameters ? If so, remove the additional hardware or software you installed and reboot the PC. FURTHER ADVICE
7.
7.1 HELPDESK SUPPORT PFML offers telephone support for the aspects discussed. As such, if you are unable to resolve any of the instructions yourself, the PFML ResNet HelpDesk will try to assist you in resolving them and assist you in connecting to the ResNet service. During term time, the ResNet HelpDesk is manned Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 21:00, and at weekends from 14:00 to 17:00. The HelpDesk telephone number is 0131 651 2095 (internally 22095). In addition you can e-mail the HelpDesk at any time at [email protected], or leave a message for the HelpDesk support staff when the HelpDesk is unmanned, using the same telephone number. If the ResNet HelpDesk is unable to resolve your problem, and you are still not able to connect to ResNet, then you may need to seek other forms of support. Again, the ResNet HelpDesk can provide you with details of local suppliers who, for a charge, will be able to assist. For further information please e-mail [email protected] 7.2 APPLICATION SUPPORT PFML offers support with regards to connecting your machine to ResNet. Please note: the University only provides support for problems, which are experienced when using the Open Access Computer Laboratories, and the software that is supported on those PCs. The University does not offer any other assistance with ResNet.
Page 24 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Consequently, you will need to seek other forms of support, as no open access labs run Linux. A good source of inexpensive help is other students with a similar computer to your own. ResNet and the University will soon be preparing an on-line bulletin board to help you get in touch with those students who may be prepared to help. You should try to gain an understanding of how the software used within the Open Access Computer Laboratories operates. This will assist when you come to use the corresponding software on your own PC. Also, while in the Open Access Computer Laboratories, you can make use of the University support services for students, such as Beginners training sessions, free computer documentation and support from the Student Helpdesk. These services will allow you to develop a general appreciation of how computers work. For further details on the support services offered by the University see: http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/ungrad/ If you choose to use the same or similar software on your own PC as is used within the Open Access Computer Laboratories, you will be able to maximise this advantage. It might be a good idea to pay them a visit and try them out before committing yourself to any purchase. Please note: This handbook contains basic information to allow you to connect to ResNet. There are also additional programs that allow you to fully exploit the power of Linux, including Samba and E-directory from Novell, which allows access to NDS trees this however is a commercial product and unavailable through Linux. 7.3 PC SUPPLIERS If you are thinking of buying a PC or purchasing a network adapter, PFML have contacted several local suppliers who will be able to offer competitive prices to ResNet users. Details of these schemes will be made available to you in due course or you can e-mail [email protected]. The Reception Centre will also be stocking several inexpensive network adapters and cables for use with ResNet.
Page 25 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port. AGP display adapters allow PCs to run 3D Graphics.
CATEGORY 5E
A higher grade of unshielded twisted-pair cabling required for Fast Ethernet networking.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read Only Memory. Compact Discs contain programs or data, which cannot be written to.
CPU
The term Central Processing Unit meaning the brain or processing chip of the computer.
DIMM MODULE
Dual Inline Memory Module. A type of pre-assembled memory unit, used in most computers.
DRIVER
A software program that allows an Operating System to communicate with the Computer Hardware.
ETHERNET
Networking standard that transmits data using a specified protocol. The most popular LAN technology in use today.
EXPANSION BUS
Part of a chip or circuit board designed to send and receive data. The bus on a computer's motherboard contains slots for expansion cards.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Allows users to copy files between the local system and any system reachable over the network.
GATEWAY
Transfers information between physically separate networks that are based on differing protocols.
HARD DISK
A disk drive that contains one or more disks (which are hard platters rather than floppy disks) permanently sealed in it. Hard disks are noted for their speed and high capacity.
I/O ADDRESS
Locations within the input/output address space of PC used by a device, such as a printer or modem. The address is used for communication between software and the device.
IDE CONTROLLER
Integrated Drive Electronics. One type of hard drive specification PCs, also used in some Macintoshes.
INTERNET
A worldwide collection of interconnected networks, providing a wide variety of services, using the TCP/IP network protocols.
INTERRUPT (IRQ)
A signal that a device sends to the computer when the device is ready to accept or send information.
IP
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet
ISA
Industry Standard Architecture. One standard for PCs that specifies the architecture of the hardware.
Page 26 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
LAN
Local Area Network. A network in a localised location that allows users to share files, printers and other print services.
LED
Light emitting diode. Small indicator lights on electronics and networking devices such as a Network Card.
MAC ADDRESS
Each Network Interface Card has its own unique preprogrammed address. The MAC address which identifies the node or networking device
MEGABYTES
1024 kilobytes (about one million bytes hence megabyte). Usually abbreviated Mb or MB as in 30 Mb.
NETWORK
The means by which computers and other networking devices are connected together so that print services, files, equipment and software applications may be shared.
NETWORK ADAPTER
Network Interface Card, also called Adapter Cards. They serve as the interface between the computer and the network cable for sending and receiving data.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect bus architecture. It is used to connect network interface cards. Its operation is faster than an ISA bus.
