The Internet

Is there Internet access from the residence hall rooms?

Yes, all student rooms in all residence halls are wired for access to the Internet. There is an Ethernet jack for each student (one in a single room, two in doubles, etc.). 

What do I need to get connected to the Internet?

• a computer with an appropriate operating system, sufficient speed, etc. 
• an Ethernet card (please note that this is not a modem) 
• an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the wall jack 
• proper configuration of your computer's networking software (TCP/IP enabled and set to obtain an IP address automatically)

If you are buying a new computer you should buy it with an Ethernet card already installed. If you have a computer that does not have an Ethernet card, it will save time if you purchase a card and have it installed before you arrive on campus. If you arrive with a computer that does not have an Ethernet card we will refer you to local computer companies that can sell and install cards. 

To access the Internet your computer will need to be configured such that the TCP/IP protocol is enabled and an IP address is obtained automatically (DHCP). Most new computers are now configured this way by default. There is a guide in the Internet Resources section of our website (http://www.wells.edu/internet/ir1.htm) that can help you configure your computer to connect to the campus network. If you have trouble, a fellow student will often be able to help. In particularly difficult cases Computer Services can attempt to send a student lab assistant to help you, but lab assistants will not be available until after the beginning of classes.

It is essential to run up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer. It is also essential to install all recommended security patches for your operating system. If you are running Windows, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/. Be sure that you are running anti-virus software and have installed all security patches before you arrive on campus. Infected computers impact the entire campus network. 

Where else on campus can I get access to the Internet?

All of the computers in the public computer labs and the Library online room have Internet access. Also, if you have a laptop computer, you can plug it in throughout the "Bring Your Own Laptop" areas in the Library and get on the Internet.

Are there limitations?

The Wells Internet connection serves the academic mission of the college. Recreational uses of the Wells connection to the Internet that impinge on the academic mission (for example, by consuming too much bandwidth or by overloading routers, firewalls, or other equipment) will be restricted. All computing at Wells is governed by the Computer, Internet, and Electronic Communications Policy, available at http://aurora.wells.edu/techpolicy_full.htm and in the Student Handbook. Note that Wells cannot assure 24/7 connectivity to the Internet in the residence halls. There may be occasional periods of downtime, especially in the night and on weekends. 
 

Bringing your own computer

Should I bring my own computer and printer?

If you bring your own computer you can be on the Internet in your room and (with a laptop) from the Library. It is always most convenient to have your own computer and printer. On the other hand, there is a large number of high-end computers available in the public computer labs including in Main and Weld residence halls, so anyone without a computer in their room will almost always have access to a good computer and centralized laser printing.

I'm buying a new computer. What should I buy?

Nearly all new computers should have adequate speed, memory, hard drive space, etc. to do what you need for general academic computing. Specialized tasks such as editing digital video will require higher-end computers. Be sure to buy a computer that has an Ethernet card. A Zip drive is useful for backing up and transferring data. A CD-RW drive allows you to back up even larger amount of data to a CD. In buying a computer a general rule is that the more you invest in a quality computer with greater processor speed, more memory, larger hard drive, etc., the longer it will serve you before it begins to seem obsolete. Buying a reliable computer from a reputable company that will provide good support is most important.

Does Wells provide support to fix my computer if it has problems?

Wells Computer Services may attempt to help diagnose network problems if you have trouble with your Internet connection, but it cannot repair privately owned computers. Wells will recommend companies to which you can take your computer for repair.
 

Public computer labs

How many computers are available in the student labs?

Wells currently maintains about 70 high-end computers in nine computer labs for general student use in the academic buildings, the Library, and in the Main and Weld residence halls. All labs provide access to high-speed laser printing in a centralized location. When the academic labs are not being used by classes they are available for use by individual students. There are also five specialized computer classrooms/labs with an additional 20 computers devoted to class work in specific disciplines such as digital imaging/digital video.

What operating systems are used on student lab computers?

Wells has both Windows and Macintosh computers in its general computer labs (approximately 80% Windows and 20% Macintosh). General labs use Microsoft Windows XP for Windows-based computers, and Mac OS X and OS 9.6 for Macintoshes.

What software is available in the student labs?

General computer labs have Microsoft Office XP Professional for Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office for OS X and Microsoft Office 2004 for Macintoshes. All lab computers also have a suite of Internet applications (Netscape Communicator, telnet, FTP, etc.).