What is Active Directory
Active Directory is a networking environment that replaces the old IRMNT and ENCORE domains. This new technology allows for better protection of FIU's network and information resources via remote installations of security patches and software applications. Additionally, features such as electronic file encryption will be made available, allowing users to increase the level of security on files that contain sensitive data. Along with the added protection, Active Directory will allow UTS the ability to upgrade older IT systems and software applications to newer technologies (e.g. Windows Vista, McAfee Antivirus Version 8.5, etc.)
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Why is FIU doing this?
This migration will lay the foundation for newer technologies and applications. Applications like Longhorn, Sharepoint, Vista, and Central Authentication will be supported on this new networking environment which will afford users the ability to manage their email and files with fewer passwords. Additionally, this migration will allow computers running Windows to comply with state, federal, and University guidelines.
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What is the benefit to FIU?
Besides complying with Federal and State laws and University Policies, the migration will afford the University the opportunity to use newer technologies while providing a safer work environment with better protection of sensitive student and financial information.
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What is happening?
UTS will be migrating Windows computers currently accessing the IRMNT and Encore Windows domains to the FIU Active Directory domain.
Additionally, Windows 2000 and Windows XP computers not currently part of a University active directory are eligible to participate in the FIU Active Directory migration based on the department’s IT needs. UTS will collaborate with department representatives in order to identify, assess, and plan the migration of their Windows computers.
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Who is affected?
All Windows users currently accessing the IRMNT and ENCORE domains.
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What changes will I notice?
You will notice a login banner which notifies you of the terms of use for FIU owned workstations. Additionally, there will be a locking screensaver which is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity. Depending on your user profile, you may or may not be able to add and delete applications from the workstation as well.
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How long will it take to migrate my computer?
Migration times will vary from 30 minutes to as long as 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your workstation configuration.
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Do I have to let the Active Directory Migration Team work on my computer?
If your Windows computer is part of the IRMNT or Encore Windows domains, then your computer must be migrated to the Active Directory domain. In most cases the migration will be performed by UTS personnel; however, in departments that have IT staff, UTS will partner with them to perform the department’s migration.
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What do I need to do?
We ask that you make yourself available for the assessment and migration, and that you attend the Active Directory information session which will be scheduled for your workgroup.
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What if I don’t use IRMNT or Encore?
Departments that don’t currently use IRMNT or Encore are encouraged to participate in the FIU Active Directory. UTS will collaborate with department representatives in order to identify, assess, and plan the migration of their Windows computers.
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What if I’m already on another Windows NT domain or Active Directory?
If your workstation is currently part of another Windows NT domain or Active Directory, then this migration will not affect you at this time.
In a future phase of the FIU Active Directory project, UTS will work with departments interested in either joining the FIU Active Directory or establishing interconnectivity between their networks and the FIU Active Directory.
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Can I install my own software?
While some users may be given administrative rights to their workstations, many users will be given “user access”, which does not allow the installation of additional software programs on the workstation. If there are some programs you must have on your workstation, we ask that you have them installed prior to your workgroup’s migration date. Your department will determine which users will have the ability to install software.
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What happens to my shared folders?
Once migrated, you should still have access to all of the shared folders you currently have access to.
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What should I do to confirm whether the migration was successful?
You will have the opportunity to verify and sign-off on your computer’s migration. Once your computer has been migrated, we ask that you log in and verify, in no particular order, (1) that all applications are working properly, (2) that you still have access to shared folders, and (3) that your desktop items are the same as they were before the migration. Please notify an Active Directory Migration Team member if you have any problems signing-off on the migration.
Active Directory Migration Team members will perform a follow-up visit after the migration to ensure any problems and issues that were reported are addressed. Please contact the UTS Support Center by calling our Call Center at 305-348-2284 or, for faster support, use our On-Line Service Request System.
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Can I connect to my computer using Remote Desktop?
Yes, you can, however it is required that you use a secured VPN account to do so.
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How do I get a VPN account?
You can obtain vpn access by following the instructions located on: http://vpn.fiu.edu
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Should I use third-party firewall software?
For Windows XP computers, we also strongly recommend using the Windows XP firewall and uninstalling third-party firewalls (e.g., Zone Alarm, Sygate, etc.) that could possibly prevent the workstation from communicating properly within the FIU AD network.
Windows 2000 workstations will be addressed on a per-case basis to determine the appropriate solution for that computer.
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