Before You Arrive On Campus

Here are a few tips that will make the ResNet connection process much easier and help protect your computer from viruses & spyware.

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Install Updates

Download and install all available updates for your computer. Updating Instructions

Scan Your Computer

Scanning your computer for viruses and spyware then removing any you find can drastically improve you computer's performance. It may speed it up and will help protect your computer and you from identity theft. You can learn more about and download anti-spyware software on our Security Page. You can also find information on viruses at Microsoft's Security page.

OSU uses a malware detection service called FireEye on all wired/wireless networks. If your computer has a virus/malware infection that gets caught by the FireEye service, your access to internet on campus will be disabled until your computer is cleaned.

OSU provides Symantec Endpoint Protection software (plus free updates) to all students. Once you arrive, you can download and install the software from our website.

Bring All Your Computer Documents and CDs

Gather together your computer's install/software CD's, plus all documentation and bring them with you to campus. If your computer crashes during the year, for any of a number of different reasons, you will need those CD's to repair your computer in a timely fashion.

Choosing the Right Network Cable

When connecting your computer to the network, you must use a network cable (also known as an Ethernet or CAT–5/CAT-5e/CAT–6 cable). A regular phone cable will not work, even though it looks similar to a network cable.

Network cables can be purchased at the OSU Bookstore.

Phone & Network Cable Differences

• The jack at the end of network cables is wider than a phone's cable.
• Network cables are usually thicker and more round than a telephone cable.
• Network cables usually have more pins then phone cables.
• Network cables have larger RJ-45 connectors and phone cables usually have smaller RJ-11 connectors.

Internet Cable Correct	Phone Cable Incorrect

Computer & Software Recommendations

Computer Recommendations

Laptop vs. Desktop

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Think about what you are going to use it for, how much money you want to spend, and if you want to upgrade it in the future.

Laptops offer mobility, take up less space, and students can also access the wireless network in the Library, Dining Halls, other public locations around campus using the OSU Public Network. For this reason, most students decide to use a laptop when coming to Oregon State. They are harder to upgrade however, and because they are constantly moved around, they tend to wear out faster than desktops.

Desktop computers take up more space and offer no mobility, but are generally faster, and cheaper to upgrade and maintain. They also generally last longer than laptops.

Hardware Recommendations

Computers are constantly changing, so when shopping around for a particular brand/style, it is a good idea to do your research beforehand. The following websites offer good computer reviews and comparisons:

• CNET Reviews (Laptops) (Desktops)
• PC World Reviews (Laptops) (Desktops)

Educational Discounts on Computers

Many computer manufacturers offer discounts for students when buying a new computer. Click on any of the logos below for the educational site for that manufacturer:

 

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Software Recommendations

Operating System Recommendations

The operating system is your computer's most important piece of software, because it is in charge of running all the other programs that you need, and making sure those programs interact well with your computer hardware. For security and stability reasons, we always recommend that you run the latest version of your preferred operating system:

• Windows: This is the most common operating system if you own a PC. Windows 7 is the latest version of Windows, but Windows Vista and Windows XP will also work on the ResNet network.
• OS X: This is the operating system that runs on Macintosh computers. 10.7 (Lion) is the latest version of OS X, but 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and 10.5 (Leopard) will also work on the ResNet network.

A Note About Linux: Most flavors of Linux should also work on the ResNet network. Please be aware that the OSU Computer Helpdesk does not support Linux, so any errors you may have on the network will have to be solved on your own.

Educational Discounts on Software

There are several educational discounts available for software. See our Software page for more information.

Configure Network DHCP

To work on ResNet, your computer needs to be configured to use DHCP. If you used Cable or DSL at home, your computer may be configured improperly. Follow the appropriate instructions for your operating system.

Please select your Operating System:

Click Here for Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Click on any image below for a larger view

Step 1 Click the Start circle at the bottom left of your screen. In the Search bar at the bottom, type "ncpa.cpl" and click on the link when it appears in the menu.

Step 2 Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection item and click Properties Note: If you are connecting to the wired network on the dorms instead of wireless, right-click on the Local Area Connection and hit properties instead

Step 3 Highlight the Internet Protocol Version 4 item in the list, and click the Properties button.

Step 4 Make sure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected. Change them if one of both are not selected, and click OK. Close all open settings windows, and DHCP will be set up correctly.

Click Here for Windows XP

Click on any image below for a larger view

Step 1 Click Start » Control Panel » Network and Internet Connections » Network Connections

Step 2 Right-click on the Wireless Connection (or Local Area Connection if you are connecting via an internat cable) and select Properties.

Step 3 Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the white box, then click the Properties button.

Step 4 Verify that the default "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain a DNS Server automatically" are selected and click OK. Close all open settings windows, and your DHCP settings should be set up correctly.

Click Here for Mac OS X

Click on any image below for a larger view

Step 1 Open the main system preferences window by clicking on the Apple Menu, then System Preferences.

Step 2 Click on the Network icon.

