Connecting to Star Reader


Step-by-Step UDT access to "Star Reader" software: 3-16-99

FYI: Looking for a foolproof way to allow students access to "Star" (or any other software application running on your server) without worrying about what else they might be doing when your back is turned? Below is a guide on how to setup your UDT machine so that it will only give students access to the intended application stored on your server. Also, a teacher no longer has to use their own password to log on a student to use the computer. Unwanted activities such as students gaining access to the Internet, teacher e-mail, system files, etc. can be a thing of the past on classroom computers if your on a UDT machine.

There are 4 steps to this process:
  1. Configure the server to recognize users
  2. Create a local user account from the UDT machine
  3. Create a permanent drive mapping from the UDT machine
  4. Run Star Reader setup.

NOTE: You must be running UDT version 1.33 or later for this to work.
If you are not on at least version 1.33, click to learn how to update your UDT using a patch.

STEP 1: Configure the server to recognize users

NOTE: I am assuming that the "Star Reader" software has already been installed on your school's server.

    The student will be able to access the "Star Reader" software by logging on the UDT machine with a username "star"(Described in Step 2). In order for this to occur, someone who has rights to work on the servermust first create a "star" group with a password of "sreader" and assign it certain user memberships (I suggest making them only a member of the "user" and "student" user group, just like the setup process in step 2).
    This differs from site to site, as not all servers are running the same operating system. However, those with some intuition may be able to complete this step by referring to Step 2 of this document. Otherwise, contact your site administrator.

STEP 2: Create a local user account from the UDT machine

NOTE: You must have administrative capabilities to complete this step, and it must be done at each UDT machine you want to access Star Reader (Because it is a local,computer-specific account created only for use at the computer where it is created).

This step will give the student a username and password to access the Star software on the server from a UDT machine:
Here is how you create new accounts:

  1. (Click) "Start"
    Choose "Common Programs" then "Accessories" then "Administrative Tools" then "User Manager"

  2. In the User Manager window that appears...
    (Click)"User"
    Choose "New User"

  3. In the New User window that appears...(example below)

      User Manager-New User Window


    • [In the Username field] Type the Username: star
    • [In the Password field] Type the Password: sreader
    • [In the Confirm Password field] Type the Password to confirm: sreader



    • (Uncheck) "User Must Change Password at Next Logon"
    • (Check) "User Cannot Change Password"
    • (Check) "Password Never Expires"
    • (Click) the "Groups button"



  4. In the Group Memberships window that appears
    • Highlight "students" [From the "Not member of": Field]
    • (Click) "Add"
    • (Click) "OK"

You should now see the groups "user" and "students" in the Member of field.
If all goes well you should have a new local "star" account.

STEP 3: Create a permanent drive mapping "from" the UDT machine "to" the server

NOTE: Your UDT machine must have version 1.33 running and you must have administrative capabilities to complete this step. Also, this step must be done at each UDT machine you want to access Star Reader. This step is important, because it will map a drive to the star software on the server which cannot be disconnected by any users other than an administrator.

Click "Start" Choose "Run".
Type "dmedit"
Click "OK"

In the Map Machine Drives window that appears
Type a letter not used by another drive, then the network path to the star software.
For example: G:\\fs155\pc (Where G: is not used for any other drive mappings)

Click "OK"
Restart the machine.

Once the machine has rebooted:
Click "This Computer".
In the This Computer window that appears...
You should see a drive icon with the letter you assigned just below (Similar to the "C: drive" icon)

This drive will retain a connection to the specified path regardless of who logs on (and only those with access rights will be able to access the contents).
If all of the steps have been followed correctly, then your students can now logon as "star" with the password "sreader" to access the Star Reader software program.

STEP 4: Run Star Reader setup

After setup is completed, a desktop shortcut icon should appear on the desktop. Repeat these 4 steps at each UDT machine that needs to use Star Reader Software.


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