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ResNet Policy

What Is ResNet

Bethel?s Residential Network Program (ResNet) is supported by the Information Technology Services Department (ITS). ResNet provides assistance to students in residential housing who connect their computers into Bethel?s network. Due to finite resources, ResNet must limit the amount of support it offers. The remainder of this document explains the details of the support policy.


Support Policy

Minimum Operating System And Hardware Requirements

All network-compatible computers may be connected to Bethel?s network, but Bethel can only provide support for systems meeting specified minimum requirements. The following tables specify the minimum hardware and operating system requirements necessary to receive support for Ethernet and 802.11b wireless network access. If you are not sure what operating system your computer has, please check out Determining Your Operating System.

Network Access via Ethernet
All campus housing except North Village
Windows Computers
  Desktop
 
  • Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP (Home and Professional)
  • 32 megabytes of RAM
  • Pentium class processor at 90 MHz or better
  • Built-in 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet or
    10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet PCI card or
    10BaseT Ethernet ISA card
  Laptop
 
  • Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP (Home and Professional)
  • 32 megabytes of RAM
  • Pentium class processor at 90 MHz or better
  • Built-in 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet or
    An available PCMCIA card slot and a 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet PCMCIA card*
Apple Macintosh Computers
  Desktop
 
  • Macintosh OS 8.1 or newer
  • 32 megabytes of RAM
  • Built-in 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet (most Macintosh computers have built-in Ethernet) or
    10/100BaseT Ethernet PCI card (PowerMac 7200 and newer)**
  Laptops
 
  • Macintosh OS 8.1 or newer
  • 32 megabytes of RAM
  • Built-in 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet (most Macintosh computers have built-in Ethernet) or
  • An available PCMCIA card slot and a 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet PCMCIA card*

* Generally, laptops built after 1996 can use a 10/100BaseT Ethernet adapter for a Cardbus 32 bit PCMCIA slot. Laptops manufactured prior to 1996 require a 10BaseT Ethernet adapter for a 16 bit PCMCIA slot. If you are uncertain about the PCMCIA slot on your system, consult your computer?s manual or manufacturer.
** Check with Apple if you are uncertain if your computer has PCI slots.


Network Access via Wireless 802.11b / WiFi?
North Village Only
Windows Computers
  Desktop
 
  • Windows 98se, ME, 2000 or XP (Home and Professional)
  • 64 megabytes of RAM
  • Pentium class processor at 200 MHz or better
  • External USB 802.11b wireless adapter (recommended due to ease of installation)
  • Internal PCI 802.11b wireless adapter*
  Laptop
 
  • Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP (Home and Professional)
  • 32 megabytes of RAM
  • Pentium class processor at 90 MHz or better
  • 802.11b PCMCIA wireless network card
Apple Macintosh Computers
  Desktops with a built-in antenna**
 
  • Macintosh OS 8.6 or newer
  • 64 megabytes of RAM
  • Apple Airport Card
  Laptops with a built-in antenna**
 
  • Macintosh OS 8.6 or newer
  • 64 megabytes of RAM
  • Apple Airport Card
  PowerBooks without a built-in antenna
 
  • Macintosh OS 8.6 or newer
  • 64 megabytes of RAM
  • G3 processor
  • 802.11b PCMCIA wireless network card with Macintosh drivers***

* If you opt for an internal PCI adapter, be aware you may have to purchase a PCMCIA card for it. Several manufacturers now offer integrated PCI wireless adapters at reasonable prices.
** Model year 2000 or newer, check with Apple if you are uncertain.
*** Orinoco and Asante offer 802.llb cards with Macintosh drivers. These brands are available through online resellers. Bethel does not endorse either brand; this information is provided to assist you in locating a compatible adapter.


Depth of Support

Students are provided with the necessary information and phone support to successfully connect into Bethel?s computer network. When a student experiences a problem accessing the network, ResNet investigates two areas: 1) software configuration and 2) network connection viability. ResNet personnel analyze the computer?s software configuration and the network port to which it is connected. Any configuration errors are corrected and non-functioning ports are repaired. Upon completion of the analysis, ITS support will cease, resulting in resolution of the problem or in an advisement to seek third party assistance. Third party support options are discussed at the end of this document.


Services Provided

Network Configuration Guides
ResNet provides instruction guides for configuring network connections. The guides are available at the Student Help Desk in CC120. These guides, as well as other information, are also available at http://helpdesk.its.bethel.edu/students/howto/resnet_config.jsp

Telephone Support
All students are encouraged to contact the Help Desk whenever they have questions or problems. The Help Desk can be reached by phone, email or in person. To find our contact information and hours please visit our Contact Site.

Onsite Testing and Assessment
In certain cases, in order to conduct testing and assessment, a ResNet representative will arrange to meet with a student in his or her dorm. During the visit the network port is tested and the network software configurations are checked.

Anti-virus Software
Bethel has a site-license for Mcafee Virus Scan for PC?s and Virex for Macintosh Computers. Because of the large number of student-owned computers, support for this software is limited to installation and configuration instructions. More information on how to keep your computer safe can be found at: http://helpdesk.its.bethel.edu/students/security/security.jsp


Services Not Provided

Software and Hardware Repairs
ResNet does not repair software or hardware. Upon determining a network port is active and software is configured correctly, ResNet support will cease.

Replacement of Missing Software
ResNet does not provide operating system software or drivers for hardware.

Virus Removal
ResNet does not remove viruses from infected computers. Most recent virus infections require complex removal procedures which may include erasing the computer?s hard drive. Resources for "do-it-yourself" removal ar located at: http://helpdesk.its.bethel.edu/students/security/security.jsp

Hardware Compatibility
ResNet does not guarantee network adaptor compatibility with Bethel?s networking infrastructure. In certain rare cases, a network adaptor, which functions on other networks will not work at Bethel. Because these incompatibilities exist, we cannot guarantee all adapters will work on our network.


Third Party Assistance
In the event your computer problem is not covered by the ResNet Support policy, you will need to seek support through a third party. If your problem is not very complex, you can ask a knowledgeable friend or family member for assistance. Other resources to consider are:
  • Local computer resellers
  • The vendor or manufacturer where the computer was purchased

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call or visit the HelpDesk.


Bethel College Information Technology Services