Novell Directory Services are the services accessible through the Novell Client.

Username

NDS usernames are augmented by context information that indicates where the user appears within Valpo’s NDS tree modeled after the university organizational structure.

Students

Students may log into NDS from any lab computer connected to the network.

• Student usernames all follow the same template:
• .[first letter of first name][first seven letters of last name].[first letter of last name].stu.vu

• Example NDS username for student Brian McIntosh:
• .bmcintos.m.stu.vu

After entering a correct username and password, the Windows login box will appear. The username is 'Guest' and the password should be left blank.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff may log into NDS from any on-campus computer connected to the network.

• Their usernames all follow a similar template:
• .[first letter of first name][first seven letters of last name].[Department].[College or Division].vu

• Example NDS username for Education Department member Brian McIntosh:
• .bmcintos.ed.cas.vu

All abbreviations for departments and divisions come from the Colleague code tables. The computer at your desk may not require the complete login; view the departmental abbreviations if you are unsure of yours.

Novell Application Launcher (NAL)

The Novell Application Launcher distributes network software and is available on any computer that has the Novell Client installed.

If no desktop icon appears on an office computer, the NAL can be run by typing NALwin32.exe into the Start>Run... dialog box or by creating a desktop shortcut. For assistance in creating a desktop shortcut, contact the Help Desk.

Novell Connection for Macintosh

Macintosh computer platforms can connect to Novell and gain access to network file storage. The Novell Application Launcher is only available for Windows workstations.

Password Resets and Changes

For continuing security, every 185 days you will be prompted to change your password. After the NDS password expires, you have six grace logins. During these grace logins you will be prompted to change the password. If the password is not changed, the account is locked.

NDS accounts that are locked need password resets. NDS password resets can be requested by presenting a photo ID to the IT Help Desk, located on the first floor of the CCLIR. If you are away from campus, call the Help Desk to determine how to verify identity.

Within the 185 day period you can change your NDS password at any time by using the Identity Manager system. Contact the Help Desk if you need assistance with changing your password.

Network File Storage

All NDS accounts include network storage space.

Your home directory (H:\) is your personal network storage space. Student accounts have an initial quota of 75MB; faculty and staff have 500MB. To check your disk quota, go to the "Disk and Network Account Utilities" folder on the Novell Application Launcher (NAL). Quota increases can be requested through the IT Help Desk. Faculty whose students need more space for projects should make the request; include the reason for increase and estimated space needed.

Saving to this space, whether from a PC or a Mac has many advantages.

• Documents stored there are accessible from offices and computer clusters on campus and your personal computer in the residence halls or off campus.
• The network is safe, secure, and stable.
• All network drives are backed up nightly, allowing for the retrieval of important files in the case of accidental deletion or system failure.

In addition, faculty, staff, and students may have access to shared resources on the G:\ drive. This network space allows a number of authorized users to have access to certain directories or files. The G:\ drive offers the same security, stability, and back-up as the H:\ drive. Shared network space can be requested by an authorized person within the department. Requests must include person receiving access, which folders are to be accessible, and type of access needed (read, write, delete, full, or a special combination).

Downloading From or Uploading to H:\ or G:\ When Off-campus

To place or retrieve files in your network storage space when away from campus, use Netstorage with your web browser. See our page on Netstorage for more information.

Retrieve Deleted Files or Folders

Any files or folders deleted from the H:\ or G:\ drive network space may be recovered by right-clicking on the appropriate drive. Then select Salvage Files. A list will appear with all files or folders deleted within the last two weeks. Select the file or folder you wish to retrieve.

Folders that have been deleted or files that have been deleted for an extended period of time may be able to be restored. IT staff will need to restore these files or folders manually. Restoration requests may be made by contacting the IT Help Desk.

Network Printing

Students can print documents to a lab network printer by using a lab printer. Faculty and staff can print documents on any network printer within their department. Printing to a network printer requires installing the printer drivers.

Black & white laser printing is available in most computer labs on campus. Color laser printing is available on the first floor of the Christopher Center along the glass wall by the Help Desk.

Print Quotas

See our section on quotas for information about your printing allotment.

Installing a Network Printer

Installing network printers is very similar to installing a local printer. Office computers for faculty and staff should automatically have the necessary print drivers for departmental printers installed. If you need an additional network printer installed on your computer, contact the Help Desk and request assistance with installing the printer.