Student residence rooms have 'network points' which allow students to connect their PCs to the Campus Network and the Internet.

ResNet Connections in Student Rooms 

Students may commence validating (by plugging their computers in to the network socket in their room) at any time. They will be able to complete the process after they get their username and password.

About ResNet 

All student rooms have computer network points which allow students to connect their own PC/laptop to ResNet. Once connected, your 10Mb/s Ethernet link provides access to network resources on campus, including:

• central personal network filestore - known as H: drive.
• University e-mail account.
• central printers.
• the Unix service.
• personal web space.
• the World Wide Web

For security reasons, there are some limitations on what is available, these are described below.

Security Precautions 

Student residences are on a local network (ResNet), separate from the main University network. This protects central University computers from accidental or deliberate interference and guards student computers from external attack. We regret that this limits the services available. However, it is necessary to strike a balance between providing services and ensuring the security of University and personal computers.

ResNet is restricted to the central services listed above and certain departmental servers. It is not possible to connect from a ResNet computer to a computer in an office or lab, nor vice versa.

Details are available of the conditions that apply.

Connection to the Internet 

Because they are on a local network, student machines do not connect directly to the Internet. This means there are limits on access, but most major Internet services are available.

Most World Wide Web sites are available via a Web Cache. The cache is a computer that saves copies of downloaded web pages. If a page is accessed again, a local copy is used. This cuts download times and network charges. You must configure your web browser to use the cache before you can access external web sites.

Other services, not listed here, requiring a direct Internet connection, may not be available. A special server does allow some of these programs, such as MSN & ICQ, to be run, but we regret we are unable to advise on their use. Please note that this server is currently provided as a courtesy service which is subject to review.

Getting Connected 

This section is about getting connected to ResNet.

What hardware do I need? 

In order to connect to the network you must have a network card in your computer. Most new computers have network cards fitted as standard.

A network socket is illustrated here.

Note - you do NOT need a (56k or ADSL) modem.

What software do I need? 

When you 'validate' your PC online the ResNet Validation procedure will guide you through:

• downloading critical Windows (or Apple) patches.
• installing Symantec AntiVirus software.
• configuring your PC to work on ResNet.

The following systems are allowed on ResNet:

• Windows 2000, XP Home & Professional, Vista all flavours.
• Apple OS X.
• Linux (best efforts).

For further information about what services are available on which systems please visit the ISS Service Matrix.

The following systems are not supported on ResNet:

• Windows 3.1/95/98/ME/NT4.
• Windows Server 2003.
• Apple OS 9 & below.

People with other systems should contact ISS Service Desk on x10987.

How do I connect my computer? 

1. pickup your: username, password and blue network cable.
2. in your room, plug the blue cable into the 'network point' on the wall and your PC/Laptop*.
3. open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera).
4. you should see a green ResNet Validation website - follow the instructions on the ResNet website.

*If you have any problems look at the Leaflet below which goes into more detail.

Please follow the instructions found in the ResNet Leaflet (PDF).

Checking Your ResNet Account 

You can check the status of your ResNet account by doing the following:

1. from PC/laptop in your room.
2. visit: https://resnet.lancs.ac.uk/.

The ResNet Home Page 

There is a ResNet Home Page that provides:

• news & announcements about ResNet and other University computer services including warnings about downtime for essential upgrades.
• links to University services e.g. Webmail, LUVLE, Library Catalogue, Student Union xChange.
• a ResNet fault reporting link in case something goes wrong.
• links to interesting external social websites such as MySpace and Facebook.

http://www.lancs.ac.uk/iss/homes/resnet/

Essential IT Information For New Students

IT Essentials - essential IT information for new students.

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