Frequently Asked Questions


Why do I have to go through this Network Registration Procedure?

The university is making every effort to make your network experience productive and secure. This will assist us in protecting the network resources and reducing excessive downtime and cleanup costs due to virus outbreaks and vulnerabilities. In the past, students, through no fault of their own in most cases, were not able to access the internet/network due to computer virus infections and OS vulnerabilities for as long as several months. From investigations on the causes of the problems experienced, it has been determined that the best way to prevent this from happening again is to insure that virus software and OS critical update/patches are current and maintained.

Am I required to install any software on my computer?

All Microsoft Windows computers are required to install the Bradford Persistent Agent to connect to the university network. You will also be required to use some form of antivirus software and install critical Microsoft OS patches and updates. The Bradford Persistent Agent will scan your computer upon install and periodically thereafter to ensure that your computer is up-to-date. Macintosh computers running Mac OS X will have to install a Bradford Agent that registers your computer on the network and then uninstalls itself.

Just what is Bradford?

Bradford does all kinds of things. Its main purpose is to register your computer to your UTCID. This allows us to see who is connected to every network jack on campus. This also works for the wireless access on the main campus. Its second purpose is to make sure that all of the user's computers stay clean and up-to-date. This will help keep UTC's computer network clean and safe.

When do I have to login?

The very first time that you try to access the internet from your dorm room you will get redirected to a login page and then asked to download and install software. After you do that, you shouldn't have to login again for at least 7 days. This time frame may change, but it is currently set to 7 days. If you uninstall the Bradford software, you will have to login again and be asked to install the software as well.

How often will I have to login?

Normally, you will have to login again every 7 days, but this length of time has not been set in stone so it could be changed in the near future. Once you pass that first login, however, you shouldn't have to log in again, except for the default of every 7 days.

How will I know when my login session expires?

The software will proactively notify you that your network connection will end shortly. Also, you will know that your login has expired when your browser redirects you to the login page. Other indications that your network connection has been terminated are:

  • Email may fail to send or receive
  • Instant messaging fails or suddenly stops working
  • File downloads may suddenly stop

Every time I try to use my computer to access the internet, I see the login page and can't get past it.

If you constantly get the login page and can never get past it, even when the software has scanned your computer and tells you that you have successfully registered on the network, you need to call the Student IT Support Desk. This should never happen, but if it does we need to know about it.

However, keep in mind that after you do get the message about successfully registering on the network it takes approximately 1 minute to reconfigure your network connection. Until that reconfiguration takes place you will get nothing but the login page. Just be patient, it should work just fine.

How do I tell if I am already logged in?

The best way is to try to go to an internet site. In most cases, if you are ABLE to access a site such as www.google.com, you are online and logged in.

How do I tell if I am Quarantined?

The best way is to try to go to an internet site. If you are quarantined, you will be redirected to a web page that tells you why you have been quarantined and what you can do to fix it. If you are a Windows user, you can also double-click the Client Security Agent icon in the taskbar. It will tell you the same thing as the web page.

I use a personal firewall; will this cause a problem?

Usually no. In most cases, a personal firewall will work fine. Depending upon the firewall product you will receive several pop-up windows requesting ok to proceed. Some of the personal firewalls are:

  • Windows XP/Vista
  • BlackIce
  • Zone Alarm
  • Sygate

Can I use a router on the University's network?

No. Using a router or any other similar device on the network can cause interruptions to other student's internet connection. You will also lose your internet connection and get an AUP violation in the process. You will get notification if you are in violation of this.

Can I use my video game system on the University's network?

Yes, you can use video game systems on the network. Before you will be able to access the respective online services, you will have to register your console with us. Directions on how to do this are located on the Video Game Registration page.