Saturday, August 25, 2007

Can I install my own wireless router?

Students are not allowed to install their own wireless routers. There are a couple reasons for this:

Security

A wireless router transmits a signal to a distance of about 300 feet. That means that any computer within a football field-length of that router can potentially connect to it. At Hope, this could mean 500 or more computers, and could include people not affiliated with the College (like those in nearby houses, businesses, or on the street). Because the router is connected to your port, all the traffic that goes through it is attributed to you. So even if someone else is doing something wrong, because they're using your router, it looks like it's coming from you. There are ways to help prevent others from connecting to your router, but they take some knowledge to setup (and even then can be circumvented!)

Interference

Even if you setup the proper security on your router, there can still be issues with it interfering with other wireless routers. In the residence halls, each student is provided with an Ethernet port to plug in to. These were built into each building several years ago. However, many of the College's cottages and apartments do not have this wiring built in. Often, these are old houses where we either can't get into the walls to install wiring, or it's very expensive to do so. In these locations, wireless is installed, and is the only way for the students living there to connect. Because the College owns over 80 cottages and apartments, we can often have a dozen or more wireless routers installed in the space of one city block. Each must be carefully planned so that it doesn't interfere with the others. By installing a "personal" access point in a residence hall room or other location that's not a part of this plan, service is often interrupted or discontinued for students in these locations. That means that they can't connect to the Internet at all.

posted by Jeff Pestun at 1:13 PM 

Friday, August 24, 2007

Welcome Class of 2011!

As a new student, you may have some questions about the technology resources that will be available to you at Hope:

How do I connect to the Internet in my room? Where is wireless available?

In the residence halls, you'll use a wired Ethernet connection. Ethernet cables (different from a telephone cable) are available at the Bookstore. Wireless is available in most cottages, apartments, and academic buildings. For more information, please see: http://www.hope.edu/resources/cit/connect/ethmodem.html

How do I get free anti-virus software for my computer?

To download a free copy of Symantec Antivirus, see the following: http://www.hope.edu/resources/cit/connect/anti-virus.html

What can I do to protect my computer from viruses and other threats?

Check out: http://www.hope.edu/resources/cit/tips/securitytips.html

What if I have problems getting wireless setup, installing virus protection, or connecting to the network? Is there someone that can help me?

Yes! For Orientation Weekend and the first week of classes, there are times in the afternoon and evening when you can stop by with your computer and a technician will help you get everything setup. A schedule is at: http://www.hope.edu/resources/cit/connect/troublefair.html

Of course, it's impossible to answer every question here, so you can always contact us (cit@hope.edu or 616-395-7670) for more details.

posted by Jeff Pestun at 2:18 PM 

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Recent Internet outages

Recently, Hope College has experienced two sustained Internet outages:

• Last Thursday (August 16) from ~9:00am until ~10:00pm
  
• Today (August 21) from ~8:30am until ~11:55am

For approximately the past 15 years, Hope College has received its Internet service from Merit Network, Inc. They supply connections to many of the colleges and universities in Michigan, as well as other municipal and non-profits organizations. Both outages were the result of equipment failure at their facilities, and were experienced by Merit locations throughout the state. For more details information on these outages and other service issues, please refer to the following page: http://merit.edu/mail.archives/network-alerts/

In a live webcast attended earlier today by CIT Staff, Merit assured its users that they were talking aggressive and appropriate steps to minimize the possibility of future outages.

posted by Jeff Pestun at 1:57 PM 

Monday, August 20, 2007

Students: Need help with your computer?

Students, if you need help getting your computer connected, removing viruses, or using wireless, bring your computer to a ConnectHope Troubleshooting Fair. A technician will sit down with you and work through the problem (free of charge!). All Fairs are held in the CIT Office, located in Durfee Hall near the President's House:

Tuesday 8/21 = 9 am - 11 am & 2 pm - 4 pm
Thursday 8/23 = 9 am - 11 am & 2 pm - 4 pm
Friday, 8/24 = 2 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, 8/25 = 12 pm - 3 pm
Monday, 8/27 = 2 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday, 8/28 = 5 pm - 8 pm
Thursday, 8/30 = 5 pm - 8 pm

If you use a laptop, all you need to bring is the computer and power supply. If you use a desktop, just bring the tower part (CPU). Also, if you want help setting up your wireless connection, be sure to bring a wireless card (the Bookstore sells them).

Outside of the times listed above, if you are a student and need assistance with connecting your computer to the network or removing a virus, call CIT at x7670 to make an appointment. Please note that a limited number of appointments are available, so there may be a wait for this service.

If you need more immediate assistance or help with things like reinstalling Windows or repairing hardware, we've negotiated reduced rates for Hope students/faculty/staff at several local computer repair shops. For more information and examples of the discounts, look here.

posted by Jeff Pestun at 1:53 PM 

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