PROTOCOL
A set of procedures or rules for sending and receiving information on a network.
PROXY
Ensures security, administrative control and caching services between PCs and the Internet.
RAM
Random Access Memory. The memory that can be used by applications to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on.
RJ45 PLUG
The connector on the end of Category 5 cabling; looks similar to a telephone plug.
RJ45 JACK
The connector on the back of a Network Card that accepts the RJ45 plug.
TCP/IP
Transmissions Control Protocol. Originally two separate protocols, now they are almost always used together. It is a networking protocol with the ability to connect many widely different elements.
UTP
Unshielded Twisted-Pair is the generic name given to the copper cables that connects your computer to the RJ45 socket on the wall.
VGA
Video Graphics Array. Specifications for video output on PCs, which features 640x480 resolution and 256 colours.
WWW
World Wide Web (WWW). Internet sites offering text, graphics, sound, and animation resources in an easy to use way, through the http protocol.
Page 27 of 32
Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd
ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services (Linux Users)
Draft Version 2 Issued: 09/05/01 Copyright - Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd Not to be copied or reproduced without the consent of Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd Copyrights and Trademarks of Third Parties acknowledged.
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
WELCOME TO RESNET
WHAT IS RESNET ResNet enables you, as a University of Edinburgh student, access to your study files, undertake research on the Internet, and access any other support materials and teaching aids directly from the University’s network (EdLan), all from your bedroom. Additionally, ResNet allows you access to the University’s student e-mail system. As such, the use of ResNet means that whatever the time, and whatever your deadline, you have access to all of the materials and research tools that you need. For residences which offer ResNet as well as the Internet, electronic mail and intranet services, over the next few months, Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd (PFML), in conjunction with the University, will be providing an individual phone-line to all student bedrooms; improving the existing service within Pollock Halls, whilst delivering a new service to all outlying buildings.
WHO PROVIDES RESNET - PFML RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY ResNet has been developed by PFML in partnership with Edinburgh University. ResNet is operated solely by Pell Frischmann MultiNet Ltd (PFML), a telecommunications service provider, which specialises in the development and operation of physical telecommunications networks and facilities for Higher Education institutions. The staff of PFML are, therefore, your first point of contact for questions regarding access to ResNet, and have a dedicated Helpdesk which operates Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 21:00, and at weekends from 14:00 to 17:00. Please see Section 7.1 of this document for further details.
OVERVIEW OF RESNET DATA SERVICES The following services are available to you, once you have successfully registered to use ResNet: • Indirect Internet access (i.e: via a Proxy Server) • Academic intranet access • Access to your University personal electronic mail account • Individual phone line and account • Free telephone helpdesk support
Page 1 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
CONTENTS 1. RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS 1.1 OVERVIEW 1.2 THE MAJOR SERVICES WHICH RESNET PROVIDES 1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE SERVICE 1.4 OVERCOMING THE RESTRICTIONS 1.5 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH’S FORMAL ACCESS POLICY 2. USER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING A PC TO RESNET 2.1 BEFORE YOU START 2.2 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY 2.3 OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY 2.4 NETWORK ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY 3. REGISTERING TO USE RESNET 3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS 3.2 HOW TO REGISTER 4. CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET 4.1 OVERVIEW 4.2 INSTALLING A TYPICAL NETWORK ADAPTER 4.3 CONFIGURING THE TCP/IP NETWORKING PROTOCOL 4.4 CHECKING THAT YOU CAN COMMUNICATE TO RESNET 5. CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES 5.1 CONFIGURING YOUR INTERNET WEB BROWSER 5.2 CONFIGURING THE NOVELL CLIENT 5.3 MOUNTING YOUR SMS HOME DIRECTORY 5.4 CONFIGURING SMS MAIL 5.5 ADDING A NETWORK PRINTER 5.5.1 TO ADD A NETWARE PRINTER 5.5.2 GENERIC NOVELL PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS 6. TROUBLE SHOOTING 6.1 SIMPLE CHECKS 7. FURTHER ADVICE 7.1 HELPDESK SUPPORT 7.2 APPLICATION SUPPORT 7.3 PC SUPPLIERS 7.4 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Page 2 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
1.
RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS 1.1 OVERVIEW This Section explains what RESNET offers to students and what restrictions are placed upon its use. RESNET is provided to enable you to perform your academic course work or research more conveniently, by using your own computer connected to The University of Edinburgh’s computer network, which is called EdLAN. Please Note: All use of ResNet is subject to The University of Edinburgh's Computing Regulations. 1.2 THE MAJOR SERVICES WHICH RESNET PROVIDES i.
The ability to access your Student Mail Service (SMS) e-mail account to read and send e-mails.
ii.
The ability to browse the World Wide Web (WWW), with direct access to all web based sites within the University network (i.e. within ed.ac.uk), along with restricted access to the Internet via The University of Edinburgh’s proxy cache servers. (See Section 5.1 for further details).
iii.
