NetCIL Online User Guide
Applies to: NetCIL Online
Updated:
10/4/2011
Quick Links:
The following instructions detail the methods that should be used to access your virtual cloud server for use with NetCIL Online. These instructions apply to cloud services provided by ed2c; if you run NetCIL as a cloud service on your own equipment, some procedures may vary slightly. Many of the steps listed in this section must only be done once, as they apply to security setup and configuration. It should be stressed that the implementation of good security practices is essential when using internet-accessible applications.
New NetCIL Online users will normally receive a zip file via email that contains four pre-configured connection files. It isn’t necessary to use these files, but for the sake of convenience and security, doing so is strongly encouraged. With the exception of system administration, these files are digitally signed by ed2c. They cannot be modified, and they only allow access to the portions of NetCIL Online that are required in order to perform specific tasks.
The zip file will normally contain the following four connection files:
Client application for basic data entry of data such as consumer records. Almost all users will need this file.
Application for database configuration and agency reports such as the RSA 704. Only high-level supervisory staff will need this application.
Application designed to perform quick intakes and referrals to agencies or staff. Its use is optional; normally only front-desk and receptionist personnel will enter data with IR Log.
Application to perform NetCIL Online Cloud Server configuration, such as adding and editing users, configuring e-mail (if desired), and setting system security. Only database and system administrators will need this file.
Distribute the files and place them on the desktops of users as you see fit. As noted above, the “NetCIL Online System Administration” file is only intended for database and system administrators. Its use is covered in the “NetCIL Online Database Administrator’s Guide.” The simplest way to distribute these files is to email them as attachments. To use NetCIL Online on your home computer, simply email the files to your home email address and then place the attachments on your desktop. NetCIL Online will function in exactly the same way as is does from your work computer. Note that some email systems may block attachments such as RDP files; in such cases you can zip them first (right-click…Send to…Compressed (zipped) folder, then right-click…Send to…Mail recipient).
When a user opens the “NetCIL Online Client.rdp” file for the first time, the following message will appear:
Note that the file’s publisher will say “Engineering Data Design Corporation”. If you don’t wish to be prompted when opening files that are digitally signed by ed2c, check the box as indicated.
After selecting “Connect”, the following log-on prompt will appear:
Depending on your system configuration, upon first logon you may have to select “Use another account” as shown above. Enter the user name and temporary password information that was furnished to you by ed2c. System administrators have the ability to add and edit users.
If your computer uses Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8, you need only enter your username and password. If you’re using Windows XP, you may need to enter the name of your cloud server along with your username. The format will look like this: ip-0A7477A8\UserName. The characters preceding the slash will be included as a text file that you receive from ed2c. If you are running your own cloud server, use the name of the server or domain.
If you wish, you can choose to select “Remember my credentials” as shown above. Please keep in mind that doing so will allow anyone with physical access to your workstation to log on to your NetCIL Online account.
After your first successful logon, the following one-time-only message may appear:
Select “Don’t make changes” – All NetCIL Online software is automatically updated and managed for you.
Depending on your security information, you may receive a second logon prompt as shown below. If so, select your NetCIL username from the dropdown list. If a password has been applied to your account, you must enter it before proceeding. You can also choose to reset your NetCIL password. For more information, see the NetCIL Manager and NetCIL Client User Guides.
When first run, NetCIL Client will issue the following security message. Select “Open”; the message should not reappear.
One or more user accounts with system administrator privileges will be pre-configured for you. It is strongly recommended that you immediately change your temporary password as described below. The default security policy for NetCIL Online requires that users change passwords every 90 days. Passwords must be at least six characters in length, and they must contain a mix of upper and lower case letters along with at least one non-alpha character (such as a number or the “?” character). You can modify your system’s security policy as described in the “NetCIL Online System Administrator’s Guide.”
To modify your NetCIL Online access password, run any NetCIL Online application, and after a successful logon, simultaneously press the “ctrl-alt-end” keys on your keyboard. The following prompt will appear:
Select “Change a password…” as shown above.
Enter your old and new password and then press the arrow button as shown above.