Resnet Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Resnet Helpdesk?
The Resnet helpdesk operated as part of "Auxilary Services", a department within Infromation Technology Services which gives computer support to the "businesses" on campus. The Resnet helpdesk, along with the Resnet internet connection, network hardware and other costs of operating the network, is funded through a small part of the residence hall fee. Because of this, the Resnet helpdesk can only offer support for students living in the residence halls, and can only offer support with Resnet-related issues.
What is the Information Technology Services (ITS) Helpdesk?
The ITS helpdesk is operated by Information Technology Services, which oversees the university's computing needs. The ITS helpdesk supports faculty, staff, and students with any computing systems that are operated by ITS.
What are CWU's responsibilities in the Resnet setup process?
Central Washington University, as part of the Resnet setup process, will:
- Provide residents with a user account.
- Provide residence hall students with a connection point to Resnet.
- Provide residents with instructions on how to configure their computer for Resnet access.
- Provide residents with limited technical support in relation to:
- Resnet configuration
- Virus removal
- Spyware removal
What are the resident's responsibilities in the Resnet setup process?
The resident, as part of the Resnet setup process, will:
- Provide and install an Ethernet network card (NIC) for your computer. Most computers will include this already.
- Provide a network (Category 5) cable. This cable is used to connect your computer to the network drop in your dorm room.
- Bring all of the setup documents and CDs that came with their computer to campus when they move in. Without these CDs, Resnet support technicians will not be able to serve you best.
What are CWU's responsibilities in the Dialup setup process?
Central Washington University, as part of the Dialup setup process, will:
- Provide residents with a user account.
- Provide residence hall students with Dialup access.
- Provide residents with instructions on how to configure their computer for Dialup access.
- Provide residents with limited technical support in relation to:
- Resnet configuration
- Virus removal
- Spyware removal
What are the resident's responsibilities in the Dialup setup process?
The resident, as part of the Dialup setup process, will:
- Provide and Install a Modem for your computer.
- Provide the phone cable from your computer to the wall jack in your apartment.
- Bring all of the setup documents and CDs that came with their computer and the modem to campus when they move in. Without these CDs, Resnet support technicians will not be able to serve you best.
Should I bring a laptop or a desktop computer?
The decision to bring a laptop or a desktop computer is a personal choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. A laptop will take up much less space in a small dorm room. Students bringing laptops should keep in mind the additional attention to security that comes with owning a laptop computer. Recent surveys have shown that a majority of the computers brought by new students to campus are laptops.
What is the Acceptable Use Policy?
The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the ethical conduct students are expected to follow when using Central's computing systems.
Is it ok for me to use a Peer-to-Peer application at home, and turn it off when I come to school?
Well, we certainly cannot stop you, but remember that the Acceptable Use Policy specifically states that you are responsible for the software on your computer: this includes software that you know about, software you do not know about, and software that you do not have control over.
Too often, people have their internet turned off for a week because the software that they thought was 'turned off' was actually running in the background, without their knowledge. Remember that the authors of Peer-to-Peer software are not always the most honest people - and, since their software is free, they do not have to be. Their goal is the creation of a Peer-to-Peer network, and often times they will leave their software 'hidden' in the background, even after you (the user) have tried to 'turn it off'. The safest thing is to not have it installed at all.
Why can't I use my music downloading software? I paid for it, and it is legal!
Well, it could very possibly be a legal service, but the rules about Peer-to-Peer software are not about legality - they are about keeping the network operational. Many bit-torrent files are also legal to download, and many people encourage it, but it puts too much of a strain on our network, and we do not have the bandwidth available to allow peer-to-peer downloads.
How much does my Internet access cost?
There is NO additional charge to use the ResNet Ethernet connection or to get assistance from ResNet support.
Why is Resnet so slow?
CWU currently has over 2700 students connecting to the ethernet connection. The total bandwidth of Resnet’s Internet connection is 38 MB (almost 700 times faster than a single 56k modem). But shared among over a thousand of people living on campus, the bandwidth is seriously diminished. Everyone can help alleviate this problem by limiting the number and size of your downloads.
What hours is Resnet Support open?
Resnet Support is generally open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our student employees do take classes and are not availible for that entire time period. If this is the case, other employees of Auxiliary Services may be able to assist you, however, they also may be busy working for other campus departments. Although we try to always have someone in the office, because of the nature of technical support and the on-site repair visits that we do, there are times in which there is nobody here.
What is the best way to contact Resnet Support?
The best way to contact Resnet Support is through our email address, resnet_support@cwu.edu, or on the phone at 509-963-2200. If you have to leave a message, please remember that we like to have your name, room number, a telephone number where you can be reached, your student ID number, and a short description of the problem. Without these things, it will be harder for a technician to assist you.
My computer is broken; can I drop it off at the office to get it fixed?
Unless you have talked to a technician on the phone and been instructed to bring your computer, please do not. Resnet support staff generally like to preform on-site repair work. In the event that having the computer in our office is necessary, we like to schedule an appointment for it to be dropped off, because if we don't know that you are coming, we might not be here!
Why does CWU care if my computer has antivirus protection?
It is important for all the computers on the campus network to have current antivirus software. A virus affects more than just the insecure computer that gets infected, and has very real consequences for the univeristy. Viruses threaten other computers on the network, including not just university equiptment but also your friend's and neighbor's computers. They also exhaust network resources in attempts to spread, and cost time and money to combat. Every moment that network engineers spend looking for the source of odd network traffic is time taken away from improving network performance for everyone.
How do I access my campus e-mail from my room?
GroupWise (the software that manages Central's email system) can be accessed in a variety of ways:
- GroupWise Mail Client
- IMAP Mail Client
- GroupWise Web Access
To access GroupWise Web Access, click here (secure link). You may be prompted to accept a security certificate to continue; click OK.
If you have any further questions about GroupWise Mail, contact the Information Technology Services Helpdesk.
How do I forward my GroupWise e-mail to my other e-mail account?
From GroupWise Web Access
- Click the 'Options' button, which is located towards the right of the window.
- Select the 'Rules' tab in the window that appears.
- In the Rule Type drop-down list, select 'Forward', and then press the 'Create' button.
- In the 'Rule Name' field type a name for your rule.
- Skip the 'Define Optional Condition' section. Under 'Define Action', enter the email address that you wish to have your mail forwarded to.
- Click 'Save' towards the bottom of the page.
From the GroupWise Client
- Open the 'Tools' menu, and select 'Rules'.
- Click on the 'New' button.
- In the 'Rule Name' field type a name for your rule.
- Ensure that the 'New Item' checkbox is selected in the 'When Event Is' section.
- Select the 'Received' checkbox.
- Select the 'Mail' checkbox in the 'Then actions are' section.
- Click the 'Add action' button.
- Click the 'Forward' button.
- In the 'To:' field enter the email address you wish to forward the mail to.
- Click 'OK'.
- In the 'Edit Rule' window click 'Save'.
- In the 'Rules' window make sure the checkbox to the left of your new rule is checked.
- Click Close.
To test your new rule, send an email to your CWU account. In a few minutes you should receive the message.
How can I use other e-mail programs to send mail from my room?
Depending on the e-mail program that you want to use, you will need to configure the “SMTP Server” and “IMAP Server” parameters in the program. For detailed information, please contact the Information Technology Services Helpdesk.