The ability to access any Novell server on the University network to which you have permission - this includes any departmental Novell servers and your SMS home directory, where you have 14 Mbytes of disc space.
iv.
The ability to access any Windows NT or SAMBA server on the University network to which you have permission. This access is subject to the individual departmental system administrators with whom you will need to liase to organise access.
v.
The ability to print from any open access laboratory printer - under the control of the Central Laboratory printer accounting system (GPAS).
Please Note: Some University services are only accessible from within The University of Edinburgh’s network. Use of the proxy cache servers may restrict access to non-Web based services (e.g. audio or video streaming sites) - whether these will work via a proxy depends on the exact details of each site. Other services such as FTP work correctly via proxies. Further details are available from http://webhelp.ucs.ed.ac.uk/docs/proxycache.html
1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE SERVICE There are three main reasons for imposing restrictions on access to the Internet from within ResNet, these are: Page 3 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
i.
To help protect your PC from external attack ResNet is set up in such a way that your PC is invisible to the Internet. This means that it is very difficult for a hacker to attack it. However, you could still receive a virus from an infected file or e-mail, so you should ensure you have a virus checker installed on your PC.
ii.
To avoid the University being liable for large traffic bills The University is charged for some Internet access based on the number of bytes received. Some applications, such as watching videos or television feeds from other countries can run up large bills very quickly. If this was allowed, the University would have to implement a billing system to charge back to the students – this would be very costly.
iii.
To help enforce The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations By setting ResNet up in this fashion there is less chance of accidentally (or deliberately) transgressing the Computing Regulations. This also reduces the need to monitor activities.
1.4 OVERCOMING THE RESTRICTIONS If you have a particular need to overcome restrictions this may be possible within the controlled environment of the Open Access Computer Laboratories which have direct links to the Internet. Please Note: If any restriction prevents genuine academic activity (ie. your view is fully supported by a course supervisor) or if you have a special need which requires these restrcitions to be relaxed, you should contact [email protected]
1.5 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH’S FORMAL ACCESS POLICY a) All use of ResNet is subject to The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations. b) There is full access from ResNet to everything on EdLAN (within ed.ac.uk). c) There are no restrictions on any activity compliant with the University Computing Regulations within ResNet itself. d) No services may be offered from student machines within ResNet to anything outwith ResNet. e) ALL access outwith EdLAN is via "proxy servers" unless it is explicitly permitted for an academic reason. All of the Regulations covering the use of Computing Facilities within the University are available from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/EUCS/regs.html
Page 4 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
2.
USER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING A PC TO RESNET
2.1 BEFORE YOU START Please read the following sections to check that your Personal Computer (PC) is compatible for use on ResNet, and that you understand what is involved in configuring your PC to utilise the ResNet services. Please Note: All the latest installation instructions; including specific installation instructions for AppleMac and Linux users are available online from http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/resnet and from the Reception Centre in paper copy.
2.2 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY ResNet is designed to support Linux systems. As such, the minimum specification for a PC connected to ResNet is: an Intel 486DX2-66 processor the system installation discs 32Mbytes of RAM 900MB of hard disk space a 14” SVGA screen capable of supporting 800x600 resolution a Graphics Adapter, supporting a minimum of 256 colours at 800x600 resolution. a Floppy Disk drive a Keyboard and Mouse a free ISA or PCI expansion slot a Network Adapter (see Section 2.4), with a UTP connector. a maximum length 3 metre UTP patch cable In addition a CD ROM drive is strongly recommended for software installation and a sound card is required for full multi-media facilities. Please Note: it is likely that any PC of a lesser specification would be too slow for regular use on ResNet and would hinder your use of the ResNet services. If you are considering purchasing a new PC, typically any up-to-date specification will suffice for use on ResNet. However, specifications of PCs are continually changing and applications continue to be increasingly demanding on their use of processor, memory and disk space. Consequently, if you have any specific requirements relating to your particular academic course please discuss these with your course tutor, or ask advice from EUCS Undergraduate Support.
Page 5 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
2.3 OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY As there are many distributions of Linux, it is impossible to describe the procedures in detail such that it is accurate for all configurations. However, these general guidelines will hold true for all distributions. As Red Hat Linux 6.0 (and later) is the supported Linux distribution in Edinburgh University, that is what will be used in any given examples. Please Note: It is assumed that you have some familiarity with running and configuring Linux. Users of other systems are not prevented from connecting to ResNet, but should be wary that it may be a difficult task that requires a significant knowledge of that operating system and support is not given from the ResNet Helpdesk or the University for this.
