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SJC Computer Center
Room Connections: (2007-2008 school year)
I have a computer already, what are the minimum requirements?
If you already own a computer, we recommend at least a 1 GHz processor with a minimum of 128 MB or RAM. Windows, Mac and Unix type operating systems will work on our network.
Buying a new computer?
If you are going to purchase a new computer, we recommend you purchase from a reputable dealer or manufacturer who will provide an on site warranty service should a problem arise. We strongly recommend having an Ethernet adapter installed at the time of purchase.
What is an Ethernet adapter?
An Ethernet adapter, which is also called a Network Interface Card or a NIC, is a piece of computer hardware physically installed in a personal computer to provide a direct connection to a high-speed data network.
Where can I purchase the network card?
Network cards are available from computer vendors and computer hardware retail stores such as Staples, Office Depot and Best Buy, or from the Internet. If you are ordering a new computer, most manufacturers already have the Ethernet built in.
What brand of card should I buy?
We recommend network cards that are manufactured by 3COM, but we have been able to connect Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link cards in some computers. We cannot guarantee that all cards will work in all computers, or all computers will be able to connect to the campus network.
What type of cable do I need?
One RJ-45 UTP (Ethernet) cable per student computer is also needed to connect your computer to the network connection in your room. This cable may be purchased from the college store.
Will I need a modem?
The SJC network is separate from and not dependent upon telephone lines in the residence halls so a modem is not needed. Our network connection replaces the dial up connection you may have used previously.
Should I still use my home account?
Your SJC network connection provides you with full access to the Internet. If you had an account with an Internet service provider such as AOL, MSN, or Netzero you will no longer need the account. Many companies have additional charges for accessing their services when you are away from home. Some students have also discovered that when they are accessing their account here on campus, no one at home can use the account. We have received many phone calls from parents asking us to have their son or daughter log off the home network account.
My roommate and I each brought a computer; can we both be connected at the same time?
All residence halls have one network connection per room except for Noll and Bennett that have two connections per room. In order to have both machines connected and running, students should use switches or hubs. You will need to purchase a small 4 or 5 port 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet hub or switch for two users to access the Internet at the same time. You will also need to have an additional Ethernet cable to connect the hub or switch to the port in the residence hall. The Computer Center does not provide support for the hubs or switches themselves. If a network problem occurs, we will not debug the problem until the hub or switch is disconnected.
*It is very important that you do NOT purchase a router or an Ethernet splitter. Some sales people may try to sell you a router as a substitute for a hub or switch, but the router is not compatible with our residence hall equipment and if discovered, will be removed from the network.
Wireless access
Even though many of our residence halls are connected to our wireless network, wireless connections suffer from irregular signal strength. Signal strength can be affected by many things including the number of users accessing the wireless network, the distance from the access point or the type of walls the signal must project through. Not all rooms receive strong wireless signals. Students may not purchase and install wireless access points, routers or gateways in their room as this disrupts the normal operation of the SJC wireless network. If you are unable to obtain a reliable wireless signal in your room, you may check out a wireless access point from the Computer Center. There is no charge for the access point if it is returned in good condition and in good working order. A replacement charge of $50 will be billed to your student account for any damaged, lost or stolen equipment.
What are my responsibilities?
See our web page.
Where do I go for help?
Check out our troubleshooting webpages.
