Computer Names

[Migration User]

We are in the process of installing CMS and want to start the project out right. I'm looking for input for computer naming conventions. Basically, I'm looking for what has worked for you? What are you using and what's the purpose behind your convention. My feeling is we need to have some kind of identity related to the computer name (when we look at it) for reports and collection creation. Here is a current example of what we have. Facility name (3 char.) adm for administration description (up to 5 char.) lib for library location (up to 4 char.) room number "admlib208" Any input would be greatly appreciated. JD

[Migration User]

You really need to look at what you need to know when you see the computer name. The company I work for has changed the convention 3-4 times, twice in the last 2 years. It started with the asset tag, to make it easier to track computers asset information but for IT it didn't help us at all. So we changed to a generated naming convention where we used the first three characters for the location, ie Raleigh NC would be RAL. The forth char would describe what type of computer, D=desktop, N=notebook, and V=Virtual PC. The fifth described what type of computer, I=individual, L=lab, and S=share/floater. The next 5 characters were an incremented number. So to generate the name we had a webpage that stored all the information in an access database and would allow IT to generate a correct name for the computer. This was a bit of a pain and before I was here the two different sites that had IT support changed a little bit. Once site used the above while the other used the user's extension instead of the incrementing numbers. This was nice because when you saw the computer, you knew which number to call to talk to the user. The last convention we used and still use is basically the above but instead of incrementing numbers we use the serial number. There was talk about changing it to just the serial number (only the last 7 digits) but having the site makes it much easier to push to a group of computers in a certain area. If you only have one site (we have at least 7 around the USA and then more internationally) you don't need a very elaborate convention. What you have above isn't bad, but doesn't take into account multiple computers in one room, or if a computer moves from one room to another. I would suggest using something as simple as possible. I would suggest using the computers building/site, a short description using an acronym, and either an incrementing number or the computers serial number. If there is ever a chance that you will have to rename the computer if a person or the computer moves, you may want to rethink your convention. Altiris has some very nifty ways of grouping computers so keep that in mind when thinking of a convention and good luck.

[Migration User]

I would not use flucating informations for a hardware name. For example you would have to change the name of the hardware when the users are moving to another room. It would be better to use a unique number like a stock number or the last types of the serial-number and begin the name with "PC" etc. (Printernames could beginn with "PR" and so on). So you couldn't get duplicates! That's important too. Always looking for easythings to handle!!!

[Migration User]

My favorite is always using the first 2 characters of the manufacturer and then the Serial Number. Using DS tokens it requires the least amount of human involvement to get a machine out the door. Then I keep track of other qualities like location, room, user, department, etc. within AMSL2 which then flows into help desk. Example:

• Serial Number - 7983217139 Manufacturer - Dell Name= DE7983217139
• Serial Number - 7983217138 Manufacturer - HP Name= HP7983217138
• Serial Number - 7983217137 Manufacturer - Lenovo Name=LE7983217137

John Golembiewski Midwest Practice Principal ITS Partners Jgo@itsdelivers

[Migration User]

We went with a generic convention because computers can move locations and once you input your asset data,you really don't want the name to change for the life of the computer. Locations can be based off of network subnets. So our super basic names are based on the machine type Workstations / Desktops = WS###### and Laptop/ Notebook = LT#####. I think any name you choose should be helpful to your staff but keeping names from changing should be the ultimate goal for a easy to manage asset database.

[Migration User]

I absolutely suggest to beginn the name so, that you can identify what hardwaretype (computer, printer, ...) it is. Do difference between desktop and laptop maybe is a good idea.

[Migration User]

I would suggest breaking it down by who owns, or is responsible for the asset. Then by its use and then just increment. I agree that you shouldn't associate room numbers because the PC's will move. Ex: HR-Kiosk1, or PYRL-Spare1

[villy]

Don't know if you already decided...! but, I prefer generic name. if you move the computer, and eventually, you'll do it, you won't have to rename it.. we were using generic name before: WSxxxxxx and LTxxxxxx. It makes everything easier and their are other ways to locate a computer

[Migration User]

I work in a school and we name ours like so;

MSC1ST01 Breaks down like this; MSC - Music block 1 - Room 1 ST - Desktop (LT for Laptop) 01 - Machine number

This works well for us, and asset tracking/managment is easy. If a user phones up, we can immediately track where they are without getting confused or trawling through serial numbers. We have over 800 machines. Our computers don't get moved much (apart from repairs/replacement) at which point they will be issued with laptops which follow a different convention. These are mobile laptops, not specific to any room.

LTA001AMC Breaks down like this; LT - Laptop A - Model (We link A to Dell D531's brought in 2007, B is Dell D531's from 2008, etc) 001 - We own a specific number of these (in this case 70) so when we check our inventory list we can easily see whats missing. AMC - User Initials. So we know where to go to get it back.