Network Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I required to use Network Registation before I can get on line?
What information do I need to know before I use Network Registration?
What if I do not have a Marlboro College username?
How often will I be required to register?
Why do I need to register a separate time for each network adapter?
What vulnerabilities does Network Registration scan for?
What do I do if Network Registration finds problems on my computer?
After completing Network Registration, will my computer be safe from viruses?
Q: Why am I required to use Network Registation before I can get on line?
A: Because of the increasing proliferation of computer viruses and security exploits, we have implemented Network Registration as a tool to make sure that each computer connected to our network meets a minimum standard for security and belongs to an authorized Marlboro College user.
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Q: What information do I need to know before I use Network Registration?
A: You will need to know your Marlboro College username and password.
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Q: What if I do not have a Marlboro College username?
A: Only current faculty, students, alumni and staff with Marlboro College user accounts are permitted to connect their personal computers to our network - this does not include guests or those without a valid Marlboro user account. If you are not allowed to register but believe you have a legitimate need to connect to the network, please contact Tech Support at extension 274.
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Q: How often will I be required to register?
A: You will need to complete the Network Registration process once per semester.
You will also need to complete the Network Registration process once for each network adapter on your computer; i.e. once while connected with a network cable for your ethernet adapter, once while connected via wireless adapter, etc. See next question for more info.
You may also be asked to register once more if you are connected at Marlboro North, which has its own separate network registration system.
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Q: Why do I need to register a separate time for each network adapter?
A: Technically, what is being registered when you go through this process is the unique serial number, called a MAC address, that belongs to your computer's network adapter - the hardware component that connects your computer to the network.
Like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two network adapters share the same MAC address. This allows your computer to be identified uniquely on the network, making possible, for example, the ability to check your email and have it show up on your computer and not someone else's.
So, if you have more than one network adapter installed on your computer, such as on a laptop with a wireless card in addition to a (wired) ethernet adapter, each adapter will have a different MAC address. Because there is no way for us to know that both MAC addresses are connected to the same computer, each adapter will need to be registered separately through Network Registration before it can used.
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Q: What vulnerabilities does Network Registration scan for?
A: Currently there are three specific problems that are scanned for:
1) A security hole in Windows operating systems known as the DCOM/RPC vulnerability. This is exploited by several common viruses such as the Blaster and Gaobot worms.
2) Another security hole in Windows operating systems known as the LSASS vulnerability. This is exploited by the Sasser worm, among others.
3) A feature in Windows XP called Network Bridging. This feature, if enabled, has the potential to severely disrupt network service for all Marlboro users.
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Q: What do I do if Network Registration finds problems on my computer?
A: If any problems are found, you will be given a page with instructions for what to do next. You may be directed to downlad and install one or more patches to fix the security vulnerabilities and be given specific steps to follow. Please read and follow all instructions carefully, then restart your computer and open a web browser to complete the Network Registration.
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Q: After completing Network Registration, will my computer be safe from viruses?
A: Absolutely not! Network Registration only scans for a few, select vulnerabilities to help control the spread of viruses on campus. It does not and cannot check if a computer is currently infected, nor will successfully completing Network Registration protect you from future viruses. You are still responsible for installing and running up-to-date anti-virus software, and keeping your computer current with operating system and security patches.
For more information on protecting your computer, see here: Protect your computer.
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Q: I have a Mac or I am sure that the "network bridge" feature is turned off, but I still can't register. What can I do?
A: Some very new computers will not appear properly in our database of compatible devices. In this case, bring your computer to the Technical Support office in the Library or call extension 274 so that it can be manually registered.