This section is a generic guide for installing
the hardware and cables that are required for network access on your
computer. Proceed at your own risk. PLU is not responsible for damaged
equipment resulting from the installation of your network card. If you
do not feel comfortable performing any of the steps below, please
contact the Help Desk at x8250 for further assistance.
After completing the steps below, move on to the “Connecting the Cable”
section at the bottom of this page for further instructions.
Desktop Computers:
1. Turn the computer off and unplug the power cables. Touch something
metal to ground yourself.
2. Remove the cover from the computer case. If you need to remove
screws, put them in a safe place, as you will need them when the
installation is complete.
3. Look at the motherboard. The motherboard is the largest circuit
board, usually at the bottom of a desktop case or on the side of a
tower case. The motherboard should have slots near the back of the
case. Find a slot that will fit the network card that you purchased
(either an ISA or PCI).
4. Remove the dust cover along the back of the computer that
corresponds to the slot you have chosen for your network card. A dust
cover is a thin plate covering a narrow opening in the computer
housing.
5. Insert the card into the slot. This may be a little harder than it
looks. The card will fit into the slot snugly. Align the card above the
slot and push straight down on the top of the card until it slides in.
The card and the motherboard are both fragile, so be very careful not
to bend or twist the circut boards.
6. Secure the network card by screwing it down with the screw from the
dust cover. Put the case cover back on and secure it appropriately.
Store the dust cover in a safe place. You may want it if you want to
remove the network card later.
When finished, proceed to the “Connecting the Cable” section to
complete the hardware setup.
Laptop Computers:
1. Slide the Ethernet PC card into a free Type II PC (PCMCIA) card slot
in your laptop until it is completely in.
2. Connect the network dongle to the exposed port on the side of the
card. Be gentle with the dongle, as the equipment is very fragile.
Almost all Macintosh computers have built-in RJ45 Ethernet ports. No
cards or adapters need to be added to these computers. The port looks
like a large phone jack and is normally located in the back of the
computer (on the right for iMacs).
If your computer does not have a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port, install
your card or adapter following the instructions in the manual that came
with your computer. Also, make sure to run any installation programs
that came with your network card.
Connecting the Cable
Each dorm room on campus has at least one wall jack containing a
network connection. If multiple students wish to be connected in the
same room and 2 ports are not available, a mini-hub will be needed,
which can be purchased at the University bookstore. You will also need
a Category 5 Ethernet patch cable with RJ45 connectors at each end,
which can also be purchased at the bookstore.
1. Plug one end of your cable into the Ethernet card or adapter on your
computer and plug the other end into one of the ports on the hub (not
the uplink port) or into the network jack on the wall.
2. Most Ethernet cards will have a green light that will light up when
the computer is turned on and physically connected to the network.
Check for that light to see if your installation was successful. Please
do not hesitate to call the Help Desk at x8250 if you encounter any
problems.