Information for New Residential Students
Welcome to UCSD! The university offers a wide range of computing services for students, especially residential students. If you will be living in one of the residence halls or apartments, following are some suggestions we have to make your first year a great one.
Connecting to the Network
For reasons of reliability, security and speed, your wired connection is your primary connection to the network. A 20ft Ethernet cable may work, but we highly recommend waiting until your living arrangements have been made to purchase an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables with various lengths are available for purchase at the UCSD Bookstore.
We are also working on providing wireless connectivity in the residence halls as an alternative network connection for the common areas. As an alternative network connection, wireless should not be used as your primary connection. Wireless is currently available in the following areas:
- Revelle College
- Muir Tenaya and Apartments
- Marshall uppers (G-M)
- Warren residence halls (Stewart, Frankfurter, Harlan)
- ERC College
- Sixth College
- The Village (opening September, 2009)
Wireless will be available in Warren Apartments (Black, Brennan) in August 2009
Update and Secure Your Computer at Home
In order to protect both your computer and the university's network, make sure you have taken the following steps before you bring your computer on campus:
- Make sure your software and operating system is updated.
- Make sure you have an updated firewall running.
- Make sure you have an updated anti-virus program running (see recommendations here).
- Make sure each of your system accounts have a passphrase or complex password.
You may be unable to register for a network connection if you do not secure and update your computer. Also, your network connection will be blocked for missing critical updates or if your computer is harming the network.
Connecting your Gaming Console Online or Personal Wireless Router
Playing online with your gaming console is simple. You will need to register your console with us by sending an email to resnet@ucsd.edu.
Wireless routers must be registered with ResNet in person. For security reasons,we recommend any wireless router with WPA2 encrpytion. More information about registering a gaming console or router can be found here.
Uninstall any Peer-to-Peer Programs
Copyright agencies like the RIAA or MPAA (Recording Industry and Motion Picture Associations of America) are targeting universities for people who are sharing copyrighted material such as music, TV shows and movies. UCSD students have been sued before, ranging from $3,000-$5,000. We recommend all students to uninstall peer-to-peer programs such as Limewire and BitTorrent clients (Vuze, uTorrent, Transmission, etc.). Most students who receive a copyright violation weren't aware the peer-to-peer program was running. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance removing your peer-to-peer program. More information about file-sharing can be found here.
What Type of Computer Should I Purchase?
ResNet provides support for both Mac and PCs. You will also find both types of computers available to use in ACMS computer labs, which are accessible throughout campus. Choosing which computer is a matter of preference, in addition to your needs and possible financial constraints. Suggestions for minimum computer specifications, click here. The UCSD Bookstore also has computers on display and occasionally has discounts.
We also highly recommend purchasing an external hard drive or USB storage device to back up your personal files and important school documents. There have been cases where students have lost their data due to hard drive failure or having their laptop stolen. Another option is to store your data through an online backup service.
Have Problems Getting Online or With Your Computer? Use Your Resources!
ResNet is here to help you with your networking and computing needs. If you have problems getting online when you move in, refer to the ResNet Guide that comes with your Move-In packet. There will also be in-person assistance at each college during Move-In Week. Throughout the school year, we will be available if you have issues with your internet or computer (virus/malware, computer reformat, and simple hard drive and memory installation). Simply call, email or visit us in person. All these services come included with your housing, so no charge will be made to your account.
