Setting up your Computer When you Arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q: What kind of software do I need to connect to the Network?

A: If you are running Windows XP you will need Norton Corporate Anti-Virus installed from http://cleanaccess.eiu.edu and have your Windows and Anti-virus up to date. If you have problems connecting call 581-7708. Windows 95/98/ME are not supported by Housing Information Technology, we strongly recommend purchasing a new computer. http://cats.eiu.edu/laptop/ provides links to Gateway, Dell, and Apple that have configurations that Eastern recommends.

Q: What kind of computer should I buy if I don't have one already?

A: Any newer computers will be sufficient for use with Eastern's Ethernet. For specific information on this topic go to: http://cats.eiu.edu/laptop/

Q: What do I have to buy to set up a connection to the EIU Ethernet?

A: Besides your personal computer that must meet the guidelines at http://cats.eiu.edu/laptop/ you need to make sure that your computer has an Ethernet card installed. In other words, when looking at the back of your computer there should be a socket that looks like something that you would put a telephone cord into— BUT WIDER. If a telephone cord actually fits perfectly into this socket this is your dial-up modem. If that is the case and there is nothing else that looks like this socket, you need to buy a 10/100 LAN Ethernet Card from any store that carries computer goods. Walmart and Staples will most likely have these in stock. Also, the EIU bookstore also sells them. Ethernet cards are estimated to range from $25-$65. Also, a CAT 6 cable is needed to complete your list of things to have. This cord can be purchased at your Front Desk for $15.

Q: Can I use a CAT 5 instead of a CAT 6 cable?

A: Your computer may appear to work with a CAT 5 cable, however it will not work properly and may slow down your computer’s speed. Therefore, a CAT 6 cable or higher is needed for maximum performance. The difference in the two cables is that manufacturers have improved the wiring starting with the CAT 6 cable.

Q: Where do I get a CAT 6 cable?

A: CAT 6 cables can be purchased at the front desk of all residents halls for $15.

Q: Where do I plug in the CAT 6 cable?

A: Find the 4 X 4 box located on the wall of your room. The orange socket is where you plug in your CAT 6 cable. On your computer, the CAT 6 cable should securely fit into the Ethernet Card socket. This socket looks like a telephone socket—only wider.

Q: What do I do if I cannot get the CAT 6 cable out of the Ethernet box in my room?

A: Sometimes cables simply get jammed or the plug gets pushed up into the box. In this case, do not pull or tug on the cable. Rather, go to your front desk and fill out a work order for a Network Assistant to safely remove it without damaging the equipment.

Q: What do I do if my Ethernet box in my dorm room is damaged or not working?

A: If you have tried connecting using another Ethernet jack and your computer works fine, the problem is most likely with your specific Ethernet Box. In this case, fill out a work order at the front desk of your Resident Hall and specify, only if you are completely sure, that you have a “Dead Box.” When The Department of Housing and Dining Computer Services receives your work order, they will automatically come to fix the box. When fixing a Dead Box you do not have to be present in your room. The LAN Support Specialist will come in and fix it without having to set up an appointment. In these cases, if you do NOT want the Specialist to enter your room without you being present you must specify that when filling out the work order at the front desk. Computer Staff will then call you to set up an appointment at a time that you will be in the room. If you specify that you have a Dead Box and it ends up not being the problem, the Specialist cannot work on your computer without you being present. Therefore, another appointment must be set up at a later date.

Q: Where can I find instructions to set up to the Ethernet myself?

A: Located at the front desk, information on different computer processors is available for you. Also, instructions are posted on the Internet at http://www.eiu.edu/~itshelp
If you still are having problems, place a work order in at your Front Desk for further assistance.

Q: How do I install an Ethernet Card into my computer if it does not have one?

A: In a connection packet supplied to you at your front desk it will show the step-by-step process of installing a Network Card and configuring your settings once installed. If you still are having problems, or would like help installing the card, you must either bring your computer to a Computer store or arrange a time with a Network Assistant. While Eastern Network Assistants are not allowed to install the cards while on duty, other arrangements can be made at your convenience. This makes it so that the University is not liable for any internal damage that can occur to the computer. Additional information can be found at
http://www.eiu.edu/~itshelp/student/

Q: Where do I get an Ethernet Card?

