Mount Ida College

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Computers and Network Connectivity FAQ

  1. What are the minimum requirements for a PC or a Mac to connect to the college’s network? We have listed the minimum specifications that will allow you to function on the campus network and the recommended specifications that will allow you to operate more efficiently. PC Minimum Specifications
    • Pentium 4 1.0 GHz Processor, 256 MB RAM
    • 40Gb Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive
    • Video Card, Sound Card, Windows 2000 or XP
    • USB Ports
    • Ethernet Network Card with 10/100 Mbps capability
    MAC Minimum Specifications
    • 700 MHz G4 Processor, 256 MB RAM
    • 40Gb hard disk drive, CD-RW Drive
    • 32 MB Video Card, Sound Card (usually integrated in a Mac)
    • Ethernet Network Card (usually integrated in a Mac)with 10/100 Mbps capability,
    • FireWire Ports/USB Ports
  2. What kind of network card (NIC) do I need? You will need a network interface card (NIC) to connect to Mount Ida College’s network. The college recommends the use of Intel, 3Com, Netgear or Linksys brand 10/100 twisted pair Ethernet network cards. If your computer did not come with a NIC, you will need to purchase one at a local computer store (e.g., CompUSA, Staples, Micro Center, etc.) They may be able to install the card for you, but it will probably cost you extra money in addition to the cost of the NIC. If you wish to install the NIC yourself, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
  3. How can I tell if I already have a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed In My PC? Take a look at the back of the computer for a jack that fits the connector on the end of your Ethernet network cable. Don’t confuse the network jack with a modem jack, which has only two or four small metal wires in it. In addition to having the network card physically installed in your computer, you will need to have the proper drivers installed so that the computer can communicate properly with the network card. You can check this on a Windows 95/98 PC by clicking on the Network icon in the Control Panel and checking to be sure that the proper driver is listed for your card.
  4. My PC is a notebook, how can I tell if it has a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in it? Some newer notebooks or laptops have a NIC built in, but some will not have the NIC built in, so the correct name for a NIC for a notebook or laptop is called a PCMCIA card. It is usually a little smaller than a credit card. It has an external jack, adapter, or cable to connect to a Ethernet cable or jack. Look for a network jack on the notebook or laptop itself (eight pins) or an Ethernet PCMCIA card installed in the notebook or laptop. If the jack on the notebook or laptop has 4 pins then it is a modem, which cannot be used for network connectivity. If the PCMCIA card does not have a jack and it has a small, thin connector on the edge of the card, it will need an external adapter (“dongle”) to connect to the network jack or cable.
  5. Where can I buy a network card and an Ethernet cable? Local places where you can purchase a network card (“NIC”) and patch cable to connect you network card to the network jack in your room:
    • Best Buy - 700 Providence Hwy - Route 1 Dedham: (781) 461-6768
    • CompUSA - 205 Market Street, Brighton: (617) 783-1900
    • Staples – 163 Highland Ave Newton MA, Main: (781)449-5766
    • or Rte 1 & Dean St Norwood, MA, Main: (781)255-7720
    • Micro Center – 727 Memorial Dr. (corner of Magazine Street), Cambridge, (617) 234-6400
    • Micro Center Fee-Based Technical Support: 1-800-207-3434
  6. Can I get some help installing my NIC card? Yes. At the beginning of the semester, representatives from Network Services will be available in Shaw hall to assist you with the installation and configuration of a network card (provided by the student) in your PC and to help troubleshoot any network connectivity problems.
  7. I already have a modem installed in my computer. Can I connect my modem to the network jack and get connected that way? NO! The connection is an Ethernet connection NOT a telephone connection. Simply having a modem in the PC will not enable you to use the connectivity provided via the Network jack. Modems are used for dial-up connectivity, which is different from Ethernet connectivity.
  8. How can I be sure that the residence hall jack I’m trying to plug my Ethernet network cable into is a network jack and not a phone jack? The network jack has eight small metal wires in it and is on the same wall plate as the cable TV connector. The connector on the end of the Ethernet Network cable is too wide to fit into a phone jack. The phone jack is too small to accept the end of the Ethernet cable and has only four wires in it. (See the diagram in the next question.)
  9. What kind of cable do I use to connect my computer to the network jack? - OR - How can I tell if the cable that I’m trying to use to connect my computer’s Network Interface Card (NIC) to the network jack in the wall is an Ethernet network cable and not a telephone cable? You must have a Ethernet network cable to connect the computer to the drop in the residence hall room. A Telephone cable will not work. A telephone cable will physically fit into the Ethernet jack, but it will not provide the proper connectivity, as it is the incorrect type of cable. Check to be sure that the connectors on both ends of the Ethernet cable match the Ethernet connector on the left side of the following diagram.
  10. Once I have installed the NIC in my computer and connected my network cable from the jack on the NIC to the jack on the wall, are there any setting changes that I need to make for the connection? No, the network settings should be configured automatically when you turn on the PC with the NIC and the required drivers installed.
