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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get
started?
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What type of
laptop and wireless card should I buy?
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Where can I use
wireless?
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What can I do
with wireless?
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How fast is a
wireless connection and will my data be secure?
-
How can I
protect myself from computer viruses over the
wireless network?
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Which operating systems does
wireless support?
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What about
Windows CE and Linux?
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I'm connected
to the wireless network, but I cannot log into
Novell. What can I do?
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What if I am
not a member of the University, can I use
wireless?
1. How do I get started?
To connect to the Smith wireless network, you
will need a laptop and a wireless card. Many laptops
come with an internal wireless card already
installed. If your laptop did not you will have to
buy an external one. You will then need to install
your wireless card following the card manufacturer's
instructions exactly. During the card installation,
you will be prompted for the SSID or Network Name.
This field should be set to umd in lowercase. This
information must be configured properly in order to
connect to the Smith wireless network.
2. What type of laptop and
wireless card should I buy?
Laptop minimum recommendations include: Windows
XP, 128MB RAM, and a 20GB Hard drive. No specific
laptop manufacturer is recommended however
discounted systems are offered to University members
through
OIT
Purchasing. The only wireless card requirement
is that it meets the 802.11b standard.
3. Where can I use wireless?
In Van Munching Hall you can connect in both the
Original and New Wing of the building. There are
also many locations on the College Park campus
outside of the Business School where wireless access
is available. Here is a complete
wireless coverage list for College Park.
If you are a Part-Time MBA student in either
Washington D.C. or Shady Grove you too can take
advantage of the Smith wireless network! In
Washington DC wireless access is available on
both the Ground and Concourse levels of the Ronald
Reagan building as well as in the 330 suite. On the
Shady Grove Campus wireless access is available in
several locations including the Auditorium, Library,
Building I and II Student Lounges, Multipurpose
Rooms, and the Outdoor corridor between Buildings I
and II.
4. What can I do with wireless?
Once connected, MBA Students, Faculty and Staff
while having Internet access will also have access
to many network based resources including Lotus
Notes, Novell network space, (K:) and network
printers. Undergraduate students will have Internet
access.
5. How fast is a wireless
connection and will my data be secure?
The wireless network provides a shared 11Mbps
connection. Because it is shared, the more users
connected in the same area at the same time, the
slower the connection speed will be. If concerned
about security, users should ensure they are using
secure communications software when sending
sensitive data over the wireless network. SSL Web
browsers and SSH are examples. A Virtual Private
Network (VPN) service is available that will provide
even more security for users that require it. Please
refer to the following link for more information
regarding
VPN.
6. How can I protect myself
from computer viruses over the wireless network?
Virus traffic can significantly affect the
wireless network. It is critical that your machine
be clean of any existing worms and/or viruses and
patched for future ones. Please be sure to have
Anti-Virus software installed including the most
up-to-date definitions (DAT files). If you do not
have Anti-Virus software you may download McAfee
free from OIT by visiting the
OIT Virus Help Page. During the installation be
sure to 'Update Now' and 'Run On-Demand Scan'. To
read about current virus threats and to sign up for
the Virus Alerts Notification program visit the
OIT Virus Alert Page. To make sure your machine
is patched visit
Microsoft Windows Update and install all
available updates.
7. Which operating systems does
wireless support?
Wireless works with both Windows and Macintosh
operating systems. It is recommended however that
you use Windows XP Home or Professional edition when
attempting to connect to the Smith wireless network.
8. What about Windows CE and
Linux?
Most Windows CE devices as well as the Linux
operating system also work with the Smith wireless
network. Information regarding the setup of these
devices can be found by visiting their specific
vendors. Linux information provided by the Linux
users group can be found at the following location:
Linux Setup Information.
9. I'm connected to the wireless
network, but I cannot log into Novell. What can I
do?
Several users have experienced difficulties
logging into Novell over the wireless network. We
have come up with a workaround that includes
re-installing the Novell Client. Please re-visit
Novell Client and take note of the
new instructions in red.
10. What if
I am not a member of the University, can I use
wireless?
Yes, guest access is available for visitors that
are sponsored by faculty or staff. To request guest
access for visitors please visit the
OIT Wireless Access for Guests page and follow
the listed instructions. You may also email
wireless@nts.umd.edu with the number of accounts
required. In the email please include duration of
access needed as well as contact information for
verification. Please allow up to 4 hours for request
to be completed.
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