2.4 NETWORK ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY In order to connect your PC to ResNet, you will need to fit a card that interfaces your PC to the ResNet cabling. These are known as network adapters, ethernet adapters or network interface cards (NIC). ResNet is designed to work with any suitably configured network adapter. In addition a UTP (or Category 5e) cable is also needed to connect between the network adapter and the connector on the wall within your bedroom. Below is a list of the most popular inexpensive network adapters currently available. All have been tested in the Windows environment and are supported on ResNet. Apple Mac and Linux users should consult their system supplier for advice on which card to use. Recommended PCI & ISA Adapters Any NE20000 Clone Adapter The Reception Centre will be stocking several inexpensive network adapters and cables for use with ResNet. Please Note: Note The Ethernet-HOWTO document provides further details that you may need to configure a Linux based installation. This is available from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html. Also, http://www.scyld.com provides additional information and network drivers for use with Linux.
Page 6 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
3.
REGISTERING TO USE RESNET
3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS In order to effectively manage the security of ResNet, the University requires every student to be issued with a unique reference (which is used as your machine identifier) and a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. This means that you will need to register your details in order to gain access to the ResNet services. 3.2 HOW TO REGISTER Upon joining the University, as part of the matriculation process, your signature will be required to agree to The University of Edinburgh’s Computing Regulations. You will be provided with a matriculation number. At the same time, the University also provides you with an e-mail account and address ([email protected]) that you can access from any of the Open Access Laboratory computers. Note that there may be a delay of approximately 48 hours between completing the matriculation process and your e-mail account being activated. If you have a ResNet port in your room, as soon as your e-mail account has been activated, the ResNet Helpdesk will be informed by the University and you will subsequently be e-mailed with a request that you supply information to register for ResNet. In order to provide you with the ResNet Data service you must reply to this e-mail (from [email protected]) and supply the ResNet Helpdesk with the following mandatory information: Note: You will have to use an Open Access Lab to read all your e-mails until your have registered with ResNet.
Matriculation Number Name Full term time address of your accomodation Operating System Machine Type MAC Address of your Network Adapter
Your Matriculation number, Name and Full term time address of your accomodation is self-explanatory, as is the Operating System and Machine Type of your computer eg. Redhat Linux 7.0, Pentium II 64Mb etc. However, the MAC Address of your Network Adapter is a little less obvious. It is a twelve-digit address that uniquely identifies your Network Adapter. You can usually locate the MAC Address from the main face of your Network Adapter before fitting. This is physically written on a label. If the card is already fitted you can resolve the MAC Address by following the instructions below: Page 7 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Logged in as an ordinary user or root , select the Terminal Emulation Program Icon from the status bar and then type ifconfig eth0 at the $ prompt, as shown below.
The ”eth0 Link encap:Ethernet Hwaddr” line provides details of the Network Adapter’s MAC address, ie. the Mac Address is 00A0249B6B12. Once you have returned all these details via e-mail to [email protected] the information will be cross-checked against University records to ensure that false information has not been submitted maliciously or unwittingly. If all details are correct you will be informed via your e-mail account that your request has been confirmed as valid and is currently being processed. If there is any information that appears to be incorrect, the ResNet Helpdesk will e-mail your account stating this and requesting that you re-submit your details or contact the ResNet Helpdesk directly. Please Note: a unique reference will be contained within the e-mail from the ResNet Helpdesk. For security purposes, you should make a note of it and quote it on all correspondence with ResNet. The ResNet Data Service will then be configured to allow you unique access from your PC within your bedroom. Once configured, you will receive an e-mail from the ResNet Helpdesk confirming that the service is now available within your bedroom, and the necessary details you require to configure your computer (as discussed in Section 4). During this process, you can contact the ResNet Helpdesk for support and further advice: Tel: 0131 651 2095 (internally 22095), or e-mail [email protected].
Page 8 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
4.
CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET
4.1 OVERVIEW In order to connect your PC to ResNet, you must ensure that you have followed the instructions and guidance given in Sections 2 and 3, ie. you have a compatible PC, Operating System , Network Adapter, UTP Lead, Installation disks, and you have registered to use ResNet. The following sections illustrate how you install a typical Network Adapter into a PC within a RedHat Linux environment, and then goes on to describe how you connect and configure your PC for use with ResNet, before finally describing how you configure your PC to utilise the ResNet services. Please Note: Even if you are the only user on your computer, as stiplulated within your Red Hat Linux 7 Installation Guide, it is important that you create a user account and use it for daily work. Logging in as ‘root’ is necessary for system configuration and maintenance, however, as root it is possible to make a mistake with catastrophic consequences, and as such the following instructions indicate when you need to be logged in as root or as an ordinary user. Whilst logged in as root please be aware of this. 4.2 INSTALLING A TYPICAL NETWORK ADAPTER Login as root then enter your Password From the Gnome Menu, select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf From the Linuxconf window, select Networking, Client tasks and then Basic host information, as shown below:
Page 9 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
This will then open the “This host basic configuration” dialogue. If no components are installed, the screen will look similar to that shown below.
