Live Communication Server
- What is Live Communications Server?
- How do I access the LCS server from my Windows and/or Mac computer?
- Is there an LCS client for Linux?
- Can I use LCS from my dorm, or off campus?
- I tried adding someone to my contact list, but LCS wouldn't let me. Why is this?
- Where can I find more information about LCS?
What is Live Communications Server?
Microsoft's Live Communications Server (LCS) provides a secure instant messaging (IM) solution to the College of Engineering (CoE), offering enhanced security and integration with other Microsoft products. Unlike some popular, freely available IM services, all messages in LCS are encrypted to ensure privacy. Peer-to-peer audio, video, file & application sharing, and voice conferencing are also available. Using your UMROOT password, you can easily send messages to anyone at the CoE using Microsoft's Messenger program.
How do I access the LCS server from my Windows and/or Mac computer?
Select the operating system you use for instructions on installing and configuring the required Microsoft Messenger software:
Signing into the LCS
If you are logged into a CAEN Windows computer, you will not be required to enter any account information and/or log in when starting Messenger. If you are attempting to connect to LCS from a personal computer, you will need to set up Messenger to connect to LCS. After you have entered the required account information as described in this document, start Messenger and log in using your ITCS Active Directory (UMROOT) password. Note: Your UMROOT password is separate from your ITCS Kerberos (UMICH.EDU) password. If you do not know your UMROOT password, please visit this page:
Setting up Messenger in Windows
Using U-M's LCS in Windows requires Windows Messenger. To set up the client to use LCS, follow these steps:
- Download and install Windows Messenger from: http://download.microsoft.com/
- Open Messenger, and from the Tools menu select Options...
- Click the Accounts tab, as shown below:
- Under .NET Passport Account, make sure to uncheck the option for My contacts include users of .NET Messenger Service.
- Under SIP Communications Service Account, make sure to check the option for My contacts include users of SIP Communications Service.
- For your Sign-in name, enter uniqname@umich.edu; where uniqname is your U-M uniqname.
- Click the Advanced... button. The following window should appear:
- Select Configure Settings.
- For Server name or IP address, enter lcs.umich.edu, as shown above.
- Under Connect using, select TLS.
- Close the Options windows.
- You should now be able to sign in using your ITCS Active Directory (UMROOT) password.
Setting up Messenger in Mac OS
Using U-M's LCS in Mac OS requires Microsoft Messenger 6.0. To set up the client to use LCS, follow these steps:
- Download Microsoft Messenger at: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/
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After opening the installer, you will be presented with a Setup Assistant program. Click Next and accept the license agreement. You will then be asked what type of account you would like:
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Make sure to select Corporate account. This is the type of account used with the LCS. Click Next.
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In the next window, enter your account information:
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For both your E-mail address and User ID, enter uniqname@umich.edu; where uniqname is your U-M uniqname.
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For your Password, enter your ITCS Active Directory (UMROOT) password.
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Click Next again, and you will be finished with the assistant, but there are still some settings to enter. From the Messenger menu, select Preferences...
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Click the Accounts tab, then select Corporate, as shown below:
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Click the option to Manually configure settings:
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For the Server name or IP address field, enter lcs.umich.edu.
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For Connect using, make sure to select the option for TLS.
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Click OK to close the Preferences window.
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You should now be able to sign in using your ITCS Active Directory (UMROOT) password. Again, make sure to select the Corporate account tab:
Is there an LCS client for Linux?
No, not at this time. A web-based LCS client will be available soon. Check this page for future updates.
Can I use LCS from my dorm, or off campus?
Yes. To set it up, follow the instructions at:
I tried adding someone to my contact list, but LCS wouldn't let me. Why is this?
Accounts on the LCS server are tied to ITCS Active Directory accounts, which use the U-M Online Directory (UMOD) to obtain account information. If an individual sets their UMOD entry to be Private, you may not be able to contact them via LCS or they may not even have an LCS account.
Where can I find more information about LCS?
For more information on Microsoft's Live Communications Server, including technical documentation and frequently asked questions (FAQs), please visit their site at:
