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Connecting 101

New Student at USU? -- What you need to know to get connected.

Are you thinking about, planning on bringing, or have a computer you want to use at USU?

This document along with the Internet Facts page should provide you with the information you need to help you get your computer connected to USU's network.

There are two ways to connect your computer to USU.

Connecting with an Ethernet Card

Connecting through an Ethernet card is available to all on-campus residents. Individuals living in West Stadium Villa or the USU Trailer Park may connect with an Ethernet card using a cable modem provided by USU Housing. If you are living in West Stadium Villa or the USU Trailer Park please call 797-3266 to schedule a technician to setup you cable modem.

Remember, the Ethernet card connects to the "Data" connector using a data cable, a modem connects to the "Voice" connector using a telephone line.

Some items to consider when purchasing an Ethernet card to bring to USU:

Any 10 or 10/100 Ethernet card will work as long as they are compatible with your system. It is a good idea to have the place you purchased the Ethernet card install and verify that it is working properly with your computer. If you are installing the card yourself you may want to check to see if your computer has an open PCI or ISA slot and purchase the appropriate card. Many newer computers come with Ethernet built-in, you may want to check before purchasing an Ethernet card.
You need a network cable to connect your computer(Technical term: cat5e cable with an RJ-45 connector)
- These are available at a reasonable price from the IT Service Desk
If you have any questions call the Service Desk and we will assist you in determining what is best for you and your system.

Connecting with a Wireless Card

The USU network will connect using any 802/11b OR 802.11g wireless card.
To register your wireless card on the USU network visit:http://barney.usu.edu/unregistered/
Where are the wireless access points on campus? USU is 100% wireless.

If you have any questions call the Service Desk and we will assist you in determining what is best for you and your system.

NOTE: Some students think that connecting their computer to the USU network whether it be via Ethernet or wireless allows them access to the software which is in the student computer labs. Unfortunately this is not true. The software installations in the computer labs are registered for the computer labs only and no additional licenses have been purchased to allow outside use of those software packages. Any software which students need to use on their personal computer (ie. WordPerfect, Word, Excel...) needs to be purchased and running on the student's system. Most software packages available on the market can be purchased through the USU bookstore at Educational pricing.

USU does have a site license for the McAfee virus scanner. This program is available free of charge for all current students, staff and faculty on computers that are connected to the USU network. See mcafee.usu.edu for more information(only accessible from on-campus connections).