UW Auto-Login

UW Login This is a small application to automate the sign-in procedure for the UW (University of Waterloo) IST network (wireless, wired, doesn't matter). It auto senses when your computer acquires a UW IP address and sends a login request to authenticate you on the UW network, you will only see msn-style popups to let you know when the process is started and its results. The login server is determined automatically which allows the program to work anywhere on campus.

Installation/Configuration

The entire program consists of a single file and no installation procedures per se. Just download the file, run it and it should work. However, if you want to launch the program at windows start-up (and you should if you want it completely automated once and for all) just place the file in your start-up folder. (Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\ USERNAME \Start Menu\Programs\Startup)

Once the program is launched, it will automatically go into the system tray. To configure your login usename & password either right click on the UW Login icon and choose "Settings" or just double click on the icon to bring up the settings window. After filling in your information, hit OK and you're done.

Advanced: If you want to you can change the timeout for login requests but I recommend staying above 5 seconds because some of the login servers are pretty slow. Also, you can specify a specific URL for a login server but if you keep http://www.laptop.uwaterloo.ca the program will automatically determine the proper login server for your location, so unless you know what you're doing leave it as it is.

You need .NET 2.0 to run this program. (Shush you...) Download Here

Download UW Login

Downloads: 339 File Size: 321.4 KB

FAQ

Can I run this with/on MONO?
You tell me! You should be able to.
Why .NET 2.0/C# and not some 'manly' language?
Because. I wanted to try .NET/C# and learn some non-trivial Windows form programming.
What is .NET?
It's a similar concept to the virtual Java machine, except in Microsoft flavor.

About this entry

Published:: 18.02.06 / 9pm

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deborah 13.03.06 / 12pm

am i to understand that this little thingy of yours will automatically log the user into the UW network when they are within the range of the uw wireless networks?? if so, does it work for macs?? :D it’d be nice to skip the login to the system each time i shut down the computer…

Ilya Grigorik 13.03.06 / 1pm

Yep, you got it… That’s exactly what it does. It works on windows platform for sure (it works for me!), but Mac’s / Linux I’m not sure about simply because I don’t have access to a MAC or a Linux laptop ;).

To run it on a Mac you first need to download/install Mono (instead of the Microsoft’s .NET 2.0 installer): http://www.mono-project.com/Downloads

After you install that, theoretically it should work.

Edit: After looking at it some more (Mono, that is), I don’t think it’s going to work. As far as I understand MONO currently supports .NET 1.1 only, and I used 2.0… Woops! Sorry Mac/Linux users… Should have picked an OS that has a market segment > 3%! :P

Fran 19.05.06 / 6pm

Low market share is a badge of honor. It shows exclusivity!

Go Macs!

I’m still waiting for a copy of MS Access, a better MSN Messenger, IE 7, and more games for Macs though…………

Herb 17.06.06 / 5pm

Hey Ilya, nice work!
A buddy and I are interested in making this compatible with other campuses, and porting to linux of course so I can post about it over on my blog ;) Lets discuss sending us the source perhaps. Email me some time.

Fahd Butt 06.04.07 / 3pm

Sweet! But I’m using a Mac too :(

Mikhail 27.05.08 / 9pm

is there a source code for this?

Ilya Grigorik 29.05.08 / 9am

@Mikhail, I never did make the source public, but if you’re interested, ping me at (ilya at aiderss dot com), and I’ll send it to you.