ResNet is the Wesleyan residential computer network, which connects most student housing (with the exception of the wood-frame buildings) to the rest of the Wesleyan network.   Once on the network, students have access to both the Internet and all of Wesleyan's computer resources including email, electronic portfolio, file servers and web space.

There is no charge for the use of the network but all students must register their computers when they arrive on campus in the fall.  

What if I live in a one of the wood-frame houses?

Undergrads and graduate students residing in wood-frame houses are not on ResNet since those buildings communicate with the Internet and the Wesleyan network via Cable Modems.    These students do not have to register for ResNet unless they have laptops which need to connect to the wireless network.  In that case, the laptop should be brought to the Help Desk and they will register it there. 

To gain full access to all University systems students in wood-frame houses may need to install VPN (Virtual Private Network) software on their computers.  Click Here for further information about VPN.

What kind of computer do I need to connect to ResNet?

Any PC or Macintosh computer with an Ethernet card can connect to ResNet.   All recent model computers come equipped with Ethernet.  Standard Ethernet cards will have a jack resembling a telephone jack which should be visible on the exterior of the computer.   You will also need an Ethernet cable to connect that jack to the orange wall jack that is wired to ResNet.  These cables can be purchased at the Wesleyan Computer Store.     PCs and Macs may require some minor changes to their network settings to be compatible with the Wesleyan network.   Instructions can be found under Resnet at http://helpdesk.wesleyan.edu/tipsheets .

Many laptops also come equipped with a wireless Ethernet card.   Wireless access is available on campus, but the computer must be registered initially through a wired connection.   Click Here for more information on wireless networking at Wesleyan.

Are there any software requirements?

Yes, there are some important  software requirements:

Windows users:

• Before arriving on campus, you should make certain your computer is free of viruses.  Go to the following site and follow the directions to scan your computer and clean it of most recent viruses: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

• Before arrival you should also make certain all spyware has been removed from your computer.  Go to the following site to download Ad-Aware which will scan your computer and remove spyware.  Click on the Download Now button and follow the instructions to make sure that all spyware has been deleted.

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

• You should be running Windows XP Pro (not Home Edition) and it should have all of the latest Windows Updates including Service Pack 2.     Please note that virus and spyware infections can cause these updates to crash your computer.  Be sure that your computer is completely cleaned of viruses and spyware are removal tools before proceeding to the update at the link below:

 http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Macintosh users:

• You should be running the latest version of OS X

All computer users:

Wesleyan has a site license for Symantec virus protection software (both Mac and PC versions).  Once on campus, you can download and install this program from our Software Server.

How do I register for ResNet?

When you arrive on campus, you should use your blue Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on your computer to the orange datajack on the wall plate in your room.  You should then open a web browser (Internet Explorer on a PC or Safari on a Mac).   Instead of bringing up your normal home page, you will see a page that initiates the Registration process.  This process is designed not only to record your name and computer's network address, but also to  ensure that your computer is virus-free and up-to-date with all necessary security patches.   Click Here for further details about this procedure.

Where do I get help with ResNet problems?

All ResNet problems should be referred to the Help Desk by calling x4000 or by emailing Helpdesk@wesleyan.edu.  They will try to determine whether the problem is with your computer or with the network connection.  If the problem appears to lie with the computer, they may be able to resolve the issue over the phone or, if you have a laptop, they may request that you bring it in person to the Help Desk for further examination and repair.   If the computer is seriously damaged, they will recommend that it be brought to the Wesleyan Computer Store and Service Center for repairs.   If not, an RCC (Residential Computing Coordinator) will make an appointment to come to your room to trouble-shoot the problem.   RCCs  are not allowed to enter your room or work on your computer if you are not there.  Please assist them by being in your room at the appointed time.  

ResNet Policies

Students are expected to abide by the University's Computer Usage Policy.  Wesleyan has a strict policy of confidentiality and takes measures to ensure that all of your data and communications are protected and private.   University personnel do not examine your email, stored files, web pages, or other electronic content or communications.    Information Technology Services does, however, need to take measures to ensure a safe and efficiently functioning computer environment for all.   If any of your computer activities threaten the stability, security, or functionality of the network and the computers on it, you will be contacted and asked to stop the activities causing the problem.

In addition, although the University does not monitor the content of any of your computer-related activities, if an outside agency notifies the University of illegal activities originating from a computer on our network, the University must cooperate by identifying that computer's owner and informing him/her that all illegal activity must stop immediately or prosecution could result.