If the screen looks similar to this you are now ready to fit the network adaptor. However, If you have previously fitted a network adapter into your PC then there may well be some other network components already installed, as shown in the example below:
I f t Page 10 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
his is the case, you can leave them installed and proceed to Section 4.3, and follow the instructions for configuring the Networking Protocol. Assuming at this point that you do not have any pre-installed network components, you are now ready to fit the network adapter into your PC. Before you do this make sure that your PC has been “halted” and that it is switched off and disconnected from the mains supply. Please Note: The fitting of your Network Adapter is undertaken entirely at your own risk; both PFML and the University do not take responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from this action. It is important to follow the instructions from the supplier of your PC for opening the case and for fitting additional cards, ensuring that you do not restore the mains power to your PC until you have replaced its cover. If you are in any doubt, consult the supplier of your PC, or have the work undertaken by a reputable computer dealer or service agent. D epending on the type of network adapter that you have chosen, installation will require either a free PCI or ISA slot within your PC. The diagram below illustrates the typical location of both the PCI and ISA slots.
Please Note: Removing the cover may invalidate your warranty, please check with your supplier if in doubt. Once fitted, connect one end of the UTP (Category 5e) cable into the wall socket and the other end into the socket at the back of the Network Adapter. You now need to check that your Network Adapter is installed correctly and that the Network Adapter is working properly. To do this, Restart your PC. Linux will now check that all the system components are installed and should ensure that the Network Adapter is functioning correctly. However, if you encounter any problems, you should refer to your manufacturers installation instructions.
Page 11 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
4.3 CONFIGURING THE TCP/IP NETWORKING PROTOCOL You now need to install the networking protocol that ResNet utilises to communicate with the University Network, TCP/IP. As before, you will need to Login as root and then enter your Password. Then from the Gnome Menu, select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf, Select Networking, Client Tasks, Basic host information. This will once again open the “This host basic configuration” dialogue. Now select Adaptor1, and select the Enabled and Dhcp check boxes. Also, select eth0 from the Net device options, and the appropriate Kernel Module for your adapter eg. 3c509 as in this example:
Select Act/Changes, where you will be prompted to Activate the changes as shown below:
Page 12 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Once the changes have been activated, you need to Quit the Linuxconf window, and Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.
4.4 CHECKING THAT YOU CAN COMMUNICATE ON RESNET You now need to confirm that your PC can communicate on the ResNet Data Network, and that your PC is both recognised and has been allocated a valid IP address. Logged in as an ordinary user or root, from the Terminal Emulation Program, type ifconfig eth0 and press Enter. If all is well, you should see an IP Configuration similar to the one below. In Linux the IP Address is shown is on the ”inet addr” line, and in this example, is shown as 131.0.1.113
In your case the values should be different, but the main thing is that the IP Address is something other than 0.0.0.0. Please Note: The NET3-HOWTO describes setting up networking on your PC for TCP/IP protocols. These details can be found at http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html
Page 13 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
5.
CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES
5.1 CONFIGURING YOUR INTERNET WEB BROWSER. The University requires that you configure your browser to use a Proxy cache. As such, the following details provide you with the instructions you require for configuring your browsers on ResNet. Configuration of Netscape 2 & 3 1. Start Netscape 2. Select: Options / Network Preferences / Proxies 3. Select ‘Automatic Proxy Configuration’ 4. Fill in the URL http://www.ed.ac.uk/proxy/freecache.pac Configuration of Netscape 4.05 1. Start Netscape 2. Select: Edit / Preferences / Advanced / Proxies 3. Select "Automatic Proxy Configuration" 4. Fill in the URL http://www.ed.ac.uk/proxy/freecache.pac Please note: that the http:// must be included or the configuration will not take effect. Once the above settings have been configured, try reaching “bbc.co.uk”, the BBC’s web site to test if the proxy cache is correctly configured. Full details on configuring your browser for use on ResNet can be found at http://webhelp.ucs.ed.ac.uk/docs/proxycache.html
5.2 CONFIGURING THE NOVELL CLIENT Linux provides a Package called NCPFS (Netware Client Print And File Services). When connected the system will ask for your user name and password. Login as the root user, then select RUN and then type /sbin/linuxconf
Page 14 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Select, Networking ,Client Tasks and IPX interface setup. Select Config and enable IPX networking and ensure primary and interface frame types are disabled, as shown below:
Now select the Adaptor1 tab, and scroll down to the Frame type section. Enable EtherII and the is the primary interface options. Also, within the Network number (hex) section enable the Probe option and ensure that the box beside it is left empty, as shown below:
You must also make sure that no other probe options are enabled, as this will produce annoying messages on the console.
