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Taylor Hall 125
M-F: 8am - 5pm
(970) 943-3333
helpdesk@western.edu

 

Host Checker Information

What is the Host Checker (accesscontrol.western.edu)?

The Host Checker is a client-side agent that performs endpoint health and security checks for computers that attempt to connect to the wired or wireless network. It identifies whether networked devices such as laptops, desktops computers and personal digital assistants are compliant with Western State College’s security policies, and repairs any vulnerability before allowing them access to the network.

How do I log in to the Western State College network?

Plug into the wired network in your residence hall or connect to the one of the wireless networks: Western or College Campus Wifi.

Launch a supported browser and you will be redirected to a page and prompted to log in. To log in, use your WSC student account user-id and password.

What does the Host Checker check on my computer?

It checks that you have supported anti-virus software and that it is up to date, it checks that any Windows PC has the latest Windows OS Service pack and updates and it checks that your Windows Firewall is turned on.  It does not gather any other information about you or your computer.

Once I'm connected to the network, can I close the Host Checker window?

If you close the browser with the active session, your session will timeout and you will not be able to access the network without logging in again.

Can Mac computers get on the network?

Yes, as long as you use Safari browser to download Host Checker and have the latest Java packages installed.

Can computers with Linux OS get on the network?

Yes, you must use Mozilla Firefox browser to download Host Checker and have the latest Java packages installed.

What browsers can I use on my Windows PC to get on the network?

You must use Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to download and run the Host Checker. After your session is established, you can minimize your browser and then launch any other browser such as Chrome, Safari or Opera.

I don't use MS Windows or Mac OS X. Can I still get on to the network?

Yes. For Linux users such as Ubuntu, you must use Mozilla Firefox browser to download Host Checker and also have the latest Java packages installed.

How do I get my game console such as Xbox or Wii on to the network?

Xbox, Wii and Playstation mac addresses are automatically added to the UAC and if your mac address matches one in the list, the UAC will automatically connect you to the network and give you an IP address of 10.45.x.x.  If you do not receive an IP address or your IP address is 10.40.x.x, you will need to tell Nanette the mac address so she can check that it is in the list.

Am I allowed to access the network if I fail Host Checker?

Yes.  You will get temporary access for 20 minutes to remediate any issues that the Host Check may have found, such as updating Windows or installing an anti-virus.