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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 (Service Pack 3 is recommended)
  • Windows Firewall Enabled (other firewalls, such as symantec may block connection)
  • McAfee Antivirus 8.5 Enterprise (University will provide free of charge)

Note: Mcafee Antivirus 8.5 Enterprise 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)

Figure 1 - Modem Port
Figure 1
Figure 2 - EthernetCard
Figure 2
Figure 3 - Ethernet card with coaxial Cable in computer
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 - Ethernet Card
Figure 4

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.

Figure 5 - PCMCIA Ethernet card for laptop
Figure 5

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.

Figure 6 - Ethernet Card
Figure 6

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.

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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