A: 10/100 LAN Ethernet Cards are available from any store that carries computer goods. Walmart and Staples will most likely have these in stock. Also, the EIU bookstore also sells Ethernet Cards. Ethernet Cards are estimated to range from $25-$65.

Q: Specifically what kind of Ethernet Card do I need?

A: We recommend getting a 10/100 LAN Ethernet Card for easy connection to the EIU Century 2000 Network.

Q: What kind of software do I need to connect to the Network?

A: If you are running Windows 95/98/2000, Windows NT/ME/XP or recent versions of Macintosh OS, networking functions are handled by the operating system, requiring the user merely to correctly set the configurations. Directions for doing so are available at the resident hall front desks and the University Court Office.

Q: Are all computers compatible with the EIU Century 2000 Network?

A: No, your computer will have to meet the specifications for configurations outlined at http://www.eiu.edu/~itshelp

Q: I have a Macintosh computer, how do I connect to the Network?

A: Usually the newer systems will automatically connect when a Network connection is detected. If you cannot establish a connection, fill out a work order at your Front Desk and specify that you need help with a Macintosh computer. Additional information on hooking up your Macintosh is available at http://www.eiu.edu/connect/mac/software/external/ and http://www.eiu.edu/connect/mac/hardware/

Q: I have a Laptop computer, how do I connect to the Network? What kind of Ethernet card do I need?

A: First, check to see if your Laptop already has an Ethernet Card installed. If not, purchase a 10/100 PCMCIA or PCI Network Card and install it properly. If you need help with the installation of the card, fill out a work request and prior arrangements will be made with a Network Assistant to accommodate your needs. Additional information is available at http://cats.eiu.edu/laptop/

Q: What if my roommate has a computer too?

A: Each room is equipped with one Ethernet port per roommate.

Q: How much does using the Ethernet cost?

A: The cost for using Eastern’s Century 2000 Network could cost $1000-1500 a year for off-campus residents, but on-campus, it’s just included in the overall cost.

Q: How do I get help with connecting to the EIU Ethernet?

A: First, one must have an Ethernet Card installed in their computer. Most new computers already have this card; however, older computers and most laptops must have an Ethernet Card specifically installed. While Eastern Network Assistants are not allowed to install the cards while on duty, other arrangements can be made at your convenience. This makes it so that the University is not liable for any internal damage that can occur to the computer. After this is completed, a CAT 6 cable must be purchased from your front desk at $15. Also, a User’s Agreement must be signed before buying a cable and using your computer on Eastern’s campus. This contract is also located at the Front Desk of each Resident Hall. After trying to connect to the Ethernet by using the directions (supplied at the Front Desk) and still failing, one must fill out a work request at the Front Desk of the Residence Halls.

Q: What is a work request?

A: A work request is simply a request stating your name, number, room number, times you are most available to be in your room and a brief description of the problem supplied on a form filled out at the Front Desk of your Resident Hall. If you are residing in Greek Court, you must go to Carman Hall’s Front Desk. If you are residing in University Court you must go to Andrews Hall’s Front Desk and for University Apartments go to Taylor Hall. The staff at the Front Desk will then enter in your work order into a database that is frequently checked by The Housing and Dining Computer Service Staff. From there, someone will call you to set up a time that will fit your schedule to have a Network Assistant to come and assist you.

Q: If I live in Greek Court, University Court or University Apartments, where do I go to fill out a work request?

A: If you are residing in University Court you must go to Andrews Hall’s Front Desk and for University Apartments go to Taylor Hall. If you live in Greek Court, you must report your problem to Carman Hall’s Front Desk. If you reside in any of the other Resident Halls you can just report the problem to the Front Desk in your building.

Q: How long can I expect to wait after placing a work order at the front desk?

A: In the beginning of the school year, work requests are at their highest quantity; therefore, things will be slower at this time. However, to alleviate this problem, The Department of Housing and Dining Computer Services not only has added staff to assist in these times, but also has created a “first-week” program which supplies every Resident Hall with computer staff to be on-hand during the move-in process. Located at a table in the lobby of your Resident Hall, they will be waiting to assist you. During the school year, work orders are filled as soon as possible depending on the amount of orders in the database. After personnel from The Department of Housing and Dining Computer Services has contacted you to set up an appointment to work on the problem, your order will be filled at your convenience.

