The following information is designed to help you determine what equipment would be required to connect your computer (Macintosh or Windows machine) to the campus network.

Macintosh Computers
Computing Services does not support system 6.x or earlier versions on the dorm network. If your Macintosh runs System 7 or higher, you should be able to connect to the campus network. Additionally, all machines must have at least 4 MB of RAM and 20 MB of available hard drive space. To find information about your operating system and RAM, select "About this Macintosh..." or "About this Computer" from the menu in the upper left corner of your computer screen.

Many Macintosh computers come with built-in Ethernet capability and do not require any additional equipment. The table below describes what you need to use Ethernet with many common models of Macintosh, based on the network capabilities of the machines. If you are unsure of which network options are available on your Macintosh, refer to your Owner's manual. If you are still unsure of what equipment you should purchase, contact the Help Desk at x7440 or e-mail dormnet@brynmawr.edu. Contact the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore (x5323) for pricing information.

In order to be networked your computer must have one of the following:

Windows Computers

To connect your IBM compatible PC to the network, you must have Microsoft Windows 95 or higher. Your machine must either have an Ethernet card already installed, or: at least 8 MB of RAM and 20 MB of available hard drive space, a 3.5" disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, and 1 available PCI or ISA slot (desktop models) or 1 available PCMCIA slot (laptop models). If you are unsure of the features of your computer, refer to your owner's manual. If you are still unsure of what equipment you should purchase, contact the Help Desk at (610) 526-7440 or e-mail dormnet@brynmawr.edu. For pricing please contact the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore at (610) 526-5323.

Desktops: In the interests of standardization, Computing Services recommends 3Com Ethernet cards for PC desktop machines. The 3Com 10/100 NIC is available from the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore.

Laptops: In the interests of standardization, Computing Services recommends 3Com Ethernet cards for PC laptop machines. If your laptop has an available PCMCIA slot, you may use the 3Com Officeconnect 10/100 LAN PC Card, which is available from the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore.

If your computer does not meet the requirements listed above...

Some computers, which do not meet the requirements listed above, may have unusual configurations which enable them to use special Ethernet equipment. This equipment is not discussed here because of the rarity of the need for it. Also, although Ethernet equipment is available for some older model Macintoshes and PCs, Computer Services does not recommend it for students due to the high cost of the equipment. If your computer does not meet the requirements listed here, but you would like to investigate the possibility of networking it, contact the Computing Services Help Desk at x7440 or e-mail dormnet@brynmawr.edu for more information.

Operating systems other than the MacOS and Windows 95 or higher are not supported on the network. However, if you are running another operating system (e.g. Linux, Windows NT, Windows 3.1) you may still register for a network connection. Computing Services will supply you with the basic network configuration information for your computer, but will not instruct or assist with setup or operation of your computer on the network. If you choose to run a multi-user operating system please be especially aware that you are responsible for the security of your system while it is attached to the campus network.

Software

If your network hardware is installed by Computing Services, standard network software will also be installed at that time. If Computing Services does not install the hardware, you may download software from the "Software Downloads" page of the Computing Services Web site. Instructions for obtaining the standard software are also available in the red "Connecting a Computer to the Bryn Mawr College Network" booklet.

Cables

In addition to Ethernet hardware, all computers will require a twisted pair 10BaseT Ethernet cable, in order to connect to the network. Please note that a phone or modem cord will not allow you to connect to the network. A 15-foot Ethernet cable is sufficient for the majority of Bryn Mawr College dorm rooms. Should you need a longer cable, 25-foot cables are also available. For pricing please contact the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore at (610) 526-5323.

Note: The Farallon EtherMac PC Card (PCMCIA) includes a 10BaseT cable. Therefore you do not need to buy additional cable; cables not sold with the Farallon card will not attach to the card.