USI Residence Life FAQs

Housing FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about:

Computers/Internet

Can I connect to the Internet with my personal computer?
How do I hook up my computer to the Internet?
Where can I get an Ethernet card?
Is the network jack in my apartment live (active) or dead?
What if I want to set up my computer myself?
Are there computer labs I can use?

Q: Can I connect to the Internet with my personal computer?
Students living in the on campus apartments or residence halls can access the campus computer network with their own computer from their apartment. This is done through an Ethernet connection. The residence halls and on-campus apartments all have Ethernet ports, which require an Ethernet card in order to use the ports. (Available at electronics stores) For more information please contact the Computer Center at (812) 465-1080.

Q: How do I hook up my computer to the Internet? Where can I get an EtherNet card?
A representative from the Computer Center will be there to help set-up student computers during the first week of Fall Semester. Students need to provide an Ethernet card (network card) and wall to pc (Category 5) network cable to hook up their computer. These items can be purchased at any local electronics store (Radio Shack, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, etc.)

Students need to call the technician and setup an appointment, and then at the scheduled time take their Computer (only the CPU, not the monitor, mouse, keyboard, or any other peripherals) and the Ethernet adaptor to the technician. The technician will set it up for them and they must wait while their computer is being setup and then take it back with them.

Please visit the Computer Center's website and read the Computer Use Policy!

Q: Is the network jack in my apartment live (active) or dead?
The University has a "port-per-pillow" standard for providing connection ports in living units. All units have one active jack for each potential resident of the unit. Additional connection needs should be met by using the University-installed wireless network.

Residents should not install any devices designed to increase the port capacity of their residence, i.e. routers, switches, hubs, etc. Doing so will result in a loss of network connectivity and could be held accountable through the university judcial process.

Q: What if I want to set up my computer myself?
Depending on how comfortable you are with your computer, you may attempt to install all the necessary hardware and software in order to connect the machine to the network yourself. However, the University offers no technical support for any errors or damage caused to the student's computer. You will be doing this at your own risk. You may contact the Computer Center for a guide on how to do this, but USI is not responsible for any damage caused to the computer.

Q: Are there computer labs I can use?
There are computer labs across campus and in the housing areas that are open during select hours of the week. Students can use these labs to do homework, research, and check email. Most library services can be accessed from any computer lab.

For residents in the apartments, there is one computer lab in the Residence Life Office. In the Residence Halls there are computer labs located on each wing that are available 24 hours a day for residents of those buildings. See the Computer Center's website on the various labs around campus for hours and availability.