Bio-Computing Site

What is an Active Directory account?

An AD account is a username and password that you can use to access computing resources on computers joined to a particular domain -- in this case, SAS. AD accounts allow the user to log into computers joined to the domain, access shared files, information, and resources, and have a networked area for file backup.

How do you know if you need an AD account?

You need an AD account if you have to log onto a computer joined to the SAS domain. In the Biology department, >90% of the computers are. You will also need an AD account to access any files on a lab's network drive. Some databases and other resources also require an AD account to access.

Setting up your Active Directory account

1. Fill out the form at http://www.sas.upenn.edu/computing/help/faculty_staff/forms/ad_request+. You can consult with your LSP if you're unsure about the "home directory" question.
2. You will receive an email from your LSP when it has been created. The username will be your PennName -- the same as your PennKey and email address. The initial, temporary password will be abcdXXXXXXXX! The 8 X's are your Penn ID number.
3. Change your password. It will need to have at least 8 characters, and contain capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You have two options of how to change the password:
   1. Logging in to any computer joined to the SAS domain will prompt you to change your password
   2. If you are using your own computer, or another computer not joined to the domain, logging in at https://remote.sas.upenn.edu will prompt you to change your password.

Network Drives

If you have a network home directory and you log into a computer joined to the domain, it will automatically show up as a folder, Windows or Mac. The same should be true of any networked lab share drives to which you have access. If they do not, contact your LSP.

You can access network drives to which you have access remotely by following these directions: https://wiki.sas.upenn.edu/index.php?title=Connecting_to_a_share_via_SFTP

If you log into a Windows computer, you have the option of having your Documents folder "redirected" to your network home directory. This way, the files will exist on the network backup without you having to put them there. Contact your LSP if you have questions about this.

Wired Connections: DHCP

A wired connection is when a computer is physically plugged into a port by using an ethernet cable.  Most wired connections within Biology use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which automatically assigns an IP address to your machine.  In order to use this service in the Biology department, your computer's hardware (MAC) address must be registered by a member of the Bio Computing staff.  

How do I find my MAC Address?

For Macs:

1. Open System Preferences
2. Choose "Network" under the category "Internet & Wireless"
3. Click the lock to make changes, if necessary.
4. Select "Ethernet" from the left column and then click "Advanced..."
5. Navigate to the "Hardware" tab, and note the MAC address listed.
6. Send an email to bio-computing@sas.upenn.edu inquiring to be added to thh DHCP list, and include your MAC address and the building in which you would like to connect.

For Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt by searching for "cmd" in the Start Menu.
2. Type "ipconfig /all" and hit enter.
3. One of the headings in the information provided should be "Ethernet adapter and Local Area Connection."
4. Find where it says "Physical Address" -- there should be a set of twelve characters formated in the style of "xx-xx-xx-xx-xx"
5. Send an email to bio-computing@sas.upenn.edu inquiring to be added to thh DHCP list, and include your MAC address and the building in which you would like to connect.

Wireless Connections: AirPennNet

AirPennNet is the University’s campus-wide wireless network permitting secure and convenient network access in campus buildings and residence halls. AirPennNet offers secure access to PennNet (the University's data network), encrypting user data over the wireless airwaves.

• Please visit: isc.upenn.edu/how-to/connect-airpennnet-and-joinnow to set up your connection to AirPennNet

Please ask your LSP if you have any difficulties with the configuration process.

PennKey Setup 

The first step to getting connected at Penn is acquiring a PennKey Setup Code.  You can request one from a PennKey Administration Station: 

For Students Only:

Registrar's Office
221 Franklin Building
3451 Walnut Street
Mon: 10AM-4PM; Tue-Fri: 9AM-4PM

To confirm your identity, bring two forms of photo ID, one of which should be your PennCard. Other acceptable forms of photo ID are government-issued documents such as passport, state driver's license, state-issued ID card, or national identity card.

 

For Penn Faculty & Staff Only:

PennCard Center
Second Floor of Penn Bookstore
3601 Walnut Street
Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-5PM

To confirm your identity, bring two forms of photo ID. If you are eligible for a PennCard, please use it as one of your forms of ID. Other acceptable forms of photo ID are a UPHS ID and government-issued documents such as passport, state driver's license, state-issued ID card, and national identity card.
 

Registering Your PennKey

Once you have obtained your setup code, simply log-in to the PennKey Registration website and complete the application:

PennKey Registration Application

Additional Resources

PennKey Overview: What is a PennKey and why do I need one?
Set/Reset Your PennKey Password: Help, I forgot my password!  Also for those who wish to change their current known password.
Test My PennKey: Not sure if your PennKey is working correctly?  This is a test login screen to confirm your credentials.