What do I need?
To use ResNet you will need to check the following list.
A high percentage of computers are connected to ResNet before they are protected against viruses and trojans. Most get infected within minutes so please take some time before you arrive to read this important information.
An Ethernet network enabled computer and cable.
Many new computers have an on-board Ethernet port.
You can tell an ethernet cable apart from a phone cable by the number of metal connectors exposed on the plug. Ethernet cables have 8 connectors while phone cables only have 4 connectors and the plastic casing itself is smaller in heighth and width.
If your computer does not have an Ethernet port, you will need to purchase an ethernet adaptor. We recommend that you buy a USB 10/100 Ethernet adaptor as the connections are tied to 10Mbps. This will plug directly into one of your computers USB ports.
You will also need a patch cable to connect your network card to the network outlet on the wall (the wall outlet uses a standard RJ-45 connector). 2 metre long CAT5e Cables are also available for purchase at J B Priestley Building Reception, price £2
Your computer operating system will also need to be able to use DHCP (all versions of Windows from Windows 95 support DHCP).
Instructions on how to configure your computer for ResNet are available in the Connecting to ResNet and RoamNet guide.
A Web Browser
You will log on to ResNet and RoamNet via a web page. Therefore you need a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Anti-virus software
You will get a CD on arrival at the University free of charge of our recommended anti virus software, McAffee Total Virus Defense. You are required to install this software OR have other up to date anti virus software installed on your computer. If you don't have this protection your computer will get a virus, and you will be responsible for removing it.
McAffee Total Virus Defense is also available FREE on CD-ROM from the J B Priestley Building Reception or from: http://www.brad.ac.uk/lss/it-services/ (University of Bradford username and password required)
Windows Updates
Microsoft's Windows Update site ( www.windowsupdate.com ) provides an easy way to patch Windows security defects and make your computer less susceptible to viruses and other attacks.
If you do not run Windows Updates, simply attaching a computer to the network could allow third parties to take control and delete or read your files.
To check for updates manually, open Internet Explorer and select "Windows Update" from the Tools menu. Sometimes you will find that access to the site may be slow due to many people downloading updates (often the case just after a new update has been released).
The first time you run Windows Update is usually the most time consuming because you are likely to need many critical updates. After the initial update, future sessions should install and run quite quickly. Before starting, close down all other programs and do not try to run anything else during the update process.
After applying any critical updates you must revisit Windows Update web site until you are told there are no more critical updates needed. Otherwise, you will still be vulnerable. This is because some updates can only be applied after earlier ones are applied.
More information about securing your PC can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/SecurityHome
and making the best of your PC at the University of Bradford - http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lss/it-services/your-pc/index.php
Updated July 2008