Computers & Resnet

Computer, Software, and Network Information

The University of New Haven has arranged for specialized computer discounts with two premiere vendors, Apple Computer and Dell. Both of these vendors offer education discounts on their products lines as well customized systems. These discounts vary by model, promotional period and other factors, so there is no set discount rate. Purchases made through the Educational Discount programs are strictly between the purchaser and the vendor. Apple and Dell offer extended warranty options that we recommend reviewing and taking advantage of. While the University provides all students technical support, including the diagnosis and repair of hardware issues, we do not stock, purchase or provide parts.

The University of New Haven has teamed up with Apple Computer to offer discounts on selected Apple products. For more information about this program, please consult Apple's website, located here.
The University of New Haven has teamed up with Dell Computer to offer discounts on selected Dell products. For more information about this program, please consult Dell's website, located here.

What kind of computer should I purchase ?
There are a number of factors you should consider when purchasing a computer. You should consult the faculty in your anticipated program of study to determine if there are any special requirements for hardware or software as this may affect your decision.

Often, the most important determining factor is what computer will you be most comfortable with. A computer that meets your wants and needs is really going to have a greater effect on whether you release full value from it than any other factor. The university does recommend laptops as a preferred student computing platform because of portability, ease of use, space considerations, and service options- it is definitely easier to bring a laptop to our student technical support office- we do not make house calls ! Today's laptops possess computing power much closer to desktops than in the past, and are generally suitable for almost all tasks.

The Student Technical Support Office will also help with configuration issues. For example, if you purchase a Mac but determine that you need to run Windows to support Windows only applications, we will install Boot Camp and Windows. If you determine that the version of Windows you are running is not the version you need, we can back up your data and install a new version.

If you have specific questions about a computer purchase, please contact the Director of Academic Computing, alan macdougall, either at alanm@newhaven.edu or by calling 203.932.7054.

Software
The University also has a licensing agreement with Microsoft that allows us to provide low-cost and free software under the Volume Licensing Program. In addition we provide anti-virus software at a significant discount. Finally, we purchase a limited quantity of Adobe Creative and Design Suite software which we then provide at our cost.

Every student receives one free copy of Microsoft Office. Currently, we are providing Office 2008 for the Mac and Office 2007 for the PC . Additional copies or furture upgrades are available to students for 15.00 (fee subject to change).

The following software can be purchased for 15.00: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Visual Studio .NET 2005, Office 2003, Office 2007, Frontpage 2003(outdated and no longer supported), Publisher (now included with Office), Pc-Cillin Antivirus. Office 2008 for Macintosh and Intego Net-Barrier (Anti-virus for Macintosh).

Also available: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Design Suite: consult the Business Office for Pricing (quantities are limited, but can be re-ordered, specify platform).

If you have specific questions about software that is available for purchase through the university, please contact the Director of Academic Computing, alan macdougall, either at alanm@newhaven.edu or by calling 203.932.7054.

Accessing the Network: What is Resnet ?
Resnet is the collection of network services that UNH residential life students can access from their individual rooms. Among these services are e-mail and Internet access. Both wired and wireless access is provided. Wired access is recommended as the fastest, most reliable method when appropriate.

What other network services are available ?
Wireless coverage is in numerous locations and is continuing to expand. Where available, wireless can be accessed by opening a browser window. The browser will redirect you to UNH-Wifi's login gateway, where you can gain authenticated network access using your UNH username and password.

There are also a number of locations where computers are available for student use, including the Marvin K. Peterson Library, Bartels Hall Student Center, the Beckerman Recreation Center, and the computer lab in New Hall, which has scheduled open use hours.

Electronic access to the UNH Library is available through the UNH home page or the following URL: http://library.newhaven.edu.

What do I need to connect to Resnet ?

UNH is an open platform campus with Macs, PCs, and Unix/Linux. You are welcome to use any computer if it meets the minimal configuration described below:


Macintosh or Mac OS compatible
Mac OS X
G4 minimum processor
512 MB RAM
100 MB available space on hard drive
Ethernet card* or Wireless Card or Built-in Wireless
Ethernet cable (for wired access)*
* items are available for purchase at the UNH Bookstore.

IBM compatible (including Intel Macs running Windows)
Windows: 2000, XP Professional, Vista, or Linux.
Pentium IV or comparable processor or higher
512 MB RAM
100 MB available space on hard drive (no software is required to access the internet, but hard drive space is recommedned if service is required)
Ethernet card* or Wireless Card or Built-in Wireless
Ethernet cable (for wired access)*
* items are available for purchase at the UNH Bookstore.

NOTE: Please be aware that the above signifies the minimal requirements to access Resnet . A higher speed processor and increased RAM will increase performance.

How do I connect to Resnet ?

If your PC meets the minimum configuration, it should be able to connect to the internet. TCP/IP should be set to DHCP and your computer will obtain an IP address automatically.Computers that access Internet resources are subject to the firewall security policy. The firewall supports all major protocols including. AOL users can connect to AOL via the Internet using AOL's software. Any questions regarding network protocols should be directed to the Network Administrator.

If your computer will not connect to the internet, try calling the student technical support office at x7235 or visit the office in Echlin Hall (bring yor computer).

For Wired connections to RESNET: Plug one end of the patch cord into your Ethernet card-and the other end into the DATA jack in your room. The DATA jacks are the LOWER outlets in your room. They are labeled in red as DATA. (Note: PHONE jacks are the UPPER ports and are labeled in black as TEL.)

I don't understand a word I just read!! If the above information means nothing to you, then you should take advantage of the PC Configuration Day and let the Department of Information Services assist you.

How do I use Resnet ?
Resnet is your gateway to the electronic world community (on ramp to the Information Highway). Typically, students use Resnet for two purposes: electronic mail (e-mail) and Internet access.

Am I free to use Resnet as I please?
Yes! You are free to USE but not ABUSE. The University provides Resnet for the enhancement of your academic pursuits. If you engage in inappropriate activity, your direct Resnet connectivity privileges will be revoked.

What do I do if Resnet is unreachable?
If you are experiencing an access problem, you need to...

Report the problem to the RA assigned by the Office of Residential Life. The RA will triage problems to OIT. OIT will validate Resnet access "to the DATA jack" and (situation permitting) assist the student in identifying computer-specific problems. The University is responsible only for Resnet connectivity to the DATA jack in your room. Time and situation permitting, OIT will assist students in identifying computer-specific problems.