Step 3 If you will be using wireless to connect, select the "Wi-Fi" entry in the list on the left Note: If you are using an older version of OS X, this may be called "Airport" instead of "Wi-Fi" If you will be connecting with an internet cable, select the "Ethernet" entry in the list on the left Click on the Advanced button

Step 4 Click the TCP/IP tab at the top. Make sure "Using DHCP" is selected from the dropdown menu. Click the OK buton, and your DHCP settings should be configured correctly

Connecting Video Game Consoles

Also see: OSU Gaming Club

It is possible to connect your internet ready game consoles to the Residential Network to play online games. Like a computer, each of these devices has a hardware address that must be registered with ResNet for the device to have access to the network. To register consoles, their unique adapter (MAC) address must added to the system by clicking Your Account to the left and typing in the adapter address in the box under "Hardware Address."

You can connect any device with a wireless card to the wireless network in the dorms. If you have multiple gaming devices that need access to a wired port, or you want all devices to be on their own private network, you will need a properly configured router. You will also need to configure port forwarding on your router to make some online games work.

 

Xbox 360 Configuration

Find the Xbox 360's adapter address on the old dashboard

1. Go to the System area of the Xbox Dashboard and select Network Settings.
2. Select Edit Settings.
3. Under Basic Settings, check to make sure the IP Settings is on Automatic.
4. Now go to Additional Settings, select Advanced Settings.
5. At the bottom of this screen you'll see a heading called Wired MAC Address.
6. Register the adapter (MAC) address on ResNet by clicking on Your Account to the left.

 

Playstation 3 Configuration

Find the Playstation 3's adapter address

1. Go to "Settings" on the Cross Media Bar (XMB) and select "System Settings." 
2. Scroll down and select "System Information." 
3. Your MAC Address will be the first item listed. 
4. Register the adapter (MAC) address on ResNet by clicking on Your Account to the left.

 

Wii Configuration

Find the Wii's adapter address

1. On the Wii home menu press the Wii button in the lower left corner.
2. Select "Wii Settings."
3. Scroll to page 2 by selecting the right arrow in the settings screen.
4. Select "Internet."
5. Select "Console Information."
6. The adapter (MAC) address will be displayed at the top of the screen.
7. Register the adapter (MAC) address on ResNet by clicking on Your Account to the left.

Wii U Configuration

Find the Wii's adapter address

1. On the Wii U's home menu find and select "System Settings".
2. Select the "Internet" setting button.
3. Next select the "View MAC address" option.
4. The information on your screen should contain your Wii U's MAC address.

Finding Your Network Adapter Address

Your computer's Network Adapter Address must be registered in order to receive network access. The Adapter Address is a unique number associated with your computer's network adapter. It is also called a Physical Address, Hardware Address, Ethernet ID or MAC on various systems

Please select your Operating System:

Click Here for Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Click on any image below for a larger view

Step 1 Click the Start circle at the bottom left of your screen. In the Search bar at the bottom, type "ncpa.cpl" and click on the link when it appears in the menu.

Step 2 Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection item and click Status Note: If you are connecting to the wired network on the dorms instead of wireless, right-click on the Local Area Connection and hit status instead.

Step 3 Click the Details button.

Step 4 A window should open displaying a list of information about your wireless (or wired) adapter. Look for the Physical Address entry (should be towards the top). This sequence of letters and numbers is your computer's network adapter address!

Click Here for Windows XP

Click the image below for a larger view

Step 1 Click Start, then Run. Type cmd in to the box and hit OK.

Step 2 In the black command window that comes up, type ipconfig /all. This will display a large list of details about all of your network connections. You are looking for the Wireless Network Connection section (or Local Area Connection if you are connecting with an internet cable in the dorms). In this section, look for the Physical Address entry. The sequence of letters and numbers shown here is your computer's network adapter address!

Click Here for Mac OS X

Click on any image below for a larger view

Step 1 Open the main system preferences window by clicking on the Apple Menu, then System Preferences.

Step 2 Click on the Network icon.

Step 3 If you will be using wireless to connect, select the "Wi-Fi" entry in the list on the left Note: If you are using an older version of OS X, this may be called "Airport" instead of "Wi-Fi" If you will be connecting with an internet cable, select the "Ethernet" entry in the list on the left Click on the Advanced button

Step 4 When this page opens, make sure you have the Wi-Fi/Airport tab at the top selected.   There will be a sequence of letters and numbers printed at the bottom. It will be called either Airport ID or Wi-Fi Address depending on which version of OS X you have. This is your network adapter address!

Network Media Players

Network Media Players (ROKU)

Network Media Players are devices that can stream shows from providers like Netflix and Hulu directly to your TV by connecting to the internet. Certain models have a hard-coded DNS which causes them to have connection problems on OSU networks, including ResNet.

Typically connecting through an Ethernet cable will resolve the issue, so we always recommend that people buy NMPs with Ethernet ports. Most players have ports already, but some like the Roku HD and Roku 2 XD do not. 

Getting a wireless router should fix the connection issue, but this has not yet been tested. If customers ask about getting a Roku, recommend the Roku 2 XS, because it is currently the only member of the Roku lineup that has an Ethernet port built in.

