Student Handbook LINUX 110501

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
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
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
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
resnetproject@ed.ac.uk
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
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
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.
Note The Ethernet-HOWTO document provides further details that

Please Note:
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
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 (matriculationnumber@sms.ed.ac.uk) 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 registration@resnet.ed.ac.uk) 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
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
registration@resnet.ed.ac.uk 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
registration@resnet.ed.ac.uk.
Page 8 of 32
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
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
Page 10 of 32
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
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
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
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
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
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 <your-matriculation-
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
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
Select Change Val to edit the configuration screen and then set the
following fields:
personal-name = << type you full personal name here>>
user-domain = sms.ed.ac.uk
smtp-server = sms.ed.ac.uk
nntp-server = newsread.ed.ac.uk
inbox-path = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}INBOX
and also
default-fcc = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}Sent Items
folder-collections = {sms.ed.ac.uk/user=your-matric-number}[ ]
postponed-folder = {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 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 (single-
sided). The following table is a summary of these Print Queues and Printer
models:
Page 19 of 32
Location Printer Name Model Memory

Appleton Tower Level 4 ATL4A-D HP LaserJet 8100 64
“ ATL4B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
“ ATLV4-COLOUR Lexmark SC1275 64
Appleton Tower Level 5 ATL5A-D HP LaserJet 4000 Series 24
“ ATL5B-S HP LaserJet 4050 Series 32
Erskine Medical Library EML0A-D HP LaserJet 5M 14
Greenfield Suite GFS0A-D HP LaserJet 8100 40
“ GFS0B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Dalhousie Land DLH4A-D HP LaserJet 4050 Series 32
JCMB Level 3 JCMB3A-D HP LaserJet 4050 Series 32
“ JCMB3B-D HP LaserJet 5M 14
“ JCMB3C-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
KB Centre Level 2 KBC2A-D HP LaserJet 8100 40
“ KBC2B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
“ KBCL2-COLOUR Lexmark SC1275 64
“ KBC2C-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
KB Centre Level 3 KBC3A-D HP LaserJet 5M 14
“ KBC3B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Main Library Level 2 LIB2A-D HP LaserJet 5M 14
“ LIB2B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Main Library Level 4 LIB4A-D HP LaserJet 8100 40
“ LIB4B-S HP LaserJet 4000 Series 24
“ LIB4C-D HP LaserJet 5M 24
Mylnes Court MLNCA-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Stevenson Lab OEL0A-D HP LaserJet 8100 40
“ OEL0B-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Holland House - Pollock PLKHA-D HP LaserJet 4000 Series 24
“ PLKHB-S HP LaserJet 5M 14
Richmond Place RICHA-D HP LaserJet 5M 14
Royal Medical School RMS1A-S HP LaserJet 4000 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
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 <your_matric_number>.sms.ed -q <printer> -d"RESNET
Printing" <filename.ps>
For example to access a Holland House Laboratory printer, enter:

# nprint -S plkhb-srv1 –U <your_matric_number>.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
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=<your matric number>.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
Using nprint
From the # prompt type the command nprint –S plkhb-srv1 –U <your_

matric_number>.sms.ed –q plkhb-s –d”RESNET Printing”
<filename.ps>
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
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.
7. FURTHER ADVICE
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 helpdesk@resnet.ed.ac.uk, 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 support@resnet.ed.ac.uk
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
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 purchases@resnet.ed.ac.uk.
The Reception Centre will also be stocking several inexpensive network

adapters and cables for use with ResNet.
Page 25 of 32
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
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 pre-
programmed 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 Network Interface Card, also called Adapter Cards.
ADAPTER 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

Student Handbook LINUX 110501

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Student Handbook LINUX 110501

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The University of Edinburgh

ResNet Student Handbook

Copyright - Pell Frischmann Multinet Ltd

Not to be copied or reproduced without the consent of

Copyrights and Trademarks of Third Parties acknowledged.

WHO PROVIDES RESNET - PFML RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY

OVERVIEW OF RESNET DATA SERVICES

1. RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS

2. USER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTING A PC TO RESNET

3. REGISTERING TO USE RESNET

4. CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET

5. CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES

1. RESNET COMPUTING CONDITIONS

1.2 THE MAJOR SERVICES WHICH RESNET PROVIDES

1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE SERVICE

i. To help protect your PC from external attack

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

Please Note: All the latest installation instructions; including specific

2.2 HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY

Please Note: it is likely that any PC of a lesser specification would be too

If you are considering purchasing a new PC, typically any up-to-date

2.3 OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY

2.4 NETWORK ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY

Any NE20000 Clone Adapter

The Reception Centre will be stocking several inexpensive network adapters

Note The Ethernet-HOWTO document provides further details that

3. REGISTERING TO USE RESNET

3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

3.2 HOW TO REGISTER

Logged in as an ordinary user or root , select the Terminal Emulation

The ”eth0 Link encap:Ethernet Hwaddr” line provides details of the

4. CONNECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER TO RESNET

4.2 INSTALLING A TYPICAL NETWORK ADAPTER

Please Note: The fitting of your Network Adapter is undertaken entirely at

It is important to follow the instructions from the supplier of your PC for

4.3 CONFIGURING THE TCP/IP NETWORKING PROTOCOL

Select Act/Changes, where you will be prompted to Activate the changes

4.4 CHECKING THAT YOU CAN COMMUNICATE ON RESNET

5. CONFIGURING YOUR PC FOR USE WITH THE RESNET SERVICES

5.1 CONFIGURING YOUR INTERNET WEB BROWSER.

Configuration of Netscape 2 & 3

Configuration of Netscape 4.05

5.2 CONFIGURING THE NOVELL CLIENT

From the Terminal Emulation Program, type /sbin/ipx_interface add –p

and "novell-server" should be replaced by whatever is your SMS server

5.4 CONFIGURING YOUR EMAIL CLIENT

Configuring Other Clients

• the Server Name - set to SMS.ED.AC.UK

5.5 ADDING A NETWORK PRINTER

Location Printer Name Model Memory

5.5.1 To Add A Netware Printer

Then select Add from the Print System Manager.

Ensure that the Paper Size Is A4.

Finally at Printing Option unset PS printers as a standard.

5.5.2 Generic Novell Printing Instructions - For Non-RedHat Linux systems

For example to access a Holland House Laboratory printer, enter:

Finally, select OK.

cat | /usr/bin/nprint -S $server -q $queue $usercmd -N –d "$user:RESNET"

Advanced Printing- LPR Automation (Cont)

Remember to replace <print-server> and <printer> with appropriate values

From the # prompt type the command nprint –S plkhb-srv1 –U <your_