Wright Hall tests new Internet software

About 260 students in Wright Hall are the test subjects of new Internet software, but some of the students are nervous about how well it will work. Information Technology started experimenting Monday with a new product for Ethernet Internet use on campus. The trial period is scheduled to last all semester, but if there are too many problems, they will bring the old software back.

"It's a product we hope will work better than what we're currently using," said network engineer Michael Shelton during a presentation to Wright Hall residents Jan. 26. "If it's a good product, then we will probably purchase it to be used throughout the residence halls."

Students had mixed reactions after being told they had no choice but to comply with the testing of a service that is not guaranteed to work. Even though they will be reimbursed for the $45 semester fee, some students worry about not being able to get on the new network to do homework.

"I would rather use [the current RezNet] and pay for it and know it'll work," said Mike Skwarek, a freshman and Wright Hall resident studying in film production from Naperville. "I think it's a waste of time. I don't understand what's wrong with the old Rez-Net."

The current Ethernet server has one simple login screen where users have to enter their Kerberos ID and password, and then they are free to browse. The server is reset at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, but users remain logged in on the weekend.

The new software will allow first-time users with Windows XP or Windows 2000 to login on the RezNet screen once initially, but those using older versions of the Microsoft program, Linux or Macintosh will have to login every time they want to connect, which is something Shelton said needs to be worked on.

In addition to logging in on the Rez-Net screen, all users must login to a new program .

The Clean Access Agent program takes up about 6 megabytes of hard drive space and scans users' systems for updated virus protection software and Microsoft updates. If the computer is not up-to-date, it will not be able to connect to the Internet.

Shelton said the Clean Access Agent is one of the disadvantages of the change. He said it will pop up and annoy users until they connect to the Internet or completely exit the program all together. Another minor drawback is that the new RezNet screen will not let users know if they have typed in an incorrect password.

However, the new software does have its advantages.

The new network will log all users out at 4 a.m. Users whose accounts were temporarily frozen will be unlocked for the following day. Shelton said another advantage is that users who are unable to connect can unplug their Ethernet cord for five minutes, which also disconnects the user's login from the network. Shelton said the technicians have tested the cord pull and it has worked every time.

"That's a house cleaning thing," Shelton said. "At one point, we were getting 60 to 70 calls a day. It's just too much hassle. We just purge everybody out once a day and be done with it."

Rob Whitt, a network specialist who works at the customer service desk, said the desk is ready to work through the problems as quick as it can. "The benefits should outweigh the negatives," Whitt said.