CLASSE Laptop User's Guide

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Quick Tips

* CLASSE Managed laptops are configured with ZeroTier which provides an always on VPN. You do not need to do anything manually to use this connection. On Windows, you can verify ZeroTier functionality by running C:\TEMP\check_zerotier.exe.

* Please leave your laptop powered on and connected to a network every Monday night, if possible.

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Networking

You must be connected to a network in order to:

• Print to a CLASSE printer
• Access Samba
• Access WinAPP
• Log in for the first time

Wireless connection

CLASSE IT finds that wireless to be the easiest and most flexible for most users. Wireless network access on campus is provided by Cornell University (not CLASSE). Please connect to the RedRover network. RedRover is the preferred network while on Campus.

CLASSE Managed laptops are configured with ZeroTier which provides an always on VPN. You do not need to do anything manually to use this connection. On Windows, you can verify ZeroTier functionality by running C:\TEMP\check_zerotier.exe.

Wired connection on request

Most laptops function seamlessly with RedRover CIT wireless. However in some situations you may prefer a wired connection. Please open a ServiceRequest if you need a wired connection and specify the location (room and desk) where you need it.

Windows will default to a wired connection if it is available. If you want to manually force a connection type you can disable other network adapters. See SwitchingFromWirelessToWiredLNSProtected.

Docking / Undocking

Windows can get confused if you dock or undock while it is not on and logged in.

• To have the best experience undocking:
  1. Make sure to be logged in to your CLASSE account
  2. Using the dock button, click to undock
  3. Once the dock or Windows indicates you can undock, physically remove the laptop from the dock.
  4. Then continue:
     • Hibernate the laptop by closing the lid or selecting from the start menu.
     • Or change network configuration.
• To have the best experience docking:
  1. Make sure you are logged in to your CLASSE account
  2. Physically dock the laptop
  • You may need to reset some screen resolutions when you have multiple monitors connected via the dock.

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Linux Networking and Filesystems

Change Network Settings

To switch between wire and wireless, use the "Networking" icon in the upper-right corner of your screen.

After clicking on that icon, you should see available network interfaces. Your wired interfaces are listed under "Ethernet Network," and any wireless interfaces will be listed under "Wi-Fi Networks."

Filesystems / Disks

• Unlike CLASSE Managed Linux desktops, laptops use local home disks and do not have access to NFS File systems.
• Your CLASSE Managed Linux laptops (or desktops) local disks are not backed up.
• To access NetworkedFilesystems, you will need to use the samba protocol instead of NFS
  1. Connect to a network.
  2. Open the File Manager (double-click on a folder on your desktop)
  3. click on "samba" underneath "PLACES," or select one of the precreated CLASSE Shortcuts.
  4. Double-click on the samba share you would like to access. To correlate samba shares with NFS shares, please see https://www.classe.cornell.edu/private/computing/filesystems.html
  5. Login with your CLASSE username and password

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Maintenance and support

Because laptops are not always turned on or connected to a network, additional care must be taken to keep them up to date, and remote support from CLASSE-IT requires the user to take additional steps.

Automatic weekly updates

Laptops should be left on and connected to a network every Monday night. Software updates usually are applied Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

If a laptop is turned off on Monday night, the updates will be applied soon after it is powered back on. Note that the laptop may be very sluggish while the updates are applied.

Performance checkups

Laptops have greater exposure than desktops to untrusted networks, and they can also get out-of-sync with our desktop configurations when they are not connected to a network regularly. To schedule a checkup, please submit a ServiceRequest and allow approximately 4 hours for the work. Usually, we'll schedule a time with you to drop off and pick up the laptop from the IT Helpdesk, but alternative arrangements can be made.

Remote Support

As with CLASSE desktops, we can remotely address many laptop service requests. However, in your request, please let us know which network your laptop is connected to.

• Let us know what network you are connected to, such as RedRover or your home network.