  11. I’ve got everything set up right and have the NIC and Drivers installed & the Ethernet cable plugged into the wall, but I still can’t connect. For win 95 & 98 users: Check to be sure that your computer has an IP address by clicking on Start|Run and typing winipcfg.exe in the “Open:” box and clicking OK. Select your Network Adaptor (NIC) from the pull-down list (“A”) (It likely will not be the same as the one listed in the diagram below), then click on the “Release All” button. Click on the “Renew All” button to get an IP address. The address (“B”) should start with the numbers 172.18… You may need to do this as well if you have had a previous connection via a dial-up service.
  12. Okay, I tried that, it did not work, what else can I do? You should check to be sure that your default network connection is the correct one. Right click on Network Neighborhood and select “Properties.” Select the TCP/IP connection that is associated with your Network Interface Card (NIC) and click on the “Properties” button. Select the “Advanced” tab and then check to be sure that the “Set this protocol to be the default protocol” box is checked.
  13. Okay I did that and I’m still not able to get on the web. What do I do? You may need to go through the “Internet connection Wizard.” Ion Microsoft Internet Explorer, click on the “Tools” menu and then select “Internet Options.” Click on the “Connections” tab and then click the “Setup” button. Follow this wizard. You should be able to connect to the internet.
  14. I have Windows XP on my PC, how do I do this in XP? Click on Start|Run and type “command” in the box and then click on “OK” Then type ipconfig /renew at the prompt. You should get an IP Address that begins with 172.18.
  15. I’m sure that my network card is properly installed in my computer and is properly configured and that I have the proper un-damaged network cable and I still can’t connect to the internet. I’m beginning to think that the network jack may not be working. What should I do? Try connecting your computer via your network cable to the network jack in a friend’s room. If it does not work properly there, then the problem is not the jack in your room, it is the computer, the network card, or the Ethernet cable that connects your computer to the network jack. If the computer connects to the internet via a network jack in another person’s room but not yours, call Network Services at x4702 and we will schedule an appointment to come to your residence hall room and check the jack.
  16. What software do I need to get connected to the web? Besides the drivers for the network card, you will need a web browser to be able to access the Internet. You can use either Internet Explorer (automatically installed in a Windows Operating System machine) or Netscape Communicator for this purpose.
  17. I don’t have a computer in my room, can I still get access to the Internet? OR I do not own a computer and need to type a paper? OR I need to print my document, where can I find a printer? There are two open access computer lab areas on campus: Shaw and the Library. Instructional computer labs are also available for use between classes. Each computer lab has a schedule on the door of when it is available. For a computer lab schedule, go to www.mountida.edu and click on Resources and Services and then click on Computer Labs.
  18. I’m having a problem with my computer’s hardware/software or a peripheral such as a printer or a scanner, can you help me? If you are having problems with your computer hardware or software, you must contact the manufacturer of the hardware/software or contact the place where you purchased your hardware/software. For example, if your printer is not working, contact the manufacturer of the printer or the place of purchase for assistance. The IT Department cannot assist you with problems related to your computer hardware, software, or peripherals. (See Support Policy)
  19. I wrote a paper on my computer in my room in Microsoft Works and can’t open it on a computer in one of the computer labs. Why not? What do I do? Microsoft Works is not the same software as Microsoft Word, which is installed in the PC’s in the computer labs. The files are saved in different file formats. To be able to open a file created in MS Works, you must save the file in a file format that is compatible with Word. The most transportable/easily translated file formats are “RTF” (Rich Text Format”) and “TXT” (unformatted text file).
  20. I’m worried that my computer might be stolen. What can I do?
    • Keep your door locked - Our Chief of Public Safety asks that we remind you that most thefts are a crime of opportunity – someone left a door open or unlocked.
    • Install a Security Device - We recommend that every computer have a security device. So we encourage you to buy a security lock and remember to keep your door locked whenever you are out of your room. Pictures and descriptions of a variety of security locks for desktop and notebook computers are available on-line at http://www.edu.com
    • Do you have Insurance? - We recommend checking to see if your computer is covered under your homeowner’s or rental insurance policy. It is possible that your computer is automatically covered.
  21. My computer is infected with a Virus, Spyware or something that is causing pop-ups or slow operation. What Can I do? Most Spyware or Mal-ware can be removed by using Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de. Also useful for this is “SpyBot Search & Destroy” available from http://spybot.info/en/index.html Also, Always keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.
  22. My question is not answered by any of the above… Who do I call? Contact Network Services at x4702 or via e-mail at nshelpdesk@mountida.edu or you can speak to your RA or RD.

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