How to get wired, go wireless

All Binghamton students are required to validate computers (desktop, laptops, netbooks, etc.) in order to use the University’s wireless and wired networks at Orientation and upon arriving each semester. Students may validate their computer prior to arriving on campus.

It is highly recommended to validate prior to arriving for Orientation in order to be able to access external Binghamton (e.g. http://bmail.binghamton.edu) and non-Binghamton websites.

Students also need to validate handheld devices, such as a Smartphone, iPod, Xbox, Playstation, Wii, TiVo, GameCube, etc., that run Windows, Mac or Palm operating systems and that are equipped with browsers seeking to connect to Binghamton University’s wireless campus network. Handheld validations may only be done on campus.

Validation is required each semester to assure students’ computers and handheld devices meet minimum security requirements (operating system updates and anti-virus protection).

How to validate your computer

 
Before you complete the eight simple steps below, please know:

- It is important to install and update all of your computer’s critical operating system (hardware and software) and antivirus software. Assuring such updates are completed prior to taking the first step below often only requires a few minutes for computer validation.

- Computer validation expires after 30 days of no connection to the Binghamton wired or wireless networks.

- Do not pre-validate your computer more than 29 days prior to Orientation, otherwise you will be required to validate again upon arrival at campus.

- Students attending Orientation who pre-validate prior to or validate at campus, will be required to validate their computer again upon arrival on campus for the fall semester.

- Be sure to keep these instructions for future reference.

STEP 1: Go to http://verify.binghamton.edu and select text link “Click here to validate computer.”

STEP 2: Read the Acceptable Use Policy, which is linked or available at this web page: http://computing.binghamton.edu/policies/acceptable-use.

STEP 3: Enter your PODS username and password. NOTE: By entering your PODS username and password you are agreeing to the Acceptable Use Policy.

STEP 4: Click the button “Validate.”

STEP 5: Upon successful log in, a gray will box appear. Simply click the button “Run.”

STEP 6: When a second gray box appears, click the button “Run.”

STEP 7: A scan will run checking for operating system updates and antivirus programs.

STEP 8: If your computer successfully MEETS the validation requirements, a RESULT screen will automatically appear with a graphic of a pirate and with the validation message: “You have successfully refreshed your validation. Please reboot your system at this time.”

If your computer DOES NOT meet the validation requirements, you will be directed to the updates required for your computer in order for successful validation to occur. Often, hardware and/or software updates from the authorized manufacturer/provider are required.

NOTE: If you fail to validate your computer prior to Orientation, a guest account can be provided to students or parents to access the University’s networks during the campus visit. However, this method will take extra time to assign and access.

How to validate your handheld device(s)

Before you complete either method below, please know:

- Handheld devices, such as iPads, Smartphones, iPods and game consoles, can only be validated on campus; no pre-validation is possible from home.

- The Help Desk is located on the first floor lobby of the Computer Center. Check their website at http://its.binghamton.edu/helpdesk  for weekday operating hours during the semesters and summer.

METHOD 1
STEP 1: Go to http://verify.binghamton.edu and select text link “Click here to register other network devices”

STEP 2: Enter your PODS username and password, and click “Sign In”

STEP 3: Upon successful log in, you will see “Current Registrations,” which will be any computers you’ve validated already, and “Add a New Device.” Read the detailed information under “Add a New Device.”

STEP 4: Then, complete the required fields – PODS username, PODS password, Physical (MAC) Address or IP Address – and select the required Device Type in the drop down menu.

OR, METHOD 2
Handheld devices that run Windows, Mac or Palm operating systems and that are equipped with browsers can validate by opening a browser on the device connecting to the wireless network.

The browser will be automatically directed to a web page where you may validate using your PODs username and password. Handheld devices without browsers cannot validate using this method.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Binghamton University’s Help Desk at (607) 777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu.

The Help Desk is located on the first floor lobby of the Computer Center. Check their website at http://its.binghamton.edu/helpdesk for weekday operating hours during the semesters and summer.