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Q: How do I sign up to be on this network?
Q: What equipment do I need to buy to be able
to connect my computer to the campus network?
Q: What if my computer does not meet the system
recommendations?
Q: Does ResNet include e-mail and Web page
services?
Q: Can I use my computer on ResNet to run
my own Web server or FTP site?
Q: Does ResNet include access to other software,
like Microsoft Word?
Q: If my computer is on ResNet, can other
people on the network see my files?
Q: If I move to a different residence
hall room, can I still participate in ResNet?
Q: What if I want to move my computer to a different
place in my room?
Q: What if my computer is already set up
for a different network?
Q: If I move off campus, can I still connect
to the Internet?
Q: What if I have a problem with using
the Internet?
Q: What if I have a problem with my
computer?
Q: How do I sign up to be on this network?
A: As of Fall 2004, all you will need to do is plug your computer into the network and follow the given instructions to register your connection. No paperwork is needed.
Q: What equipment do I need to buy to be able to connect my computer to the campus network?
A: If your computer does not have a 10/100 Ethernet card installed, you should purchase one. You can purchase Ethernet cards at most computer and office supply stores.
Q: What if my computer does not meet the system recommendations?
A: Any computer can be connected to ResNet. However, if you want or need to have the ResNet team configure your computer, we cannot guarantee connectivity for any computer that does not meet the recommendations. Also, if your computer does not meet the recommendations, you may want to consider purchasing a new one to get adequate performance both for ResNet and your needed applications.
Q: Does ResNet include e-mail and Web page services?
A: ResNet will give you access to the Internet and to your e-mail. The University of Alabama runs a campus server called bama.ua.edu on which all students have e-mail accounts. These can also be used to host a personal Web site. If you do not know your username and/or password, you can get it online. You can use your ResNet access to read your e-mail from that account (or any other e-mail account) and to put files on your Web site.
Q: Can I use my computer on ResNet to run my own Web server or FTP site?
A: No. ResNet Use Policy prohibits any ResNet-connected computer from running a server. This covers all types of servers, including Web, FTP, and chat servers. Also, you may not use your ResNet connection nor your e-mail/Web account for any "commercial" purpose, nor for any purpose that disrupts service to others. For more information, read the ResNet Use Policy and visit the Network and Computing Support policy site.
Q: Does ResNet include access to other software, such as Microsoft Word?
A: No. ResNet includes Web browser software and access to the Internet. You will need to purchase your own application programs. The University Supply Store has academic discount pricing on many software programs. The University also runs a software download site where you can get some software, such as FTP clients and antivirus programs and updates.
Q: If my computer is on ResNet, can other people on the network see my files?
A: When the ResNet team members configure a computer, they make sure that file sharing is turned OFF. The configuration instructions also include this procedure. This is for your protection, to make certain you do not unknowingly allow others to see or alter your files when you connect your computer to ResNet. Of course, you can turn file sharing on for your computer, and you can elect to set up some of your folders for file sharing. Before you set up file sharing, be sure you understand the consequences of file sharing, and the choices you can set for file access. We recommend that you use file sharing carefully and that you do not set up any folders for "Full" (or Read & Write) access.
Q: If I move to a different residence hall room, can I still participate in ResNet?
A: Most residence halls participate in ResNet. If you move to a residence hall that does not participate in the network, then you will not be able to use ResNet services. If you move to a different room in a building that does participate in ResNet, then you will be able to take your service with you.
Q: What if I want to move my computer to a different place in my room?
A: Most rooms and apartments have more than one place where your computer can be connected. If you need a longer cable, call the HelpDesk at 348-2435.
Q: What if my computer is already set up for a different network?
A: If your computer has already been set up for a different network, you should have no problems setting it up for ResNet.
Q: If I move off campus, can I still connect to the Internet?
A: From off campus, you can connect to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). For high-speed access like you were getting with ResNet, you will want to look into cable modem or DSL service. Dialup Internet access is cheaper than high-speed access, but it is also much slower. See the Internet section of the HelpDesk site for more information.
Q: What if I have a problem with using the Internet?
A: The Network and Computing Support HelpDesk is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and you can call or stop by anytime during those hours and get help. At all other times call 348-2435, leave a message about your problem, and someone will get back to you the next working day. You can also send e-mail to Help.Desk@ua.edu.
Q: What if I have a problem with my computer?
A: In order to participate in ResNet, your computer must be in good working order. There are a number of companies in Tuscaloosa that provide hardware and software installation and repair. If your computer is not working properly or needs repair, call the HelpDesk (348-2435) to get a list of local computer service providers.
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