Chase Maier
Technical Lead & Senior Software Engineer
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DirectConnect Internet Setup Package for Windows
This presentation was done while I was a Resident Technology Assistant (RTA) with Student Affairs IT at the University of Montana, Missoula. The DirectConnect Setup Package for Windows is a Windows application I wrote in C# in order to enforce and ensure that the requirements for joining the University of Montana's DirectConnect network were being met by client devices joining the network. The following assumes you have at least a basic understanding of the goals and configuration of the DirectConnect Internet Connection Process and Network Access Control Systems I helped develop.
Features
Broad OS & Language Support - This application was designed to work with all possible variants and versions of the Windows operating system including Windows 2000 through Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 through Windows Server 2008 R2, and all possible combinations of service and language packs available for those operating systems.
Secure Encrypted Communication Via Web API - This application works with the communication APIs I created on DCOWeb to communicate with the DCOHome database system and track the progress and status of the setup process as well as confirm data provided by the student in order to authenticate their identity.
Unauthorized Hardware Detection - This application includes checks and logic to ensure that unauthorized hardware is not present during the registration process. Unauthorized devices include wired or wireless routers, switches, or hubs which extend the university network and, therefore, violate campus policies and the DirectConnect service EULA.
Unauthorized Antivirus Detection - To prevent two antivirus applications from conflicting after the campus provided antivirus is installed the application will, prior to attempting to install the authorized antivirus, give the user a list of software that could potentially conflict with the antivirus about to be installed and give them the opportunity to uninstall this software in advance.
Managed Software Installation And Updates - This application is responsible for managing the silent installation of several types of updates and software including operating system patches and updates, service packs, and antivirus software and its associated virus definitions. Not only does this application make decisions about which version of the software to install based on the configuration of the system but it also detects the status and progress of the installation to ensure the most recent version or definitions are being used and can inform the user about what software programs or updates need to be installed before they are allowed to continue.
Support Tools Integration - Several support tools are also integrated into this application. These include GUI access to network troubleshooting commands usually only available via the command prompt and other specialized support software which included, at different times, Chase's Tool and TeamViewer in order to provide quick remote support to student encountering any problems. The inclusion of these tools and utilities made it much easier for RTAs to gather information and assist students with the connection process.
