When booting a new Mac for the first time, or when upgrading to a new OS, users are prompted to enter their full name. The operating system takes that name ("Jane Doe," for instance) and creates a computer name ("Jane Doe's computer"), which is used by multiple applications. By default, the computer name contains an apostrophe and at least one space. Although Mac users are able to obtain an IP address from the Lab's DHCP server without any problem, they are not able to "register" names containing spaces or apostrophes with the Lab's DNS servers. Such users have network connectivity, but reverse look-ups on their IP address fail, which prevents them from accessing certain Lab services (including some POP and NFS servers) which rely on reverse look-ups for security purposes.

An easy solution? Use the same name you use to log in to the central email and calendar services. This simplifies things on several levels, including computer backups (see related article in this issue).

The workaround is relatively simple. Under OS X, users need to go to System Preferences/Sharing, and enter a new Computer Name, one that starts and ends with a letter or number, and contains letters, numbers or dashes.

Under OX 9, users need to select Control Panels / File Sharing/Computer Name, and make the same change.

For assistance with Macintosh configuration, please contact the Help Desk at x4357. For questions regarding the Lab's DHCP or DNS services, please call LBLnet at x4559.