Network Registration

What is Network Registration and Why is it Required?

K-State network registration is the process all computers connecting to the K-State network within the residence halls and Jardine Apartments must complete before gaining full internet access. Registration helps maintain network security and is necessary to help ensure that your computer remains secure. Computers connected to the K-State network must be running a valid, licensed operating system supported by K-State. In addition, you must have all current security patches and updates for your operating system, and use the free antivirus software provided by K-State. Registration of student computers requires acceptance of the User Agreement, Residential Networking Technology Policies, and the K-State Technology Usage Policies. For more information about K-State network security, please see Security for Information, Computing and Network Resources. Requiring these items before connecting to the network, allows K-State to provide a safe and secure network connection for all users.

How to Pre-Register Your Computer From Home

1. Ensure your computer is running a valid, licensed operating system. K-State supports Windows XP, Vista Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion), and Linux.
   
   
2. Verify that your operating system is updated. Instructions on how to update your supported operating system are listed below.
   • Microsoft Windows XP: More Information can be found at How to Update Windows XP.
   • Microsoft Windows Vista/7: More Information can be found at How to Update Windows Vista/7.
   • Apple Mac OS X: More information can be found at How to Update Mac OS X.
   • Linux: Use your Linux distribution's preferred method to obtain updates. Contact ResNet for assistance if you are unfamiliar with updating Linux.


3. Install the free K-State antivirus. Completely uninstall any other antivirus software before attempting to install the K-State antivirus software. If you do not remove other antivirus software prior to installing the K-State antivirus, your computer may suffer from performance degradation and system crashes. Some common examples of antivirus software that should be removed are: Norton/Symantec, McAfee, AVG, PC-cillin, and Kaspersky.
   
   
4. Check for antivirus updates. After the K-State antivirus software is installed, you will need to make sure that the definitions are updated.
   


5. Turn on Windows Firewall. Instructions on how to turn on Windows Firewall can be found by selecting your Operating System below.
   • Windows XP
   • Windows Vista
   • Windows 7

   The following steps cannot be completed while not on campus. After completing all the previous steps, registration will only take a few minutes after arriving on campus.

Successful completion of the registration process helps ensure a safe and secure connection to the internet while at K-State. Failure to meet the requirements listed above will result in being disconnected from the network. More information about K-State network security is available at Security for Information, Computing and Network Resources.