Restarting Your Connection

Computers will sometimes lose their connection to the Internet. Some causes may be power outages or surges, problems with the University's network hardware, or improperly configured settings on other people's computers on the network. Often a computer's network settings can be "flipped off and back on" and will start working again. This process is easy to do, and will prevent having to schedule an appointment with a ResNet technician.

There are a few ways you can reset your computer's network connection:

 

1. Restart Your Computer

This is the most effective way to reset your network configuration, as every program and service will be shut down, then restarted again. Restarting will reset your network connection regardles of what operating system you have (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OSX, Linux).

If you are unable to shut down your computer, or you don't want to for some reason (too many things open, currently working on something), you can try option 2 or 3 below:

2. Network Diagnostics

1. Click the Start circle at the bottom left of your desktop and right click the Network button.
2. Press the properties button and wait for the Network and Sharing Center screen to appear.
3. To the right of the words Local Area Connection there will be a link titled View Status. Click it.
4. In the box that appears, press the button labeled Diagnose.
5. Windows will inform you that it is identifying the problem.
6. If Vista isn't able to locate a specific problem, you will be informed as such.
7. In the box that appears, press the button labeled Reset the network adapter "Local Area Connection"
   (Your adapter may have a different name)
   When the process is complete, you will be informed that the problem has been resolved.
   You may now try your internet connection once more. If the connection still fails, contact the ResNet Helpdesk and we will be happy to assist you with further troubleshooting.

3. Disable/Re-enable Adapter

1. Click Start » Control Panel
2. Choose "Network Connections"
3. Right-click on Local Area Connection » choose Disable
4. Wait a few seconds then Right-click on Local Area Connection » choose Enable
5. Right-click on Local Area Connection » choose Status » select the Support tab

 

The IP address^? in the Status window should be 128.193.x.y, where x and y are two numbers between 0 and 255. If so, the computer is communicating with the network and you should be able to access the Internet.

If the IP address is in the form of 10.195.x.y then your computer is not registered on ResNet. If your IP address is 10.193.x.y then your system has be disabled and you should check your ONID email for additional information.

Still Going to Login Page

If you have recently registered and after 5-10 minutes are still being sent to the 'Unregistered' page, then follow the steps to below.

Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer will fix the majority of these cases. Sometimes, a computer may think it still belongs in the unregistered network. Restarting your computer may resolves this issue.

Refresh Your IP Address^?

If after rebooting, your computer still only goes to the unregistered page, try refreshing your IP Address. To refresh your IP Address, follow the instructions on our Restarting Your Connection page.

Check Your Adapter Address

A common problem when a student registers a computer is mistyping their computer's adapter address number into the registration page. Double check your computer's adapter address against the one you have registered.

If you have wireless network be sure you are getting the adapter address from your wired network card and not your wireless.

Still Not Working

If you have completed all of the steps above and are still going to the UnRegistered page, please feel free to contact us and we can help over the phone or can go out to your room.

Using Wireless Routers on ResNet

ResNet provides one wired network port per resident in all residence halls, and most rooms are covered by the ResNet wireless network. These options tend to meet most students needs when it comes to internet, so most do not need a wireless router. However, if you have poor wireless coverage in your room, or need to connect more than one wired device, you may set up a wireless (or wired only) router in your room.

Router Basics

A router is a network device allowing multiple computers, handheld devices and game consoles to communicate with each other and share a single connection to the Internet. They usually contain one uplink (WAN) jack and between 4 and 24 Ethernet (LAN) jacks where network devices can be plugged in. By connecting a router in the correct way to ResNet, multiple network devices can share the same connection, and operate on the same private network.

Securing Your Wireless Router

ResNet requires you to secure your wireless router to use it. You must use wireless encryption, which encodes the data transmitted between your PC and your wireless router. Unfortunately, some routers ship with encryption turned off, leaving it completely exposed. Enable your router's encryption and use the strongest form supported by your computer. The Wireless Protected Access (WPA) protocol and more recent WPA2 have supplanted the older and less-secure Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP).

Also, make sure you change the default network name and password on your router. Doing so will make it much more difficult for hackers to break into your router and commandeer its settings.

How To - Secure Wireless Router Set Up

Connecting the Router

Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the orange or green internet jack in your room, and the other into the WAN, Uplink, or Internet port of the router. Connect your computer and other devices to the LAN ports on the router.

Warning: It is very important you do NOT plug the cable going to the port on the wall into one of the regular LAN jacks on the router, as this will disable your network port.

Register the Router

To get your connection working, you'll need to find and register the routers WAN or Uplink adapter address. This may be physically written somewhere on the router, or you may be able to find it in the router's web–based interface. Consult your router's manual for the best way to find the adapter address.

To register the device, login to ResDesk. You will be prompted to type in the hardware address found above, agree to the acceptable use policy, and click submit. Doing so will register your device.

Once the router is registered, all network devices connected to the router will have access to the network.

Additional Help

Setting up a router can be tricky, especially on a network shared with many other students. If you are having trouble setting up your router, or are wondering if it was secured correctly, feel free to call the OSU Computer Helpdesk at 541-737-3474. We can walk you through setup over the phone, or send a technician out to help you set it up in person.