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Student Computer Registration

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If you wish to use the Internet from your Stony Brook dorm room or from any of the public jacks on campus, then you must register your computer. Registration is required to use both the wired network (ResNet) and the wireless network (WolfieNet). It is recommended that students register their computers on the wired network before registering on the wireless network. The Web address to conduct registration is:

https://register.resnet.stonybrook.edu

You can only access this Web site from on campus, therefore you must wait to register until you arrive on campus and the registration period has begun (which is usually a few days before the start of the semester). Students need to re-register at the start of each new semester, including summer sessions.

You need to know your NetID and NetID password to register your computer. You are also required to provide a working e-mail address for verification. Computers using Windows operating systems are required to download and successfully pass a Client Assessment Tool (CAT) scan before they will be registered (see "Important Prerequisites for Registering a Windows Computer" below).

Registering Apple or UNIX-Based Computers

If you use an Apple or UNIX-based (Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, etc.) operating system, you are not required to run the Client Assessment Tool (CAT). You will be taken directly to the computer registration page once you plug in your ethernet cable (or connect wirelessly) and open your Web browser.

Important Prerequisites for Registering a Windows Computer

If you use a Windows operating system (Windows 2000 or later), you must use Internet Explorer to register. You must have acceptable and up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer with the most current virus definitions and the latest critical Windows Updates (Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Service Pack 3). The Client Assessment Tool (CAT.exe) is downloaded during registration and tests your computer for these items. Any missing items will cause the registration to fail, so it is essential you test your computer before you arrive on campus at the start of each semester.

You should only have one anti-virus software program running on your machine. If you have multiple anti-virus software programs installed on your computer, they can severely interfere with one another and essentially cancel each other out and make your computer less secure. Symantec Endpoint Protection is available at no additional cost to all Stony Brook students through SB's software distribution Web site, Softweb. Patches are provided through LiveUpdate every three days.

Uninstall multiple copies or trial anti-virus software (which usually comes bundled with new computers) and then download and install Symantec Endpoint Protection from Softweb. To access Softweb, you will need your Stony Brook NetID and NetID password.

To register a Windows computer, make sure that Automatic Detect Settings is turned on. Follow these steps to turn it on:

  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • Go to Tools > Internet Options.
  • In the Connections tab, click on LAN settings, which takes you to another menu where you need to make sure Automatic Detect Settings is checked and nothing else.
  • Click OK and you should now be able to proceed with the registration process.

Procedure for Registering a Windows Computer

Common Registration Problems and Solutions

Remember to Check for New Windows Updates

Once a month, Microsoft releases its latest security/software updates. You can go to Windows Update in the Start menu of your computer or visit http://update.microsoft.com/ to make sure your machine is running the latest Windows Updates needed to pass CAT. Once you pass CAT, you can then register your computer. Even if you updated your computer in the last month, please run Windows Update prior to registration as there will likely be a new update to apply.