Information Technology > Incoming Students > Ten Things to Know

Ten Things to Know About Cornell's Technology

Virus protection is required. It is required that each student has a supported anti-virus program installed and updated when they arrive on campus. Cornell's network uses special software to verify that your anti-virus program working properly and that it is up to date. Computers that do not have anti-virus installed will be blocked from using the Cornell network. For a complete list of supported anti-virus programs, visit our System Requirements page.
Microsoft patches must be up-to-date. In addition to having current virus protection, it is extremely important that your computer is up-to-date with the latest available security patches. The following link will direct you to the Microsoft update web page. At this site you can select to have your computer automatically detect what updates need to be installed and complete the installation process. http://update.microsoft.com
All students need to provide their own long distance access. Due to the lower rates of calling cards and cell phones, it is more cost effective to use than standard long distance plans. Calling cards are the best option because of their reliability and are available at the Cornell bookstore and several local businesses. Due to Cornell’s location, many brands of cell phones do not receive a reliable signal on campus. The three providers that we have found to provide the best reception are US Cellular, Nextel, and Verizon, but even they have trouble getting a signal in several campus buildings including some residence halls.
All on-campus residence hall rooms are cable television ready. To connect, all you need is a cable-ready TV and a standard coax cable. Once connected, don’t forget to have your TV automatically scan for available channels. There are 51 cable channels available through Cornell’s video system.
All students are provided an email address. You will receive your username, password, and email address at check-in. Your email address will most likely be your first initial followed by, your last name, and your predicted graduation year. (example: jdoe13@cornellcollege.edu).
All on campus residence hall rooms have network access. To connect your personal computer to the Residential Network (ResNet), you must have a computer with a network card. If your computer does not have a network card already installed, you can purchase one at the bookstore or any local computer store. Once you have a working computer with a network card installed, simply connect it to your network port using an Ethernet cable, open a web browser and go to www.cornellcollege.edu. Your browser will automatically be directed to the ResNet online registration form. Once the online form is completed you will able to access several network resources and the Internet. If needed, Information Technology will assist you in connecting a working computer that is virus-free and spyware-free to ResNet.
MAC or PC does not matter. We are often asked whether it is best to have a PC or Macintosh computer. Although this is entirely up to the user, there are many resources that are available only on the PC platform here at Cornell. For example, there are approximately 46 applications that reside and are executed from our application server. These are PC-based and are not available for Macintosh.
Desktop or Laptop? Many incoming students question whether they should purchase a desktop or laptop computer. This is totally up to the user. The College currently has wireless access available to students in the Cole Library and the Thomas Commons with plans to expand access in the near future. There are also data ports available in Cole Library where student may connect their laptop computers.
All incoming students should review the Cornell College Technology Policy Guide. This document addresses appropriate technology use in a range of areas.
Students utilize Google Apps for email. Students will now have a nearly unlimited storage space for their email. Also, there are many more features like Google Chat and Google Docs that students may utilize.