Welcome to ResNet!

As one of the Residents who will be living in Firestine Hall, Ferncliff Hall, Hanley Hall, Woodlawn Hall, South Hall, Tower Hall, or the Polis House for the 2002-2003 school year, we would like to tell you about an exciting program that allows you to connect to the University network from your own personal computer. Why use Resnet's ethernet connection instead of dialing the University's modem pool?

• The ability to save work on your network drive means you don't have to carry floppies back and forth between your room and the computer labs. (This is actually an advantage for both the ethernet and modem users.)
• You have access to other network drives including the Q:\(Class) drive, but FASTER.
• There are a limited number of modems to share among lots of users, but you can use your ethernet connection anytime you like. No busy signals.
• You won't have to share your phone line with your computer any more.

The best part? Faster e-mail and Internet access through your ethernet connection.

The Solution Center

The Solution Center maintains all facilities and services associated with computer technology at Wittenberg University. For students who wish to bring personal computers from home and access the University's network from your residence hall rooms, the Solution Center offers on-site network configuration for the University's Residential Networking program (ResNet). Please read the following information thoroughly! If you have any questions, please contact the Solution Center. You can call (937)525-3801, send an e-mail to solution@wittenberg.edu, send mail to the Solution Center at Computing, or stop by Synod Hall Room 13.

Purchasing Software:

Software can be purchased from the Wittenberg Bookstore at education prices. For information or to place an order, check the bookstore location on campus on the main floor of the Student Center or their web site at http://www.bkstore.com/wittenberg/.

Network Connection from Residence Halls:

If you plan to bring a personal computer to school, you can have it configured to access the University's network and your home directory from your residence hall room. We have contracted with Pomeroy Computer Resources, based in Northern Kentucky, to do on-site installation of the necessary hardware and configuration of student-owned personal computers. Following is the basic information needed including the required minimum computer specifications as well as costs.

• You have to live in the Polis House, Tower Hall, Hanley Hall, Woodlawn Hall, Ferncliff Hall, Firestine Hall, or South Hall.
• You need to have a computer that meets the specifications outlined below.
• You must have the appropriate hardware installed and configured by Pomeroy.

Once connected, you will be able to access your home directory and class files as you will in the University's Computer Labs. You will learn more about accessing your computer account, your home directory, and e-mail during the New Student Days training being offered before the semester begins. Note: If you use a Macintosh, you will be able to retrieve e-mail and do Web browsing from your room; however, you will not be able to access your home directory or lab applications. Computer architectures approved for connection to the university network are very specific. Computers with less performance capabilities will not be configured for connection to the network, as some of the applications and hardware in use will not run adequately on lesser systems. All personal computers must go through the installation process to be connected to the network. No unapproved network interfaces or computers will be accepted for connection.

The cost of connection is a per-semester charge of $80.00. You will automatically remain connected and will be billed for Spring semester as well. To discontinue service for Spring semester, the Solution Center must be informed in writing.

Acceptable hardware

• Laptop or computer running Windows version 98, Millenium, XP, or 2000 with a Web browser installed
• Laptop or computer running OS 9.1 or higher with a Web browser installed

Table for Requirements

Below is a list of the required minimum specifications for the various types of computers.

PC Desktop*	PC Laptop*	Macintosh*
233 MHz or faster Pentium, Pentium II/III, or compatible	233 MHz or faster Pentium, Pentium II/III, or compatible
64 MB memory	64 MB memory
500 MB free hard drive space	500 MB free hard drive space
Floppy drive available	Floppy drive available	Floppy drive available
CD ROM drive	CD ROM drive	CD ROM drive
1 free PCI slot	1 or 2 free PCMCIA slots	Built-in Ethernet only
Windows 95C, 98, Millenium, NT Workstation, 2000 Professional, XP Home or Professional (No Server editions allowed)	Windows 95C, 98, Millenium, NT Workstation, 2000 Professional, XP Home or Professional (No Server editions allowed)	OS 8.x or later
Approved Network Cards: Intel Pro 10/100 Intel Pro 100 (Intel Server cards are not approved)	Approved Network Cards: Xircom RealPort	N/A
Network Card cost: $40.00**	Network Card cost: $75.00**	Network Card cost: option N/A**

*Minimum computer specifications are subject to change from year to year. No server versions are accepted.

