Computers on UCI’s network (and thus the Internet) have two kinds of identities: a numerical Internet Protocol (IP) address, such as 128.200.222.100, and a “host name,” such as www.uci.edu. Computers tend to use numbers to find and talk to one another, but human beings prefer names, finding them both more memorable and more descriptive. The association between the host name and the IP address is mediated by a world-wide hierarchy of servers collectively providing the Domain Name Service (DNS).

Technically, it is not necessary to have a host name in order to function on the network. However, it has long been campus practice to “register” host names whenever a computer is connected to UCInet. This has many benefits: the name of the machine helps people who use it understand its role, and the registration process records its ownership, its location, and who is responsible for it. Furthermore, an increasing range of network services at UCI and at other Universities is restricted to registered hosts. Using an unregistered host is thus an unnecessary risk; you might find you need a restricted service after hours or under deadline when it is very difficult to correct promptly.

Responsibility for a computer becomes very important whenever situations regarding network security, copyright violation, or network traffic arise. Without registering a system, NACS and campus departments have no way to find the system’s owner to correct the problem, and the only way to protect all the other computer users on campus is to deny that system access to UCInet until someone comes forward requesting that service be restored — an awkward and unfortunate situation for everyone. Presently there are almost 1,000 unregistered computers connected to UCInet. Although it has not been well documented or enforced, it is NACS policy that all computers connected to UCInet be registered in DNS. If you suspect your system may not be registered, or that our records regarding responsibility for your system may be out of date, please contact NACS.

Check to see if you’re registered at:
http://www.nacs.uci.edu/tools/ipaddress.php

Register your host name at:
http://www.nacs.uci.edu/communication/ip_address_app.html