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FAQs About NYU's Global Sites

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Can I use my laptop computer when studying abroad? If so, how?

Yes, you can register your laptop computer for Internet access at NYU's global sites. To do so, complete the appropriate online form for your intended site (see below). You can complete the form before or after you go abroad. Once you have submitted the form, it will take approximately 72 hours for your information to be processed and your computer to be registered. Please note that laptop access locations vary depending on the site you attend; please check with your local student life personnel for details.

I'm trying to register my laptop computer, but I can't find my Ethernet card address. What does it look like?

When registering your laptop computer for use at one of NYU's Global sites, you will need to provide the address of the Ethernet card in your computer. This address consists of six pairs of alphanumeric characters (xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx). To locate the unique address on your computer, see the instructions and screen shots for your operating system below:

Windows XP & 2000

  1. Select Run from the Start menu.
  2. In the "Open" dialog, type cmd.
  3. At the MS-DOS Prompt, type ipconfig /all.
  4. The IP Configuration information is displayed. Your Ethernet card address appears under the heading Ethernet adaptor Local Area Connection: to the right of the Physical Address line.

    Make sure that the name of your Ethernet card appears to the right of the words Description (see the illustration). If the Ethernet card is not in the computer, or if it is not properly installed, the PPP Adapter address may appear instead. This is not the address needed to register your laptop.

    If the Ethernet card is not listed, or if you can not run ipconfig.exe, see the instructions on the ITS website about configuring your Ethernet card.

Macintosh OS X

  1. Open the System Preferences, either from the Apple menu in the top left or from the Dock.
  2. Click on Network.
  3. From the Show pull-down menu, select Built-In Ethernet.
  4. In the TCP/IP tab, look for Ethernet Address near the bottom of the window to learn your Ethernet card address.

I've registered my computer, what else do I need in order to connect?

You'll need the following in order for your laptop to work on the network at the Study Abroad site you've chosen:

  • A 10 or 100 baseT Ethernet card or adapter (with an RJ45 connector), with its drivers, installed in your computer.
  • An ethernet (network) cord to connect your laptop to the network jack at the location. Ethernet cables have RJ45 jacks that have eight gold connector pins, as opposed to four on an RJ-11 telephone jack.
  • Up-to-date virus protection on your computer so that it is safe for use on the network (see below).

My computer won't connect to the Internet. What might be wrong?

  1. Make sure that you've successfully registered your computer and have followed all the instructions on the registration form (see above).
  2. Verify that you've plugged your computer into your data jack with an Ethernet cable, and not a telephone cord. Ethernet cables have RJ45 jacks that have eight gold connector pins, as opposed to four on an RJ-11 telephone jack.
  3. Try using a different Ethernet cable instead, to make sure your cable is actually working.
  4. Laptop computers with fragile PCMCIA card connectors sometimes have trouble because the connector that plugs into the PCMCIA card is cracked or broken; make sure that your laptop's connectors are in good condition.
  5. Verify your computer's Ethernet card configuration. For assistance with installation of your card, please consult the Ethernet card manufacturer's instructions.
  6. Double check the accuracy of the TCP/IP settings that you've configured (see above).
  7. Restart your computer if you haven't done so since plugging into the data jack or making changes to your configuration.

Is my computer protected from viruses? Does NYU offer anti-virus software?

A gateway scanner is used at each of NYU's global sites to detect and remove as many viruses and worms as possible before they get to your computer. However, no scanner can catch every virus. If your computer gets infected and you don't clean it, you could be removed from the network to protect other people's computers. Therefore, it is important that you take steps to protect your computer.

Installing anti-virus software and keeping it up to date with the latest virus definitions is one of the most important things you can do to protect your computer against viruses and worms. NYU offers Symantec AntiVirus software on the ITS-Licensed Software page and, for people with little or no Internet access, on the NYU-NET CD (available from your local student life personnel). Once you have installed the software, be sure to use the LiveUpdate feature, and set it to automatically check for new virus definitions every day.

Windows computer owners should also set their computer to check Windows Update every day for new operating systems patches. Macintosh owners should set their computer's Software Update feature (in the System Preferences) to check for updates each day. Instructions and a list of the additional steps you should take to protect your computer is available in the Security FAQs.

What policies govern the use of computers on NYU-NET?

Access to the Internet is made available to NYU community members as part of the educational computing and networking resources of the University. Such resources and use of NYU's network are privileges and must be exercised in conformity with all applicable NYU policies and procedures (available at www.nyu.edu/its/policies/) and all applicable federal and local laws. In particular, be sure to familiarize yourself with the policies regulating the use of peer-to-peer applications on NYU-NET. Failure to abide by ITS policies can result in suspension of network privileges and referral of the matter to the appropriate disciplinary process.

How can I keep in touch with the New York campus while I'm abroad?

NYUHome (http://home.nyu.edu) is your best resource for keeping up to date with the latest news from the Washington Square campus. NYUHome also provides access to many web-based services and tools, including email, spam filtering, Albert, Blackboard, computer security alerts, software, and NYU Libraries resources. More information about NYUHome is available at www.nyu.edu/its/nyuhome/.

Is wireless network access available at NYU's global sites?

Wireless service is now available in the academic centers at NYU's locations in Paris, Madrid, and Ghana. To use this service, contact the student services personnel at the site.

Where can I get help with my computer?

If you have a question about using your computer at one of NYU's global sites, you can either speak with your local student life personnel, or send a detailed email to: its.global@nyu.edu or use the Ask ITS form. An ITS Client Services helpdesk representative will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours.

Page last reviewed: November 9, 2007