Getting Help with Walkup Computing

Your first point of contact should be the contact person for the site you are using. A network administrator, librarian, or computer site personnel should be able to make sure that you are using a Walkup Computing port. The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below can solve many of the other problems you might have with using Walkup Computing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Walkup Computing

Q. Why does the login interface look different than it used to?

A. The Walkup authentication process has been moved from the previous PublicPort servers to the new UIUCnet QuickConnect service. The login sequence is approximately the same -- you click the Login button and authenticate through Bluestem.

You can also use the VPN server to connect from Walkup if you need more types of networking than QuickConnect provides.

Q. I'm trying to use Walkup at Grainger and can't get any response when I plug in my computer.

A. Most of the study carrels at Grainger are not wired for Walkup. Use the ones on the West side of the 3rd floor. (Turn right when you leave the elevator.) With several people, you can also use the group study rooms on the west side of the 4th floor.

Q. Does Linux work with Walkup?

A. Yes. But you should disable all but the single Ethernet interface that you are using. Especially disable the PPP device you may use for dial up access. The multiple IP's that Linux exposes to the network can cause problems otherwise.

Q. I get the login page but can't log in.

A. Use your UIUC Network ID (NetID) and your Active Directory password. This is the same password you use with UIUCnet Wireless, NetFiles, and many other CITES services. If you can't remember your Active Directory password, you can use your NetID password to reset it at the Password Home Page.

Q. Do I need to set my computer to use DHCP?
(On Microsoft Windows systems this is called "Obtain an IP address automatically")

A. Yes. In order to access the network through the Walkup system, your computer needs to be set to receive the temporary IP address assigned to it -- one which identifies it as part of the Walkup subnetwork.

Many computers are already configured this way; first, try plugging your computer in and using Walkup, and see if it works.

For more information on how to set your computer to use DHCP, see Setting your computer to use DHCP in the configuration page.

Q. Sometimes Bluestem authentication does not work! Help!

A. Some programs use the Web to check for updates, to automatically log in to a Web portal, or some provide some similar service automatically when your computer starts up. These Web accesses interfere with the Web authentication through Bluestem. For example, on Windows, the RealMedia "Start Center", Yahoo's portal, and media sharing programs such as scour all use the Web to perform their functions, confusing the Bluestem authenticaion sequence.

Disable some of your startup programs.

Q. Will you install Walkup Computing in my building?

A. Since Walkup affects a building's network, the building or department network administrator must request this of CITES. Please ask your network administrator about this. If you don't know who this is or how to contact them, the department's administrative offices should be able to help you.