Host Database Field: SYSTEM-TYPE

[This document describes a field in the Princeton University Host Database. You may also view descriptions of other fields.]

The SYSTEM-TYPE is a a general description of the manufacturer (and perhaps the general product name) for the device. In most cases this is something fairly general, such as DELL-PC, HP-PRINTER, APPLE-MACINTOSH, or SUN. Most SYSTEM-TYPE values are composed of a vendor name followed by a general device type.

• If you have an computer, look for the name of the manufacturer; e.g. DELL-PC, GATEWAY-PC, or APPLE-MACINTOSH If you don't see a better value, just choose OTHER-PC or OTHER-MACINTOSH.

• If your device is a printer, look for the name of the manufacturer; e.g. HP-PRINTER, APPLE-PRINTER, or XEROX-PRINTER, if you don't see a better value, just choose OTHER-PRINTER.

• If you have a network-attached phone, look for the name of the manufacturer; e.g. APPLE-PHONE, T-MOBILE-PHONE; if you don't see a better value, just choose OTHER-PHONE.

• If you have a network-attached music player, look for the name of the manufacturer; e.g. APPLE-IPOD; if you don't see a better value, just choose OTHER-MUSIC-PLAYER.

• If you have a network-attached PDA, look for the name of the manufacturer; e.g. PALM-PDA, BLACKBERRY-PDA; if you don't see a better value, just choose OTHER-PDA.

To avoid creating an long SYSTEM-TYPE menu, we generally add new values when there are a significant number of devices attached to the campus network of that type. If you believe there is a value that meets that guideline, you can send email to hostmaster@princeton.edu to request that a new system type value be added to the list.