There are a few things you can do before you arrive on campus that will make your first few weeks at UC easier.

Your Computer must have an Ethernet card

The University’s Internet network connections provide much faster transfer rates than modem or broadband connections. To take advantage of this fast Ethernet, you must have a computer equipped with a 10/100/1000Mb Network Interface Card (NIC). If your computer is not so equipped, supported NICs are available at most computer electronics retail stores.

Recommended Cards:

PC Desktops: Linksys-EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card
Laptops: Linksys-EtherFast 10/100 Integrated PC Card

Your computer must be configured for a LAN connection

If you have previously used a phone modem to connect to an Internet provider, you will need to configure your computer for a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) LAN connection. If you have any trouble configuring your computer for a LAN connection you may contact your computer manufacturer or the UCit Help Desk (513-556-HELP) will be happy to assist you.

You must use the proper connectivity patch cord to access the University’s Ethernet network. Telephone cords will not provide connectivity to the University of Cincinnati Network.

The University’s Ethernet network connectivity is supported by a Category 5e (or above) patch cord. Phone cords will not provide connectivity to the University’s Network. The University Bookstore sells UCit-recommended Category 5e patch cords. Having the right patch cord will prevent any delay in getting online.

Operating System Updates and Patches

Operating system software can have security holes that can be exploited to illegally gain access to your computer system. Reduce the threat of computer intrusions by updating your computer with the most current updates, patches, and anti-virus software.

Windows Operating Systems

UCit recommends you use Windows XP when connecting to the UC Network (UCNet). UCit does not recommend using older versions, which can cause difficulty uploading required security software. It is likely you will need an upgrade to Windows XP for your system to meet UCNet's security requirements. (UCit will work on systems running older versions of Windows, but only on a "best attempt" basis.)

Windows XP is available to students, at a nominal fee, through University Bookstores.

You may see UC’s licensing agreement for Microsoft software at http://mscontract.uc.edu/sofware.asp.

UCit recommends VirusScan Enterprise V8.0i Windows XP. You may download this software from http://www.ucit.uc.edu/computers/software/mcafee_preconfig.asp.

Windows Updates

1. Open your Internet Explorer (IE) browser.
2. Point IE at windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the online site.

Macintosh Operating Systems

UCit recommends you use Mac OSX (10.x) when connecting to the UC Network. UCit does not recommend using older versions, which can cause difficulty uploading required security software. It is likely you will need an upgrade to Mac OSX (10.x) for your system to meet UCNet's security requirements. (UCit will work on systems running older versions of Macintosh, but only on a "best attempt" basis.)

Macintosh Updates

Using the Macintosh OSX (10.x) Automatic Software Update feature from System Preferences you can request Internet updates at any time or schedule when Mac OS X checks for updates (daily, weekly, or monthly). Run Update Now and configure Schedule and Update. Online instructions are available at http://docs.info.apple.com/one.

UNIX Operating Systems

Solaris updates are available at http://www.sunsolve.sun.com/pubcgi/show.pl?target=patches/patch-access.

Linux updates are available at http://www.linux-sec.net.

Registration and Authentication

The University has implemented network security measures to heighten personal computer security, boost network reliability, and amplify UCit's capacity to diagnose viral infections and other security threats.

All UC student housing residents must sign on to UCNet. Every resident's computer will periodically undergo an automated computer registration and security screening process. When you connect your computer to the network screening system, a downloaded smart agent will determine if your computer is free of viruses and other security threats. Also, it verifies all operating system updates, patches, and virus updates are current. If all is in order, the system will allow access to the UC Network. If not, the system will quarantine the user to the appropriate web sites where the user can obtain necessary updates and patches for the operating system and required anti-virus software. The user may access UCNet after the system is successfully updated.

Remember:

This security measure is not optional. All student residents must meet security requirements before accessing UCNet.

Make sure your computer is current with all operating systems updates and patches and virus updates before you arrive on campus. Failure to do so could delay your access to UCNet.

This process must be performed on each device you wish to use to access UCNet.

You will be required to perform this security procedure monthly.

Data Connection Activation

If you indicated your intent to bring a computer to campus when completing the housing application, you should have an active pre-assigned computer connection when you arrive.

Haven’t Requested a Data Connection?

If you did not indicate the need for connectivity or have since decided to bring a computer to campus, you may request initial installation by completing the Online Student Residence Services Request form at https://www.ucit.uc.edu/housing.

Alternatively, you may call the UCit Help Desk at (513) 556-HELP (4357) with your "New Activation Request."

If you have not made your request for a data connection, you should do so during the next few weeks to insure that you will have network access when you move in to your room.

You should have a copy of this guide in your room when you arrive. It provides information about services offered by UC’s service groups. These groups are dedicated to providing students residing in University-owned housing with timely support and problem resolution.

Customer satisfaction is our first and foremost priority. We intend not to be the students' "only choice" service provider, but to be the students' service provider of choice.

UCit welcomes you to the University of Cincinnati. We are here to provide you with access to communication tools that will help make your stay at UC successful and rewarding. Please call us at 556-HELP (5347) if you have any questions.

Thank you for choosing UC!