Page 15 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
You now need to save the changes by selecting Act/Changes, and then selecting Activate the changes from the associated dialogue, as shown below:
From the Terminal Emulation Program, type /sbin/ipx_interface add –p eth0 EtherII from the root command prompt #, and then press Enter. The interface will then come up automatically after the next reboot. You now need to create a directory mount point for where you would like the NetWare volume to be located on your PC. As such, at the command prompt #, type mkdir /mnt/netware and then press Enter. You will now need to ensure that the ncpfs package has been installed. As such, at the command prompt #, type rpm -q ncpfs and then press Enter. This should result in a response similar too: ncpfs-2.2.0.18-3. However, if you see package ncpfs is not installed, then you will have to install it. The easiest way to do this is to get your distribution CD’s and locate the package on them. For example assuming that your cd is mounted in the usual Red Hat manner in /mnt/cdrom then the following set of commands will install the ncpfs package: # cd /mnt/cdrom/RedHat/RPMS <Enter> # rpm –ivh ncpfs-2.2.0.18.3.i386.rpm <Enter> You will now have the programs available to access Novell network services Whenever you wish to mount your SMS home directory, as root, use the following command: # ncpmount -S <novell-server> -U number>.sms.ed /mnt/netware <Enter>
This command mounts your SMS Netware home directory on the /mnt/netware directory (or whatever directory you specified earlier for this)
Page 16 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
and "novell-server" should be replaced by whatever is your SMS server name. You will be prompted for your Novell password and if this command is successful you can then access your SMS Netware home directory under /mnt/netware. If you want these files to be accessible by the normal user, then the chown command should be used on the /mnt/netware directory to make the owner of this directory the user in question. Please Note: The IPX-HOWTO specifies how this mounting procedure can be automated on each system reboot. These details can be found at http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html
5.4
CONFIGURING YOUR EMAIL CLIENT You can access your SMS mail folders from anywhere on the Internet, using any mail program that is capable of the IMAP protocol for mailbox access, such as pine or Netscape Messenger. Configuring PINE This section details how to setup SMS Mail using PINE . Pine is a character based SMS mail program available in Linux to setup pine use the following instructions: Logged in an ordinary user, from the Terminal Emulation Program window type the command pine at the $ prompt. From the main menu, choose S for Setup and then C for configuration. The screen will then change from the Main Menu to Setup Configuration, as shown below:
Page 17 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Select Change Val to edit the configuration screen and then set the following fields: personal-name user-domain smtp-server nntp-server inbox-path and also default-fcc folder-collections postponed-folder
= = = = =
<< type you full personal name here>> sms.ed.ac.uk sms.ed.ac.uk newsread.ed.ac.uk {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}INBOX
= {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}Sent Items = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}[ ] = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}Draft
When complete, type E to exit and Y to confirm the changes. When you first open your main mail folder you will be prompted for a username, which is your matriculation number and a password, which is your mail password. From the main screen, you can now browse your mail folders by typing L, access your main mailbox by typing I and compose a new message by typing C. The single letter commands you can use from that screen are shown at the bottom of the pine screen, as shown below:
Configuring Other Clients You can also access your SMS mail folders from anywhere on the Internet, using any mail program that is capable of the IMAP protocol for mailbox access, such as Netscape Messenger.
Page 18 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
The following provides the details you will need to configure your PC to access your SMS mail folders: •
the Server Name - set to SMS.ED.AC.UK
•
the Username - set to your Matriculation Number
•
IMAP server directory or Mail folder directory - leave Blank
•
Namespaces options - leave Blank
•
Override namespaces - If available, allow the server to Override
•
Outgoing mail server or SMTP server - set to SMS.ED.AC.UK
•
When connecting from another ISP, use whatever outgoing mail server the ISP provides (if you use sms.ed.ac.uk for your outgoing mail, it will only allow you to send to addresses within the University). Your e-mail address should be set to your University e-mail address.
•
Please Note: the SMS server does not support folders that contain subfolders and messages. The University does not recommend that you store your password in your preferences. Be especially careful when using public machines or machines that do not belong to you. Further information on using electronic mail can be obtained from http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/iss/ol/comms/emailtopics.html 5.5
ADDING A NETWORK PRINTER This section describes how you add one of the EdLAN networked printers, ie. your departmental printer or a Central Lab printer (eg. Holland House Micro Lab). This process will not affect any existing printers you have setup previously. The Central Lab printers are either HP or Lexmark. The printers are named by lab (eg ATL4), either A, B or C printers in this lab (ATL4A, ATL4B etc) and whether the printer prints ‘D’uplex (double-sided) or ‘S’implex (singlesided). The following table is a summary of these Print Queues and Printer models:
Page 19 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Location Appleton Tower Level 4 “ “ Appleton Tower Level 5 “ Erskine Medical Library Greenfield Suite “ Dalhousie Land JCMB Level 3 “ “ KB Centre Level 2 “ “ “ KB Centre Level 3 “ Main Library Level 2 “ Main Library Level 4 “ “ Mylnes Court Stevenson Lab “ Holland House - Pollock “ Richmond Place Royal Medical School
Printer Name ATL4A-D ATL4B-S ATLV4-COLOUR ATL5A-D ATL5B-S EML0A-D GFS0A-D GFS0B-S DLH4A-D JCMB3A-D JCMB3B-D JCMB3C-S KBC2A-D KBC2B-S KBCL2-COLOUR KBC2C-S KBC3A-D KBC3B-S LIB2A-D LIB2B-S LIB4A-D LIB4B-S LIB4C-D MLNCA-S OEL0A-D OEL0B-S PLKHA-D PLKHB-S RICHA-D RMS1A-S
Model HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M Lexmark SC1275 HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 4050 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M Lexmark SC1275 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 8100 HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4000 Series HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 5M HP LaserJet 4000
Memory 64 14 64 24 32 14 40 14 32 32 14 14 40 14 64 14 14 14 14 14 40 24 24 14 40 14 24 14 14 8
To install a network printer you must be the root user. From the Gnome Menu, select Programs, System, Control Panel select the Printer Configuration icon from the Control Panel.
