ResNet FAQs

What is ResNet?

ResNet is short for Residential Hall Networking. Although it is not mandatory to have a computer on campus each room in the residential halls has wireless access to connect your personal computer to the college's network.

What do I need to get started?

• If your computer has wireless capabilities you can connect to the network from any building on campus. You will need an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network adapter installed in your computer.
• You can use the wired network connections if you have a 10/100bt Ethernet card and a Category 5 cable to connect to the internet in your room.
• ResNet packets have information to help you get connected to our network and log onto your college accounts.
• You need to download and install the latest Microsoft Windows Critical Updates.
• It is recommended that you use a power strip/surge protector to safeguard against power surges.

How much does it cost?

• ResNet - There is no fee at this time.
• Anti-virus software - Free for you to use.

How do I use the network?

You will be required to authenticate your computer before you can use the network. Your computer will be checked for critical viruses and security holes in Windows. You will be prompted to update your computer if needed. Instructions and information are available in the ResNet packet which you can pickup at the ResNet booth on move in day. If you have trouble connecting to the network you can bring your computer (and the powercord for laptops), to the Help Desk in Tower 2410.

What is the Clean Access Agent?

The Clean Access Agent is software that scans your computer for critical updates and patches. You will have to download and install this agent before you can use the Internet. If you do not already have this agent installed, an automatic download prompt will be displayed when you try to access the Internet. This software is used to help minimize security risks and reduce the spread of computer viruses. The Clean Access Agent will not allow you to use the internet if you do not have all necessary patches. Information on how to load the Clean Access Agent will be included in the ResNet packet available at our ResNet booth on Welcome Weekend, or from the Help Desk in the Tower 2410 after Welcome Weekend.

What do I need to connect to the wireless network?

• You will need an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network adapter installed in your computer.
• You will also need to authenticate through the Clean Access Agent to access the wireless network.
• All buildings on campus have wireless internet access available.
• If you choose to bring a wireless router for your room (which is not necessary), you must bring it to the Help Desk to be configured correctly for our network. This will avoid it causing access problems for other students. Any device acting like a router that is giving out false IP addresses will have their internet access shutdown until it has been configured correctly. Please help us avoid this problem by bringing them to the Help Desk in Tower 2410 for proper configuration.
• Other devices: Some other devices will need to be configured to be allowed on our network.  For a X-Box, Wii, etc. you will need to call the Help Desk on x5911 to give them your IP address from the device and ask to have it added on the network.

What are the recommended hardware specifications?

Windows XP or newer; and/or Mac OS X 10.4 or newer are compatible on our network.

Does the college offer discounts on software and hardware?

You can find information on Hardware and software discounts here. Note: We do not sell computer hardware at the college. You should research cost and specifications as you would for any purchase to find your best options for hardware/software purchases. The above link is not a guarantee of the best deal.  The college uses the current version of Microsoft Office products, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.  You do not need to purchase this software if you would prefer you can use Google documents, or open office to hand in your assignments.

What else do I need to know?

• You may use personal printers connected to your PC or go to any Computer lab to print. If you print on the computer lab printers, you are allotted a $25.00 credit per semester. Each black & white printout will be a charged at the rate of five cents per page. Each color printout is charged at fifty cents per page. Once credit balance reaches zero, your charges will start accruing. Find more information on printing.
• Use of ResNet is regulated by the ResNet Usage Policy approved by the College of St. Scholastica's Information Technologies Policy and Procedure’s Committee. 
• New students should visit the ResNet booth in Somers Hall on Welcome Weekend to pick up a ResNet packet. After Welcome Weekend, students wanting the packet will need to pick it up in Tower 2410 at the Computer Help Desk. This packet includes documentation on how to access e-mail, network drives, and AntiVirus.
• The College is not responsible for any non-college use of the network. This includes:
  • illegally file sharing music, movies, software, or any copyrighted material in which the user does not own the intellectual rights;
  • trying to compromise, flood, or negatively impact any network security;
  • maliciously sending viruses or worms;
  • or accessing any type of sexually explicit material.

You will be held responsible and could be prosecuted for any illegal activity. If the College is notified of any wrongdoings involving the network, we will be bound by the law to reveal the identity of the offender. More information on the College's network policy can be found on the computer and networkpolicy page.

What if I need help or have questions?

• We have computer technicians available to go door-to-door and assist you in getting connected in your dorm room during Welcome Weekend (Labor Day Weekend Only).
• After Welcome Weekend you can call or bring your computer to the Computer Support Help Desk in Tower 2410. (218) 723-5911, or e-mail helpdesk@css.edu.