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SMITH RESIDENCE NETWORK

The Smith Residence Network (ResNet) provides students with access to Smith's high-speed campus-wide network and the Internet from on-campus residence houses.

The Smith Residence Network (ResNet) provides students with access to Smith's high-speed campus-wide network and the Internet from on-campus residence houses.

If you plan to use ResNet in your room, be sure your computer meets the recommended minimum standards specified below:

* Although ITS supports Microsoft Vista, note that Smith faculty and staff do not have the Vista operating system and will be transitioning to Office 2007 only gradually. For information about potential Office 2007 compatibility issues, click here.

**All students who connect to ResNet using a Windows computer must have McAfee VirusScan for Windows installed on their computer; otherwise, they will not be able to connect to the network via Cisco Clean Access. VirusScan is free to Smith students via the Smith software download site.

Since other anti-virus software is known to conflict with VirusScan, be sure to uninstall any other anti-virus programs you may have (Norton, Sophos, etc.) before installing VirusScan.

• Your computer must have a twisted-pair Ethernet network adapter. We recommend buying a computer that comes with an integrated or built-in network adapter. However, if you wish to add an adapter to a computer you already own, we recommend that you buy the adapter and have it installed at your local computer store before you come to campus, so you can start using the Smith network with minimal delay.
  
  Most types of network adapters will function properly with the Smith network.
  
  
• You must have an Ethernet cable. If you don't already own an Ethernet cable, you can buy one in advance or purchase it at the Smith Computer Store for $10.00.
  
  

You will be able to configure your computer for connecting to the Smith network as soon as you move into your room. Instructions are available in the User Support Center in Stoddard 23, in the Student Computer Centers, and on TARA, our technical documentation website: http://www.smith.edu/its/tara/smith_resnet/connecting.html

Computer Repair Policy

ITS Technical Services performs authorized service only on Dell and Apple computers purchased through the Smith College Computer Store, and serves as a shipping depot for Smith-purchased computers that must be repaired by the manufacturer.

Dell and Apple computers purchased through the Computer Store meet the recommended requirements for use on the Smith network. The Store's Dell computers come with a 4-year complete care warranty that covers accidental damage as well as manufacturer's defects. The Store's Apple computers come with a 3-year warranty.

These computers have been approved by Smith's Committee on Educational Technology for on-campus use by Smith students, faculty, and staff. They are known to work well on the Smith network with our standard software and campus systems, including Blackboard and BannerWeb.


Other Important Notes:

• If you don't own a computer or choose not to connect to ResNet, ITS maintains several centrally-located Student Computer Centers, including two 24-hour computer labs. You can use your Smith OneCard to pay for laser printing in all these facilities.
  
  
• If you are thinking about installing a wireless adapter, please be sure you are familiar with Smith's policies regarding wireless networking on campus.
  
  
• If you have specific questions about computer hardware, including network adapters, please visit the Smith College Computer Store web page, contact the store by email at cstore@email.smith.edu, or call the store at (413) 585-3027.
  
  
• For helpful hints on improving the performance of a Windows computer, see our Tune-up Tips webpage.
  
  
• For general network support and trouble-shooting, call the User Support Center at ext. 4487.
  
  
• ITS is continually exploring new ways to further enhance the capabilities of the Smith network. Student feedback is an important part of this process, so please send your comments and suggestions to 4its@email.smith.edu.