Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a sentinel key?
A. A sentinel key is also known as a "dongle" or "hardware key". It is a security device connected to the parallel port and permits the use of ArcInfo on NT platforms.2. If the sentinel key plugs into my parallel port, how will I use my printer which also uses the parallel port?
A. Plug the sentinel key into the parallel port of your computer. Then attach the printer cable to the sentinel key. Multiple sentinel keys can be attached "piggy back" to your computer to allow the use of multiple software packages. Just attach the printer to the last sentinel key.3. Does ArcView for NT need a sentinel key?
A. No. ArcView does not require a sentinel key.4. Does ArcInfo for UNIX Workstations require a sentinel key?
A. No. ArcInfo for UNIX Workstations does not require a sentinel key. ArcInfo for NT is the only software under the site license which requires a sentinel key. However, ArcInfo for UNIX does require a keycode.5. I have the sentinel key attached to my computer and the ArcInfo software downloaded to my hard drive. Why doesn't it work?
A. You also need a "keycode" to go with the sentinel key. This is a series of coded letters and numbers which activate the sentinel key and allow the software to be used on your computer. Call Deborah Jensen at 797-2589, and she will generate a keycode based on the unique sentinel key number printed on the outside of the sentinel key.6. Why do keycodes for ArcInfo "time out" on December 25?
A. Each year Utah State University must renew its site license contract with ESRI. The date the contract was formalized between the University and ESRI happened to be December 25, 1996. The University must pay the $25,000 site license fee on or before the anniversary date to renew keycodes.7. Is there an ArcInfo version for Windows95, 98, or 2000?
- A.
No. ArcInfo only runs on NT or UNIX Workstations which include SUN,
SGI, and IBM. "PC ArcInfo" uses the Wiindows environment, but is
a different software from ArcInfo. "PC ArcInfo" uses SML programming
language, whereas, ArcInfo uses AML programming language. For a more
detailed explanation, go to ESRI's web site: www.esri.com.
- A.
Because the ESRI University Site License is a "flow-through" account, it
has a specific account number type. University Controller's Office
computers are not programmed to accept "A" numbers on a "flow-through"
account. This is not an easily remedied problem, and therefore, we
must ask you to pay site license fees with a University Requisition, usually
handled at the department level.
Didn't find your
question here?
Send it to bbanner@gis.usu.edu
or call 797-7117.