Step One: Preparing your computer

• Make sure your computer has a network card and cable
  Most new computers come with a network card already installed. However, you will most likely still need to purchase a Category 5 (Cat-5) Ethernet Cable (not a phone cable) to connect your computer to the network. Please check our Buying Guide if you are unsure if your computer has everything it needs.

• Checking Network Settings in Macintosh OS X
  Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Next, select the Network icon to open the control panel. A different window might appear at first. If so, select Built-in Ethernet and click the configure button. You will now see a drop down menu labeled Configure: or Show:. Make sure this field contains Ethernet or Built-in Ethernet.
   
  Click on the TCP/IP tab. Find the drop down menu labeled Configure: or Configure IPv4:. Select Using DHCP. Click the Save or Apply Now button to close control panel and restart your computer. That's it for Macs, please continue to Step Two.
   
  
• Checking Network Settings in Windows Vista/XP/2000
  Go to Network in the Control Panel
  In Vista, click on Start and type the word network in the search bar. Click on Network and Connection Sharing at the top. In XP or 2000, click on Start and then Control Panel. If you see several icons (more than 12) Network Connections should be included in the list. If not, click Network and Internet Connections and it should appear at the bottom of the window.
   
  XP Only: Remove any Network Bridges
  Open Network Connections and look for any icons labeled Network Bridge. If any exist, right click on it and select delete. Your connection may work, but could be unreliable if these devices remain on your computer.
   
  Network Connections
  Once in Network Connections (Manage Network Connections in Vista) look at the status of Local Area Connection. If it says Media Disconnected or Cable Unplugged your network cable may not be connected or broken. You should right click on Wireless Network Connection and disable it while you fix your wired connection. Remember to re-enable it when you want to use the wireless network across campus.
   
  Configure Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
  Right click on Local Area Connection, and click on Properties. Now click on Internet Protocol (Version 4 in Vista) and then click Properties. Make sure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. Next, click the Alternate Configuration tab and select Automatic private IP address. Click OK and restart your computer if you made any changes.
   
  Make sure your computer name is unique
  Go to Start and then Control Panel. In Vista, click on System and Maintenance, then System, then Advanced System Settings on the left, and finally the Computer Name tab. In XP or 2000, if there are a bunch of icons in Control Panel, click System; otherwise click Performance and Maintenance and then System, followed by the Computer Name tab. From here, all windows users can click the Change... button and use a unique name (such as your name and room number). Keep in mind you are on a network with over 8,000 other people, so a first name is usually not very unique. We suggest a name and your room number, but you can choose whatever you want. You may also want to set your workgroup to the name of your dorm, such as Creswell so that you will be able to see other people in that work group. You can only view those who are within your specific building.

• Connecting Guide Introduction
• Step One: Preparing your computer
• Step Two: Checking the connections in your room
• Step Three: Registration