laptop + internet confusion :(

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>-so i got the ResComp Guide to Computing in the Residence Halls in the mail and i was confused about the internet connection. It says if you would like wireless access in your room, you can purchase and bring your own wireless router to set up a mini-wireless network. However, on the same page, it says there is in-room connection if you bring an ethernet cable.
-So does that mean that Cal gives FREE internet service in the dorm rooms IF you have an ethernet cable?
-And if you want to use it around campus you don't need to buy any internet service (example: dial-up, aol, etc) because the whole campus is wireless?
-Also, what is a wireless router and an ethernet cable?
-How secure & safe is the free anti-virus software ResComp provides during Welcome week?
Also, (i know, a lot of questions) if i bring my own printer, will any printer brand hook up to my laptop? Does it need to be the same like HP laptop & printer?</p>

<p>thank you...thank you...thank you...from a very, very, very confused freshie</p>

2

<p>A wireless connection let's you use the internet without having to use an ethernet cable. This is mostly useful for laptops but not so much for desktops. </p>

<p>I think the internet should be free, or at least included in your housing costs. Also, your internet on campus will mostly be from Berkeley- whether by wireless or ethernet. You're not going to be paying from this beyond your tuition/housing costs. (Unless you move into your own apartment or something)</p>

<p>Anyways, an ethernet cable creates a direct and physical link to the campus network which is connected to the internet. If you use an ethernet cable, your computer is automatically connected to the internet (assuming you have at least XP or even 2000... with a mac, you're probably on). What is an ethernet cable? It basically looks like an oversized phone cable.</p>

<p>Now a wireless router allows you to access the internet without being tethered to a cable. This is useful if you're too lazy to get out of your bed and wanna surf the net on your bed or something. Anyways, a wireless router plugs into where your ethernet cable would've gone.</p>

<p>It's sort of like a how a cordless phone works. You hook up the base station to the wall and after that your phone doesn't need to be physically connected to the telephone line in order to make a phone call.</p>

<p>So:</p>

<p>ethernet cable:phone with chord::wireless:cordless phone</p>

3

<p>would you recommend a wireless router? the ones i've seen in ads are these square things...see link.</p>

<p><a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/wireless-network-new-4.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/wireless-network-new-4.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>how the heck do you attach it? isn't it big and heavy to be put on top of your lap?</p>

4

<p>^ a cord connects that to the laptop. u dont...place it on top of your laptop or anything like that lol. just place it somewhere on your table</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
-So does that mean that Cal gives FREE internet service in the dorm rooms IF you have an ethernet cable?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yes. People usually don't bring a router unless they're crazy EECS people.</p>

<p>
[quote]
-And if you want to use it around campus you don't need to buy any internet service (example: dial-up, aol, etc) because the whole campus is wireless?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yes. It's called airbears and if you're anywhere on campus you'll likely get a good signal.</p>

<p>
[quote]
-Also, what is a wireless router and an ethernet cable?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Basically, if you are on DSL and you have a modem, it can only connect to one computer. A router allows you to connect multiple computers to that connection. A wireless router allows you to get wireless signal from that connection and thus, you can connect to your in-room connection wirelessly. But I think it's easier to just get a cable and directly connect to your in-room connection, and yes, you can connect multiple computers to your in-room connection. They provide hubs and stuff.</p>

<p>
[quote]
-How secure & safe is the free anti-virus software ResComp provides during Welcome week?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It's pretty good from what I've seen. You get some occasional annoying messages blocking some strange incoming connections, but it's pretty secure.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Also, (i know, a lot of questions) if i bring my own printer, will any printer brand hook up to my laptop? Does it need to be the same like HP laptop & printer?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Most printers should hook up via usb, so unless you have a retarded printer that doesn't use usb or a super-retarded laptop that doesn't have usb ports...yeah it should work.</p>

<p>I think a wireless router is excessive because there is wireless internet in the dorms as well...you just may not get it in your room. But if you're in your room, just hook up via ethernet cable.</p>

6

<p>I was just worried that the rooms wouldn't have enough ports/jacks for everyone's ethernet cables. Otherwise I won't be dragging my router all the way to california.</p>

7

<p>There are two jacks, and if you want more you can ask for an adapter that has four ports, so don't worry about that.</p>

8

<p>is the adapter free?</p>

9

<p>not to keep...you borrow it</p>

10

<p>so wait, the router thing...don't you need to hook it up to your laptop to set the network key?</p>