**This is the cost to have Pomeroy install an approved network card in the machine if there is not an approved network card already installed. Previous ResNet members will still be allowed to use their 3Com905 or 3Com595 cards, if they had them during the previous semester.

Note: In order to take better advantage of the ever-changing technology being used at Wittenberg University, we also recommend that your computer has a sound card. Please note that the majority of computers used on campus are PC-compatible computers.

You will not have to pay up-front to have your computer configured. Wittenberg University's Student Financial Services office will bill you, and the charge(s) will appear on your next bill statement. The charges that you can be billed for by the University include configuration of your computer and/or service fees if incurred. Any other charges are your sole responsibility, as mentioned below.

Should you bring your computer to have it configured and it cannot be done for one of the reasons noted below, your computer will be returned to you with information regarding the type of problem encountered and a service fee of $25.00 will be assessed. You will be charged a service fee of $50.00 if you do not keep the scheduled appointment with Pomeroy to have the computer installed in your room.

Possible reasons why your computer will not be setup for connection:

• Your computer does not meet the specifications noted above.
• The technician finds repairs that must be done to the computer in order for the configuration to work.
• You have set up Microsoft Windows profiles on your computer, thereby restricting the technician from having the access necessary to configure your computer. If you have set up Microsoft Windows profiles on your computer, you must disable them prior to delivering your computer for configuration.
• It is a new computer that has not been turned on and so the set up of Windows is not complete.

In any situation, the technician will contact you directly to discuss what was found and provide an estimate for the additional work if applicable. You can decide to have the technician perform the work or you can decide to have the work done by another party, then reschedule the configuration of your computer. If you have the Pomeroy technician perform the work, the extra charges for such additional work are your responsibility. You can pay for it with a check, money order, cashier's check, Visa, or MasterCard. The additional work may also take more time to complete, so your computer may not be finished as originally scheduled. Also, whether or not your computer is configured to connect to the University's network, you can contract with the Pomeroy technician to do other work to your computer (e.g., install more memory, new hard drive, sound card, etc.).

The procedure to be connected to the network is different at the beginning of the Fall semester. For connection during the semester after September 7, please contact the Solution Center for a work order. First, please review the following notes. These provide important information that will answer some questions you may have and alleviate any potential problems. Please contact the Solution Center if you have any questions.

• If it is a brand-new computer, please hook it up and turn it on before you come to school. The installation of Windows on the computer is usually not completed before shipment from the manufacturer and requires information from the new owner. If this happens when the technician is working on it, the technician cannot complete the configuration causing an unnecessary delay. Also, by signing the form, you are attesting that the computer is in good working order and meets the minimum specifications. It is best to ensure this is true before bringing the computer to school and avoid any unnecessary charges.
• You need to deliver the computer to the central location drop off in your residence hall (see your Residence Advisor if you're not sure where). You can drop it off anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Remember, the earlier you deliver your computer, the sooner it can be configured. Please do not deliver your computer to the Computing Center. For security reasons, no one other than a Pomeroy staff member or a designated person will be able to accept your computer. If you need to make other arrangements, please call the Solution Center in advance.

When you deliver the computer, if it is a:

• PC desktop-the technicians do not need the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cable.
• PC laptop-you should bring your power cable; you can bring it in the carrying case if you wish.
• Macintosh-the technician will need all the accessories.

Please follow the steps below to arrange to have your computer configured.

• When you arrive on campus (beginning August 26), please deliver the computer to the designated area in your residence hall.
• When the computer is delivered, the technician will need to verify the student's information on the Network Configuration Request Form, which may take a few minutes.
• Anyone can drop off the computer (e.g., a parent or the student). However, the student who owns the computer must come to pick it up. When you pick up the computer, please bring your Wittenberg University ID card, a valid driver's license, or another valid picture ID. For security reasons, they cannot release the computer without proper identification.
• When the computer is delivered, you will receive a data cable and informational letter when the Pomeroy technician connects your computer to the university's network. It also includes answers to frequently asked questions and provides instructions if you have problems or questions.

*Please Note: There will be a delay of up to two weeks before connection for any computer not connected during the week of August 26.