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HOW TO USE RESNET: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a media adapter?
What is Ethernet cable?
Where can I purchase Ethernet cable?
How can I tell if my computer has an Ethernet card?
Where can I purchase an Ethernet card?
Do I need to have a ResNet CD?
I have a virus.  What do I do?
I'm in the MSB.  Can you help me?
My computer is having hardware problems.  What do I do?
I need to reinstall my operating system.  What do I do?


What is a media adapter?

Some dorms at Georgetown use fiber optic connections, which require an adapter between your computer?s Ethernet connection and the data jack.  You can click here to see if your dorm requires a media adapter.

What is Ethernet cable?

Ethernet, also called CAT-5, RJ-45, or 10-Base T, is the type of cable used to connect computers to the Georgetown network.  Ethernet looks like a phone cable but with larger connectors at each end and a fatter cable.  You cannot use telephone cable to connect to the Georgetown network.

Where can I purchase Ethernet cable?

You can purchase CAT-5 10-Base-T Ethernet cable from the Georgetown University Bookstore or any computer/office supply store.  During New Student Orientation, vendors will have Ethernet cable for sale at UIS technology events.

How can I tell if my computer has an Ethernet card?

If you have a desktop, there are a series of metal slots on the back of your computer.  One of these slots will have a card in it with a port resembling a phone port but larger, usually with one or two small lights next to it.  Try plugging an Ethernet cable into it; if it fits, you have an Ethernet card.

If you have a laptop, there are two types of cards:

• Some laptops have an integrated Ethernet card.  Look for a port resembling a phone port, but larger, on the side or rear of the computer.  Try plugging in an Ethernet cable to make sure.
  
  
• If you don't have an integrated card, you might have a PCMCIA Ethernet card.  About the size of a credit card but thicker, this card will slide into a slot on the side of the laptop.  Frequently they use a short cable (called a "dongle") to connect the Ethernet cord; make sure you have this short connector as well.  N.B.: Not all PCMCIA cards are Ethernet cards, so make sure it says Ethernet or LAN.

Where can I purchase an Ethernet card?

If you do not already have a card, you can purchase a 10-base-T Ethernet card from the Georgetown University Bookstore or any computer/office supply store.  During New Student Orientation, vendors will have Ethernet cards for sale at UIS technology events.

Do I need to have a ResNet CD?

Although not essential, we highly recommend that you use a ResNet CD.  Apart from automatically configuring your computer to connect to the network, the CD contains much useful software, including a licensed version of Norton Antivirus 2002.  The CD is free for current students and can be picked up at the UIS Service Desk in St. Mary's G-39.

I have a virus.  What do I do?

Georgetown has a license to distribute Norton Anti-Virus to students free of charge.  You can sign out a copy from Hoya Computing, located in St. Mary?s G-36, or pick up a ResNet CD from Student Technology Services, located in St. Mary?s G-39.

I'm in the MSB.  Can you help me?

MSB students should contact the MSB Tech Center for assistance with Novell and special network configuration.  We are able to assist MSB students with data jack problems, but not computer configuration issues.

My computer is having hardware problems.  What do I do?

The first step is to call the manufacturer; if the product is under warranty, they should replace it or repair it.  Otherwise, Hoya Computing has a repair depot that can assess and repair hardware problems.

I need to reinstall my operating system.  What do I do?

First you should try to backup your important files onto CD-R?s, Zip disks, or floppy disks.  If you have a system restore CD, you can run that to re-install your operating system and programs.  Otherwise you can go to Hoya Computing for help re-installing Windows.