Page 20 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
5.5.1
To Add A Netware Printer Then select Add from the Print System Manager. Select Netware printer from the Printer Type dialog. For example, to add the Holland House duplex printer, enter the Print Server Name as Holland and the print queue as PLKHA-D. Then select OK. Please note: To connect to the Netware Printer you must also enter your username and password, and that your username must be in the format of <matricno>.sms.ed.ac.uk Now press Select for Input Filter, and select the relevant printer from the list of printers within the Configure Filter dialog, as shown below: From the Printer Type List, select HP Laserjet 4000 ,or a generic PS printer. Ensure that the Paper Size Is A4. Finally at Printing Option unset PS printers as a standard. Note: You must edit the file /usr/share/printconf/ncpprint to add the string -d "$user:REDHAT" The last line of this file must read: cat | /usr/bin/nprint -S $server -q $queue $usercmd -N –d "$user:RESNET" - 2>/dev/null
5.5.2
Generic Novell Printing Instructions - For Non-RedHat Linux systems This section describes the facility to print on a networked printer which you have rights to use, i.e. a Central Lab printer (e.g. Holland House Micro Lab) using the ncpfs tools included with Linux. Having first configured your system to use Novell Netware, from the Gnome Status Bar open the Terminal Emulation Program window as before, and then type the following command at the # prompt: # nprint -S <print-server> -U
For example to access a Holland House Laboratory printer, enter: # nprint -S plkhb-srv1 –U
Finally, select OK. Note: You must edit the file /usr/share/printconf/ncpprint to add the string -d "$user:REDHAT" The last line of this file must read:
Page 21 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
cat | /usr/bin/nprint -S $server -q $queue $usercmd -N –d "$user:RESNET" - 2>/dev/null Once the printer has been installed you are ready to print. Advanced Printing- LPR Automation (Cont) To make nprint work with the standard Linux print spooler, lpd, if you have installed it, you must write a small shell script to print to the NetWare printer, and install that as the if (input filter) for an lpd print queue. To do this, edit the file /etc/printcap file and add a set of lines similar to the following example: <printer>:\ :sh:\ :lp=/dev/null:\ :sd=/var/spool/lpd/<printer>:\ :if=/var/spool/lpd/nprint-<printer>: The shell script nprint-<printer> might look approximately like: #! /bin/sh # USER=
Page 22 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Using nprint From the # prompt type the command nprint –S plkhb-srv1 –U
Please Note: The Printing-HOWTO provides further details on configuring a printer. See http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/platforms/linux/linuxdocs.html for further details.
Page 23 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
6.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6.1 SIMPLE CHECKS
Are all the cables connected correctly ?
Is the ethernet card seated correctly in its slot ?
Check that the network adapter driver you installed matches the actual card.
Check network cable is connected and is not faulty. Replace with known good cable.
If your machine suddenly stops working during use, look at what you did just prior to the event. Did you install any new hardware or software ? Did you change any configuration parameters ? If so, remove the additional hardware or software you installed and reboot the PC. FURTHER ADVICE
7.
7.1 HELPDESK SUPPORT PFML offers telephone support for the aspects discussed. As such, if you are unable to resolve any of the instructions yourself, the PFML ResNet HelpDesk will try to assist you in resolving them and assist you in connecting to the ResNet service. During term time, the ResNet HelpDesk is manned Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 21:00, and at weekends from 14:00 to 17:00. The HelpDesk telephone number is 0131 651 2095 (internally 22095). In addition you can e-mail the HelpDesk at any time at [email protected], or leave a message for the HelpDesk support staff when the HelpDesk is unmanned, using the same telephone number. If the ResNet HelpDesk is unable to resolve your problem, and you are still not able to connect to ResNet, then you may need to seek other forms of support. Again, the ResNet HelpDesk can provide you with details of local suppliers who, for a charge, will be able to assist. For further information please e-mail [email protected] 7.2 APPLICATION SUPPORT PFML offers support with regards to connecting your machine to ResNet. Please note: the University only provides support for problems, which are experienced when using the Open Access Computer Laboratories, and the software that is supported on those PCs. The University does not offer any other assistance with ResNet.
