ResNet

1. Virus protection is required. It is required for each student to be sure that their personal computer which they will use on campus be virus-free and has an updated version of Anti-Virus software when they arrive to campus. In the event the subscription expires during the student’s time at Cornell, the Office of Information Technology has made arrangements with a leading Anti-Virus software company to renew or replace the subscription each year until the student leaves Cornell.
2. 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://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
3. 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.
4. All students are provided with voicemail. Your voicemail mailbox will be set up when you arrive on campus, but you will need to record your greeting. Remember, students are required to provide their own telephone handset.
5. 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. http://www.cornellcollege.edu/information_technology/tv/
6. 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 a hyphen, and then your last name (example: j-doe@cornellcollege.edu). The only time this would not be the case is if your username is already taken. If this happens, a number will be added to your username (example: j-doe1@cornellcollege.edu).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 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.
10. Two resources that all incoming students should review are the Cornell College Technology Handbook
    http://cornellcollege.edu/information_technology/projects/pdfs/
    TechnologyHandbook.pdf
    and the Technology Policy Guide
    http://cornellcollege.edu/information_technology/technology_policy/ These documents will help prepare incoming students for what will no doubt be a great experience at Cornell College.

For additional information on any of these topics, plus much more, please visit the Information Technology website at:
http://www.cornellcollege.edu/information_technology/
or call us at 319-895-4357. We are looking forward to your arrival!

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