Does my computer need to be on the MSE domain?

AMarx — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:14:00 GMT

Any time someone gets a new computer, people always ask: does it need to be on the domain? What are the advantages and disadvantages of putting it on the domain? If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a domain, I would direct you towards Wikipedia's entry on Active Directory.

Advantages of being on the MSE domain

Caching of your user name and password for accessing network resources
Automatic mapping of your personal file folder and group folder

If your computer isn't on the domain...

You can access your file share at \\mse-files\files\{username}

e.g. \\mse-files\files\jdoe

You can access your group folder at \\mse-files\groups\{group name}

e.g. \\mse-files\groups\pmg

I only add department-owned desktops to the domain--since laptops are mobile, they won't always be on Drexel's network, which can cause problems if you're out of sight of the domain controller for too long.

If you have questions regarding this policy, or if you'd like your desktop added to the domain, feel free to contact me.

At last! Using FTP to access your network share

AMarx — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 15:25:00 GMT

From the day I announced that we were rolling out a department file server, people have been asking if they could get FTP access to it. Because of the inherently insecure nature of FTP, I was hesitant. After careful research, however, I was able to find a secure FTP server that will allow MSE domain users to access their files without being on (or VPNing onto) Drexel's network. Support for the MATERIALS domain has been discontinued.

Step 1: Finding a client that works for you

Most FTP clients have built-in support for secure certificate negotiation, so if you already have an FTP client you like, try it out. I was able to find a very able free client called Core FTP (download), but you're free to choose any that you like. Downloading and installation should be quite simple.

Step 2: Logging in

Server: ftp://files.mse.drexel.edu/

There is no need to put MSE in front of your username, as the FTP server will search the domain automatically. You will have to tell the client to use Secure FTP--you'll be looking for an option that looks like "AUTH SSL" or "AUTH TLS" or "Implicit SSL". SFTP is not the same as Secure FTP--it stands for SSH FTP, which we do not use. Selecting this won't get you to your files.

Step 3: Troubleshooting

Since this is a new system, I expect that there will be issues. If you receive "Invalid home directory", it's because you don't have a user directory on the file server, or it is improperly configured. Contact me to have one created. If you receive "Invalid user name/password", you may have to reset your domain password. Again, contact me and I'll reset it.

Search results matching tag 'domain'

Does my computer need to be on the MSE domain?

At last! Using FTP to access your network share