Tip:
Before You Move-In
How ResNet Can Help You
Residential Networking (ResNet) is here to help make your technology expierence with move-in as smooth and seamless as possible. We can help you setup your computer, printer, gaming device, perform network registration, assist with network issues and troubleshooting, and provide general technical assistance for a wide range of needs.
Important Information
- Review the new to K-State IT page for general information about IT across campus.
- Device registration is required for each device that you would like to have online in the residence halls and Jardine Apartments. Additional information about this process can be found on the Network Registration page.
- Returning students still need to complete the registration process, even if they went through it last year.
- K-State provides and requires the use of their free anti-virus software, Trend Micro Anti-Virus.
- Wireless internet and network access is available in most buildings and classrooms on campus and within the residence halls and Jardine Apartments. K-State's Deparment of Housing and Dining Services is among the first in the Big 12 universities to have a complete wireless living environment. Wireless locations for other parts of campus can be found here.
- There are no longer any seperate fees assesed for internet/network access in the residence halls and Jardine apartments.
Buying a New Computer
General information can be found below. K-State's complete 2008 recommendations for buying a new computer are available at K-State Computer Recommendations.
Please make sure that your computer has an up-to-date and legal copy of one of these operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista
- Apple Mac OSX 10.3 - 10.5
- Linux: Most modern variants (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Gentoo, etc.)
- Note: We support both 32bit and 64bit operating systems
Buying tips
- Do NOT buy antivirus software. K-State's antivirus software is required (via free download). Antivirus software from other vendors is not permitted on campus and must be uninstalled prior to installing K-State's required antivirus software.
- Double check price quotes. Sometimes the prices don't include a keyboard, mouse, mon itor, or the recommended operating system.
- Printers are usually sold separately. Inkjet and laser printers provide high-quality printing. Before you buy, compare prices, features, and cartridge-replacement costs.
- Cables. Ensure you have everything needed to connect and use your systems, including power cables, USB cables, and Ethernet cables.
Department/college requirements
- Before any purchase, check the department/college recommendations for your field of study.
- Apple Mac computers are recommended for Art, Education, and Journalism majors.
Things to Bring with You
- Laptop or Desktop Computer
- Computer Security Lock (or some form of anti-theft device)
- Ethernet Cord (Cat 5, 5e, or 6)
- Flash Drive or External Hard-Drive (1gb or larger)
- Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)
- Additional Cabling or Wires for Your Computer or Other Devices (TV, DVD player, stereo, etc.)
- All Software Installation Media (i.e. system restore disks, Operating Systems disks, etc.)
- Printer (optional)
NOTE: Please make sure you bring all installation disks that came with your computer. ResNet does not provide installation media for any operating systems or software other than that which is required for the registration process (anti-virus and the Bradford CSA).
Things You Should NOT Bring
Please familiarize yourself with the Network Usage Policies. All of the policies listed there are appliciable, and residents living within the residence halls or Jardine apartments are subject to them. As a reminder, any and all additional networking equipment and devices are strictly prohibited under K-State IT policy. This includes, but is not limited to personal hubs, routers, switches, and servers. Should you need any additional networking ports in your room, you may obtain a hub from ResNet at any time during the semester. Ethernet and wireless are provided in all of the residence halls and Jardine apartments free of charge while you live there.
Peer 2 Peer (P2P) software applications and file sharing are strictly prohibited. There are network and security measures in place to ensure compliance. This type of network activity has been prevented from operating on the K-State network and any user who is found to be using this type of software, for any purpose, will be blocked on the network. If you are blocked, you may have your internet privleages permentanly revoked among other possible academic, criminal, civil, and legal sanctions.
Prepare Your Computer
There are a few steps that you should perform prior to living in the residence halls or Jardine apartments. These steps are designed to help ease the transition from your home computer network setup to the campus computing network. Further, these steps are necessary to help ensure that your computer remains virus free while living here.
- Please make sure your computer has all operating system updates. Each operating system is a little different regarding the method of updating your computer. Some tips are listed below for the common operating systems we support in the residence halls.
- Microsoft Windows 2000/XP: More Information can be found at How to Update Windows 2000/XP.
- Microsoft Windows Vista: More Information can be found at How to Update Windows Vista.
- Apple Mac OS X: More information can be found on the How to Update Mac OS X page.
- Linux: Please make sure you use your prefered method to get the latest updates for your distro. The following links are helpful if you are unfamiliar with how to update your specific Linux distro: Updating Ubuntu, Updating Fedora, Updating Gentoo. If you are unfamiliar with updating your Linux distro and the appropriate link is not listed here, you can contact ResNet for assistance.
- Next, you will need to install the K-State anti-virus client. This can be found here. Please completely uninstall any other anti-virus software that you have on your machine before attempting the installation of the K-State anti-virus software. If you do not remove other anti-virus software from your machine prior to installing the K-State anti-virus software, you machine may suffer from additional performance degradation. Some common examples of anti-virus software that people have installed are Norton/Symantec, McAfee, AVG, AntiVir, etc. Once the K-State anti-virus software is installed, you will need to make sure that the definitions are updated. Please see How to Update Trend Micro Anti-Virus for more information.
- The last step to complete before moving to the residence halls or Jardine apartments is remote registration. Please see the information below on how to complete this step.
Register Your Computer From Home
Use an Internet browser from the computer you plan to use at K-State and go to http://www.kstate.edu/infotech/networks/access and follow the instructions to download the K-State Client Security Agent required to connect to the K-State network. The agent will verify that you have met K-State security requirements, and provide instructions on how to complete the process. Security requirements include:
- Confirm you are running a valid, licensed operating system supported by K-State.
- Download and install all current security patches for Windows or Macintosh operating systems.
- Download and install the K-State antivirus software. Do not purchase additional antivirus software. Use of K-State antivirus software is required and free for all students.
Successful completion of the network access process ensures a safe and secure connection to the Internet while at K-State. Failure at any time to meet the requirements listed above will result in your disconnection from the network.
When You Arrive: Operation PC (Fall 2008)
Operation PC is the collective name given to the organized event that the IT groups within Housing and Dining Services and other IT support groups across campus perform to ensure your successful computing operations during your move-in. Examples of some of the items that students are assited with during move-in include: installing and updating the K-State anti-virus client, computer and device network registration, configuration of wireless network settings, assisting with the setup of computers and printers, etc. Operation PC is performed every fall semester and has proven to be an effective event to provide real-time support services to all of the students and parents invloved with the residence hall and Jardine apartments move-in operations.
ResNet staff members are available during Operation PC and throughout the semester to continue providing support to all residents within the department of Housing and Dining Services living environments.
For more information about registration, please see Network Registration.