Contents

  1. Set up your network connection
  2. Turn on a firewall (setup instructions)
  3. Install AntiVirus software
  4. Windows users: Install Cisco NAC Agent
  5. Connect to the Internet
  6. For assistance

How to set up your computer on ResNet to access the Internet

When it comes to connecting to ResNet, WSU's high-speed computer network in university's residence halls and apartment buildings, you need to follow the steps below. NOTE: If your Internet connection is functional when you first plug your Ethernet cable in to the wall jack, you can skip steps 1 and 2.

1. Set up your network connection

To access the Internet, you must set up your computer to receive an IP address from WSU's network. Do not set a static IP address because you won't be able to access ResNet.

Find the operating system for your computer (below) and follow the instructions.

Mac OS X

  1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences. A System Preferences window displays.
  2. Under Internet & Network, click Network. From the Show pull-down menu, select Built-in Ethernet.
  3. A new window displays. From the Configure IPv4 pull-down menu, select Using DHCP.
  4. In the lower-right corner of the window, click Apply Now.
  5. Go back to the Apple menu and select Quit System Preferences.

Windows XP

  1. Click the Start menu, and select the Control Panel. Then double-click Network Connections. A Network Connections window displays.
  2. Right-click Local Area Connection, and select Properties. A Local Area Connection Properties window displays.
  3. In the menu, double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). In the window that displays, select Obtain an IP address automatically. Then select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  4. Click OK in the two remaining windows.

Windows Vista

  1. Right-click the Network icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. (It looks like two computers.) From the menu, select Network and Sharing Center. A Network and Sharing Center window displays.
  2. On the left side of the window, click Manage Network Connections. A Network Connections window displays.
  3. Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. A Local Area Connection Properties Window displays.
  4. In the menu, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). In the window that displays, select Obtain an IP address automatically. Then select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  5. Click OK in the two remaining windows.

2. Turn on a firewall

A firewall is a protective barrier that prevents unwanted sources, such as viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious code from accessing your computer or network. If you haven't already done so, turn on the firewall for your computer. For further instructions, see Secure your Computer System: Use a Firewall.

3. Install AntiVirus software

Wayne State has a site-license for Symantec AntiVirus software, and you can download it for free and install it on your computer. To download it, go to the following Web page and click the Free Software box: http://clearinghouse.wayne.edu

4. Windows users: Install Cisco Network Admission Control Agent

The Cisco Network Admission Control (NAC) Agent (formerly called Cisco Clean Access Agent) must be installed in order to access ResNet. The first time you open a Web browser, you are redirected to the Cisco NAC Agent download page. For more information, see: How to install required security controls and log in to ResNet

5. Connect to the Internet

To connect to the Internet, follow the quick set up instructions (below) for your building.

For assistance

Friendly and knowledgeable computer support and reasonably priced diagnostic repair services (for personally owned computers) are available at Wayne State – and provided by Computing & Information Technology (C&IT). Students can take advantage of these services in the following ways: