Get Ready for Computing at VT

3. Get Connected

To ease your transition into the Virginia Tech computing environment:

  1. Bring appropriate hardware with a clean operating system with you to campus.
  2. Bring all the manuals, floppy disks, and CDs with you to campus that came with your computer. Keep them with you (don't let your parents take them back home with the boxes). You will need these CDs later if you run into any problems with your computer.
  3. Bring a copy of your purchase receipt in case you need to have warranty repair performed.
  4. Plan to set up your computer system "first thing" when you arrive in your residence hall room. Run the VTnet CD BEFORE plugging into the Ethernet port. You will need to get your computer un-boxed and booted (i.e., turned on and running normally) so that, if you need help getting it connected to the Virginia Tech computer network, your system will be ready for us to help you. Look for our "Get Connected" team members in the residence halls during move-in (Wed., Aug. 19th – Sat., Aug. 22nd) if you need assistance.
  5. Remember, if you cannot get your computer connected to the Virginia Tech network immediately, don't panic. 4Help Computer Consulting will be available during move-in and the first few days of classes in the residence halls to help get your computer connected to the network as quickly as possible.

Getting Answers:

4Help Computer Consulting can help you get the most out of your computing experience while you are at Virginia Tech. When you come to campus for orientation in July, it's important to come to the Computer Information Presentation held every 30 minutes in Squires Student Center. In the meantime, feel free to fill out a form at http://4help.vt.edu or call (540) 231-HELP (4357) for more information.

NIC/Ethernet Cards

For connecting to the Internet in a residence hall or other wired location, you will need an Ethernet card, also called a network adapter or network interface card (NIC). At a minimum, your NIC needs to run on a 100Base-T, or Fast Ethernet, network and have an RJ-45 connector. Most new computers will have a built in Ethernet card and are ready to connect to the campus Ethernet. If you need to buy one there are many Ethernet cards or network interface cards (NICs) on the market. If you're not sure your card is compatible, you may contact 4Help support staff by filling out the form at http://4help.vt.edu or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357).

Wireless Network Cards

Wireless networking is available in most instructional and on-campus public areas and coverage will continue to be expanded. The university's wireless network supports the IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi) standard in all service locations and the IEEE 802.11a standard in select areas. Virginia Tech's 802.11a service is designed to complement the 802.11g service. *All* locations that have wireless network service support 802.11g, while some are augmented with 802.11a service.

If your computer does not have built-in wireless network capability, you should obtain a wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) in addition to an Ethernet NIC. At a minimum, the wireless card needs to be compatible with the 802.11g standard (also referred to as 802.11b/g). However, it is recommended that the card be dual mode capable 802.11a/g (also referred to as 802.11a/b/g). Do NOT purchase an '802.11a only' card, as this service is available only in select locations that typically have a high concentration of users.

As of Spring 2009, the IEEE 802.11n wireless network standard had not been ratified. We are evaluating the technology for potential future incorporation on campus. In the interim, 802.11n cards, sometimes labeled as 'AGN' or 'ABGN', are generally compatible with 802.11a/g and should work on our campus (though at 802.11 a/g speeds).

Students with an active Virginia Tech PID (Personal Identifier) must first register to use wireless LAN services at https://cola.cns.vt.edu. Registration information may be viewed on the web at http://wireless.cns.vt.edu. Information about locations where wireless service is available may be found at the same web site. If you cannot get connected using a card you currently have, contact 4Help by filling out a form at http://4help.vt.edu or by calling 231-HELP (4357).

Links: