Want to…

• Surf the Internet
• Send e-mail
• Instant message
• and do it all from your residence hall room?

Every residence hall at North Central College -- no matter how large or small -- has full 100-MB (100 megabits per second) Ethernet connection.

1. A PC that meets or exceeds the minimum standards for NCCNet (see below)
2. A Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in your PC (NCC provides free installation)
3. A patch cable (NCC provides a 6’ cable free of charge)
4. Registration with NCC Information Technology Services to activate the data port in your room
5. Software for network connectivity

The preferred minimum configuration for an NCCNet connection is an IBM PC or compatible computer with the following:

* Windows ’95, ’98, Me, 2000 and XP (home and pro) are the only operating systems supported on NCCNet. PCs running NT, OS/2, varieties of UNIX, or Apple/Macintosh PCs, will not be supported by ITS.

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Some computers, even though they meet the minimum specifications, simply cannot be connected to a network. These are usually identified as "value line" or "home multimedia" PCs. PCs that are characterized as "e-machines" also fit this category. Also, computers that are deemed "small form factor" or computers that cannot physically contain a network card are not supported. Because these PCs were designed for at-home, non-networked use they usually lack basic components or have too many resources used for multimedia purposes to be configured for networking.

If you purchase a laptop, we suggest you purchase a network card (PCMCIA card) from the manufacturer of the laptop at the time you purchase the computer. This assures that the card is configured correctly for your specific
model and gives us the best chance of success in networking the laptop.

Most new PC’s already have a NIC. If your computer was purchased with a network card already installed odds are it will be compatible with NCCNet. Any computer that is currently connected to the Internet through a cable modem will have a network card already installed. The best way to determine if your computer has a network card installed is to refer to the documentation that came with the PC. Manufactures often refer to network cards as NIC’s, Ethernet boards, or cable modems. If your documentation lists any of these then your computer has a network card.

Your best value is to have your NIC installed by NCC. If your PC does not already have a network card one can be purchased at any computer retail store or at North Central. Once you have purchased a network card you may schedule an appointment with a ResNet consultant and they will install it free of charge. To schedule an appointment with the ResNet consultant for your residence hall dial 6441 when on campus and follow the prompts.

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If you have your NIC installed by a ResNet consultant you’ll be given a 6’ patch cable to connect your PC to the data port in your room at the time your NIC is installed. You can also pick up a 6’ patch cable from Information Technology Services. If you need a patch cable longer than 6’ ITS at North Central College sells 25’ patch cables, or you can buy them in various lengths at computer or electronics stores; ask for a "4 pair straight through" or "Cat5" cable.

All ports will be active when you arrive on campus. You are required to register your data port via the Internet. More detailed instructions are available at http://its.noctrl.edu

The only software needed on the computer is Internet Explorer 5 or later. All computers with Windows have this software. Instructions on how to setup IE will be handed out when you move into your dorm room.

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