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Residential Networking

Configuration (Windows)

Installing and Configuring Software for your Ethernet Adapter:


Note: If you have a new computer from the manufacturer, you probably are already set to connect.  However, please read through these steps to ensure that you are ready to proceed.

Follow the directions bundled with your ethernet adapter for installation under your current operating system version.  The majority of installations are easily completed by you, the end user; however, assistance is available through the Student Help Desk.
 
*Please consider that some computer warranties are invalidated if an uncertified party opens the unit. Please see your computer system's documentation to determine the extent of your computer’s warranty and liability in performing an Ethernet upgrade.

·    For a desktop computer, expect the process of installing the card and software to take about thirty minutes.
·    For a laptop, installation should take about fifteen minutes.
·    If your computer came with an Ethernet adapter, this step is taken care of.

Configuring Windows XP / Vista for ResNet

1.    After your network card has been installed, simply turn on your computer and allow Windows to detect the new hardware.  Follow the on-screen instructions to install the appropriate drivers.
2.    For Windows XP:  Open the Network Connections folder (Start Menu > Control Panel > Network Connections).  If the item "Network Bridge" is present, right click on it and select "Delete". This option must be removed as it may prevent the network from working properly.  Now, double-click on the Local Area Connection Icon and select the properties button in the dialog box that opens.
       For Windows Vista:
  Open the Network and Sharing Center (Start Menu > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center).  Click the "View Status" link to the right of the Local Area Connection.  Click on the "Properties" button and choose the continue option when the User Account Control window pops up.
3.    Windows should have already installed the following components:
    ·    Client for Microsoft Networks
    ·    File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks
    ·    Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
If any components are missing, you should add them by clicking on the Install button and selecting the appropriate component type (TCP/IP would be under Protocol). 
Other components may be installed here; however, the only ones needed for network access are listed above.
4.    Once TCP/IP is installed, you may need to configure it properly.  In the Connection Properties dialog box, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button (it will be listed as TCP/IPv4 for Vista machines).  Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.  After configuring TCP/IP, Windows suggests you restart your computer.  If you are so prompted, click yes.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: You may have additional protocols and services installed on your machine.  For those services that act as “servers” you need to obtain permission from Computing and Telecommunication Services.  In addition you may use “File Sharing for Microsoft Networks”, but please note that anything you share out to others is subject to all university policies and local, state, and federal laws.  Those protocols, services, and clients not described in our configuration steps, outlined above, are considered unsupported.