Your Computer

Many students living in Purdue’s student residences have questions about using computers in their rooms and apartments. Here is some advice from the manager of computing for Purdue’s Housing and Food Services, and from Purdue’s Information Technology department, which manages the Residence Hall Network Service (ResNet) program.

What is ResNet?

ResNet is a service that allows you to connect your personal computer to the campus network using an industry standard 10/100 switched Ethernet connection. The service also provides a shared connection to the Internet and is the service used by most students living in the residence halls and university-operated apartments. The daily ResNet bandwidth limit is currently 5GB for each ResNet subscriber.

Visit Purdue University's ResNet Web site

Visit My.ResNet and the My.ResNet Knowledge Base

Download Application for ResNet Service

Download ResNet Application for service starting August, 2008.

Wireless Computing

Purdue offers wireless computing services in academic buildings and other public areas. All residence hall public lounges and activity areas currently provide wireless network services. Student rooms in the residence halls do not have wireless service, but do have the wired ResNet service.

Is It Necessary to Bring a Computer to Purdue?

You do not have to bring a computer to campus, and Purdue does not require students to own computers, but most students do. All residence units have computer labs containing laser printers and computers equipped with common word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs. About 3,000 additional computers are available in public computer labs located throughout campus. Because of the wireless service, the laptop computer is an increasingly popular option since it can be used in your room with ResNet and in other areas with wireless services if it is equipped with both an Ethernet card and a wireless network card.

If I Want My Own Computer, When and Where Should I Purchase It?

If you don’t own a computer now, consider waiting to see what your computer needs will be. Once classes start and you have an idea of how much space you have in your residence room, you will be better prepared to make computer equipment and software decisions. You may buy your computer from a dealer near Purdue, a mail order firm, or a retailer at home. Purdue does not sell computers, but does have some agreements you can read about.

How Do I Connect My Computer at Purdue?

There are three ways to do this:

ResNet Service: This is the wired connection in your room or apartment. It uses the same Ethernet technology that is used in campus computer labs and staff offices. Computer labs do provide software on the computers, and some special class accounts are only accessible from lab computers. You must equip your computer with at least a 10Base-T Ethernet adapter and a category 5 Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors on both ends in order to connect from your computer to the wall connection. There is an activation fee of $100 per school year for using the ResNet service in your room. There is one connection available for you and one for your roommate. Multiple residents may not share a connection.

Purdue Village apartments provide ResNet service using DSL technology. That system uses the room phone line for the computer signal, but the room phone remains fully usable for incoming and outgoing calls, even when the computer is in use. The DSL modem required to utilize this service is provided by Purdue Village as part of the ResNet program. You still need a wired Ethernet network card as described above.
Wireless service: Not available in student rooms and apartments, but it is available in public areas of the residence halls and in most academic buildings on campus. This service requires a wireless network card that is described on the next page. There is no charge for wireless service.
Dial-up services with a modem in your computer: You may elect to use a telephone modem on your computer and subscribe to a commercial Internet service provider like you might now be doing from home. One disadvantage to this method is that a modem ties up your room phone. While there are no University fees associated with dial-up services with a modem, you will be responsible for provider fees and associated billing issues.

What Kind of Computer Do I Need to Connect to Purdue’s Network?

For most people, adequate performance means being able to run applications that support their education and information needs. Unfortunately, many older computers do not do that well. If you have a computer that you have bought within the last three years, it should be adequate to effectively use the ResNet system.

What Kind of Ethernet Adapters Should I Get for My Computer?

All new computers include a wired Ethernet adapter. If you have an older computer that does not have one, there are many brands on the market that work well. The basic requirement is that it be designed to fit your computer and support a 10/100 Ethernet network connection. A gigabit Ethernet adapter is backwards compatible to the 10/100 standard and work fine on ResNet. For most cases, a USB Plug and Play Ethernet adapter will be best for older PCs lacking a wired Ethernet adapter.

If you have a laptop and will be using the Purdue wireless service (PAL), you will also need a wireless network card. The wireless standard Purdue has adopted is 802.11g, so your laptop or handheld device will need a wireless network card that follows that standard. If you plan to use your computer in your room with ResNet, and with wireless networking in other areas of the campus, you will need to have both a wired and a wireless network card on your laptop. If you are buying a new laptop to bring to school, you can probably buy it equipped with both types of network cards already built in.

How Do I Install My Hardware and Software?

Instructions that will help you get online will be provided when you check in to your residence. Those instructions are all most students need for successful installation. We have a help desk and employees called Residential Computing Consultants (RCCs) who can help you get connected if you encounter problems. The RCCs won’t physically install equipment in your computer, but they will aid in the software setup to get your computer connected. Read more information or call the ResNet Help Desk at 765.494.2200. Read additional information about wireless computing.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Don’t load up on software for your computer before you come to Purdue. Purdue has a contract with Microsoft that offers selected software to staff and students at very attractive prices. Read more about the Microsoft agreement.

You will receive your application for ResNet service when you receive your housing assignment letter in early June.

Only one computer may be connected to a single computer connection at any one time. If you and a roommate each want to use a computer at the same time, you both need to subscribe to the ResNet service.

Purdue has many policies related to the use of computing facilities. Even though you are using your own computer, you are using Purdue’s network facilities. Please read, understand, and abide by all laws and policies regarding the standards at Purdue. Failure to comply with these laws and policies has consequences. Read more about our policies.

Subscribing to ResNet service does not imply an unlimited network connection. ResNet is a resource that is shared with other subscribers. Uses or applications that inhibit or interfere with use of ResNet service by other users are inappropriate. For example, uses that take up an unusually high portion of the bandwidth for extended periods of time may cause us to filter your use of the Internet to control use and allow others fair access. Use of academic resources on Purdue computers should not be affected by these restrictions.

What If I Want to Cancel This Service after I Have Signed Up for It?

You may cancel your ResNet service at any time, but there is no refund of the original $100 activation fee.

What If I Still Have Questions?

Email Information Technology Resnet Services Office

View University Residences Computer Guidelines

To apply for ResNet you must be admitted to live in the University Residences or be a current resident. If you fit this criteria, download the ResNet application here and return it to your hall’s main office or by mail to:

<Your Residence Hall>
<Your Residence Hall Street Address>
ATTN: Computers
West Lafayette, IN 47906