Information Services
Information Services
Contact us

The NoMAD Menu

Active Directory functionality without the bind.

NoMAD is a technology that enables supported Macs to make use of University Active Directory login services even when they have no direct connection to the University network. This allows cached versions of users' standard Uni logon credentials and permissions groups to be employed in performing certain useful actions. It is primarily of use on supported MacBooks, as desktop iMacs, Mac Minis or Mac Pros are generally permanently connected to the Uni network.

Appearance

On supported Macs, the NoMAD Menu appears up near the clock as the following icon:

NoMAD Logo

Expanding the menu, you should see the following options: 

NoMAD Menu

Status meanings

Green tick: The Mac is successfully using the cached Active Directory credentials for the logged-in user.

No green tick: The machine may not have been able to successfully make its initial caching of the credentials, possibly due to the machine being off-site or temporary off the network. In such a case, if it is a desktop Mac, please choose 'Sign In' and enter your University computer login details. If it is a MacBook, then please:

  1. Make sure you are registered for the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.
  2. Either click the black VPN icon up near the clock and select 'Connect University of Edinburgh VPN' before entering your details.
  3. From the NoMAD Menu, choose 'Sign In' and enter your University computer login details.
  4. The green tick should then be displayed.

Menu options

  • 'Sign In' & 'Sign Out' - Options to authenticate via the University Active Directory services.
  • 'Lock Screen' - This will lock the Mac's screen if you are leaving it, and is unlocked with your usual computer logon password.
  • 'Self Service' launches the Mac's Self Service software app store.
  • 'Help and Support' launches http://www.ed.ac.uk/is/it-help for all manner of Uni IT-related assistance.
  • 'My Network Home' - Primarily for use on MacBooks, once you are connected via the VPN service, choosing this option mounts a shortcut to your University server homespace.
This article was published on