Page 24 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
Consequently, you will need to seek other forms of support, as no open access labs run Linux. A good source of inexpensive help is other students with a similar computer to your own. ResNet and the University will soon be preparing an on-line bulletin board to help you get in touch with those students who may be prepared to help. You should try to gain an understanding of how the software used within the Open Access Computer Laboratories operates. This will assist when you come to use the corresponding software on your own PC. Also, while in the Open Access Computer Laboratories, you can make use of the University support services for students, such as Beginners training sessions, free computer documentation and support from the Student Helpdesk. These services will allow you to develop a general appreciation of how computers work. For further details on the support services offered by the University see: http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/ungrad/ If you choose to use the same or similar software on your own PC as is used within the Open Access Computer Laboratories, you will be able to maximise this advantage. It might be a good idea to pay them a visit and try them out before committing yourself to any purchase. Please note: This handbook contains basic information to allow you to connect to ResNet. There are also additional programs that allow you to fully exploit the power of Linux, including Samba and E-directory from Novell, which allows access to NDS trees this however is a commercial product and unavailable through Linux. 7.3 PC SUPPLIERS If you are thinking of buying a PC or purchasing a network adapter, PFML have contacted several local suppliers who will be able to offer competitive prices to ResNet users. Details of these schemes will be made available to you in due course or you can e-mail [email protected]. The Reception Centre will also be stocking several inexpensive network adapters and cables for use with ResNet.
Page 25 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port. AGP display adapters allow PCs to run 3D Graphics.
CATEGORY 5E
A higher grade of unshielded twisted-pair cabling required for Fast Ethernet networking.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read Only Memory. Compact Discs contain programs or data, which cannot be written to.
CPU
The term Central Processing Unit meaning the brain or processing chip of the computer.
DIMM MODULE
Dual Inline Memory Module. A type of pre-assembled memory unit, used in most computers.
DRIVER
A software program that allows an Operating System to communicate with the Computer Hardware.
ETHERNET
Networking standard that transmits data using a specified protocol. The most popular LAN technology in use today.
EXPANSION BUS
Part of a chip or circuit board designed to send and receive data. The bus on a computer's motherboard contains slots for expansion cards.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Allows users to copy files between the local system and any system reachable over the network.
GATEWAY
Transfers information between physically separate networks that are based on differing protocols.
HARD DISK
A disk drive that contains one or more disks (which are hard platters rather than floppy disks) permanently sealed in it. Hard disks are noted for their speed and high capacity.
I/O ADDRESS
Locations within the input/output address space of PC used by a device, such as a printer or modem. The address is used for communication between software and the device.
IDE CONTROLLER
Integrated Drive Electronics. One type of hard drive specification PCs, also used in some Macintoshes.
INTERNET
A worldwide collection of interconnected networks, providing a wide variety of services, using the TCP/IP network protocols.
INTERRUPT (IRQ)
A signal that a device sends to the computer when the device is ready to accept or send information.
IP
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet
ISA
Industry Standard Architecture. One standard for PCs that specifies the architecture of the hardware.
Page 26 of 32
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – RESNET ResNet Student Handbook for Data Services Version 1. Issued: 15/02/2001
LAN
Local Area Network. A network in a localised location that allows users to share files, printers and other print services.
LED
Light emitting diode. Small indicator lights on electronics and networking devices such as a Network Card.
MAC ADDRESS
Each Network Interface Card has its own unique preprogrammed address. The MAC address which identifies the node or networking device
MEGABYTES
1024 kilobytes (about one million bytes hence megabyte). Usually abbreviated Mb or MB as in 30 Mb.
NETWORK
The means by which computers and other networking devices are connected together so that print services, files, equipment and software applications may be shared.
NETWORK ADAPTER
Network Interface Card, also called Adapter Cards. They serve as the interface between the computer and the network cable for sending and receiving data.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect bus architecture. It is used to connect network interface cards. Its operation is faster than an ISA bus.
PROTOCOL
A set of procedures or rules for sending and receiving information on a network.
PROXY
Ensures security, administrative control and caching services between PCs and the Internet.
RAM
Random Access Memory. The memory that can be used by applications to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on.
RJ45 PLUG
The connector on the end of Category 5 cabling; looks similar to a telephone plug.
RJ45 JACK
The connector on the back of a Network Card that accepts the RJ45 plug.
TCP/IP
Transmissions Control Protocol. Originally two separate protocols, now they are almost always used together. It is a networking protocol with the ability to connect many widely different elements.
UTP
Unshielded Twisted-Pair is the generic name given to the copper cables that connects your computer to the RJ45 socket on the wall.
VGA
Video Graphics Array. Specifications for video output on PCs, which features 640x480 resolution and 256 colours.
WWW
World Wide Web (WWW). Internet sites offering text, graphics, sound, and animation resources in an easy to use way, through the http protocol.
Page 27 of 32
Related Documents
Student Handbook Linux 110501
November 2019 10
Student Handbook
May 2020 30
Student Handbook
May 2020 28
Student Handbook
June 2020 20
Student Handbook
October 2019 28