Q: What can I expect from a Network Assistant when coming to fulfill a work order?

A: Previous to a Network Assistant coming to work on your computer, staff from The Department of Housing and Dining Computer Services will have called you and set up a time that you will be in your room. When he or she arrives they will call you from the lobby asking you to escort them to your room. While working on your computer, the Network Assistant will try to alleviate the problem to the best of their ability. If he or she cannot fix the problem, they will then in-turn reassign the work order to a LAN Support Specialist. The Specialist will then set up another appointment to try and fix the problem. In some cases, when the problem is not an Ethernet problem but rather a problem with the computer, you will be referred to take the computer into a computer dealership or service center.

Q: If I have a complaint about a Network Assistant that has worked on my computer, whom do I notify?

A: Here at Eastern Illinois we respect each student as a customer. Therefore if our services provided are unsatisfactory, we need to be notified. If there are any comments or complaints about the staff of the Department of Housing and Dining Computer Services, you should contact the Housing Help Desk at 581-7708.

Q: How can I help to speed up the Ethernet?

A: Peer-to-peer file-sharing programs are one of the major reasons for the lethargic Internet service Eastern is currently experiencing. You can help this situation be completely removing peer-to-peer programs such as Morpheus, KazaA, and many others. Also, simply shutting off the file-sharing option on your peer-to-peer software will make a difference. This will help conserve Eastern’s bandwidth by preventing others from uploading files from your computers, while, simultaneously allowing you to continue using the downloading feature of the program. For information on how to shut off the file-sharing feature of peer-to-peer software go to:
http://www.security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml

Q: How do I connect to the EIU Ethernet by dialing up from off campus?

A: Set-up guides for dialing up to the EIU Ethernet from an off campus location are located at the Front Desks of Resident Halls, in The Office of Housing and Dining Computer Services or online at http://www.eiu.edu/~itshelp/faq/internet.htm - i1. First, you must have an EIU E-mail account with a correct User name (example: cuabc1) and your personal password. When filling out the modem information page, the phone number that you need to dial-up to is 581-7301. If you do not have an E-mail Account with Eastern, you must obtain it from the EIU Help Desk located at the Greg Triad Building or by calling 581-HELP.

Q: What if I am having problems with my computer but not my Internet per se?

A: Network Assistants are hired with the capabilities of fixing problems with connecting to the Network. However on an individual basis, one may be able to fix the problem on his or her own time. Arrangements will be made accordingly.

Q: Where can I go to use the EIU Ethernet if I do not have my own computer?

A: There are many computer labs located throughout Eastern’s campus. Some of these include labs in Taylor Hall, Stevenson Hall, Booth Library, Blair Hall, Buzzard Hall, Coleman Hall, Gregg Triad, Klehm Hall, the Life Science Building, Lumpkin Hall, Old Main, and the Physical Science Building. Hours for these labs may vary.

Q: What do I do if my Ethernet was working fine and now it is not?

A: After a connection has already been made to the Ethernet, chances are if you are experiencing no connection indicates the server is momentarily down. In cases such as this, check with the other people on your floor to see if they are suddenly having problems. If they are, inform the front desk and they will place a work order for you. Separate work orders are not needed because most likely Users Services has to repair a switch in the server itself. But, either way, keep checking to see if the computer is working correctly because you will not be notified when the problem is fixed if it happens to be a problem with the server and not with your personal computer. If you have any questions call 581-7708.

Q: Where can I go to print if I do not have a printer?

A: Printers are available to use in all general computer labs. Conveniently, labs located in Taylor and Stevenson Halls will provide you with this service.

Q: Where can I download E-mail programs if I do not already have them installed on my computer?

A: Programs such as Eudora Light, Outlook Express, Netscape Communicator, and other external E-mail Accounts can be downloaded at no cost to the student at http://www.eiu.edu/~itshelp/software/

Q: If I am interested in filling out an application to be a Network Assistant or Assistant in the Computer Labs, whom can I call?

A: If you are looking for a position working for the Department of Housing and Dining, you can stop into the office located in the basement of the union in the Housing Office to pick up an application or call 581-7708.