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ResNet Information
- PC Users
Minimum System Requirements:
Processor: 1 GHz
Ram: 256 MB
OS: Windows XP with Service Pack 2
CD-ROM Drive
10/00 Base-T Ethernet Port
RJ-45 Ethernet Cable
Wireless (MAC and Windows):
A 802.11 a/b/g wireless adapter, or built-in Wifi
Minimum Security Requirements:
PC:
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows Firewall Enabled (other firewalls, such as symantec
may block connection)
McAfee Antivirus 8.0 Enterprise (University will provide
free of charge)
Note: Mcafee Antivirus 8.0 Enterprise 8.0 is the only anti-virus
program approved by the Univeristy and is provided free of
charge. All other anti-virus programs must be removed before
connecting to the ResNet.
Operating Systems that do not meet the minimum requirements
will not be granted
ResNet access.
Step 1: Are you Ethernet Ready?
Your PC may already have
an Ethernet card installed, or it may have one built into the
system. Some major computer manufactures
bundle them with mid to high end systems, or install
them upon request. If you are ordering a new computer,
desktop or otherwise, make sure that a 10/200 Base-T
Ethernet is installed
Be sure to differentiate an Ethernet
card from a modem (Figure 1). Most modems have 2
smaller RJ-11 ports (standard
phone line), and are labeled"line in" or "phone".
A modem can be used while living in the Student Apartments,
but phone lines are limited to a
50k maximum transfer rate and a service provider is required. Do
not attempt to plug your modem into the ResNet port in
your apartment.
You can also look on the back of your computer for a slot with
a solitary RJ-45 port (figure 2). Similar to a standard telephone
port, an RJ-45 port has 8 connectors instead of the standard
4 associated with a telephone jack or modem port. The RJ-45
network card port may also have colored lights (red, amber or
green) beside it (figure 3) |
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Figure 1 |
Figure 2 |
Figure 3 |
Step 2: Purchasing Network Hardware (if needed)
Identifying the slot type, before making your purchase. There
are several different slots ISA, PCI, USB, or Firewire.
Newer computers will typically use PCI, USB or Firewire.
Most computer
and electronic stores will carry both Ethernet cards
(figure 4), and category 5 twisted pair network cables
(see below)
In general, stay with a name brand 10/100Base-T Ethernet card.
Generic cards may cost less, but there is a greater chance
for complications due to defects or driver incompatibilities.
The extra cost is well worth the availability of software
drivers and customer service from the manufacturer. Most cards
will
cost in the range of $25 - $50. |
Figure 4
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Figure 5 |
Laptops and Notebooks
Most laptops have Ethernet Ports built into them. If your
laptop does not, you can purchase a PCMCIA card (Figure 5)
that will fit in the laptop's open PC card slot. USB Ethernet
adapters can also be purchased for your laptop's USB
port. |
Cables
The cable should have RJ-45 connectors (figure 5). As for
recommended cable length, it depends on the proximity of your
computer from the ResNet port in your room. A 25-foot cable
will generously accommodate all on-campus rooms. The excess
can always be coiled away.
Cable care tips:
- Never kink or put pressure on the cable with any
object such as your desk, chair or bed.
- Keep your cable as far away as possible from strong
magnetic or power sources, such as large stereo speaker.
Though twisted pair cables are designed to block much
of this type of interference, it is best to take this
precaution to ensure data integrity.
- Always maintain slack in your cable! Never put pressure
on the ResNet port box or Ethernet card to avoid accidental
disconnects or damage.
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Figure 6 |
Step 3: Before Moving in
Make sure your computer's operating
system is updated. Here is how:
- Log on to your service provider
- Open the Internet Explorer
- Click TOOLS in the pull down menu
and choose WINDOWS UPDATE
- When the web page finished loading,
click SCAN FOR UPDATES
- Once the scan is finished, select
REVIEW AND INSTALL UPDATES and click INSTALL NOWE
- Click YES to the legal verification
question(s) and the updates will start loading
- Once the critical updates are
done, you may want to install any recommended updates
or drivers offered by Microsoft.
NOTE: Some updates must be done
individually, so you might have to repeat this process several
times. The process might take several hours depending on
your download and computer processing speed.
If you are unable to complete
the process, our staff can assist you.
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