Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Know About ResNet's Policies?Minimum PC Requirements?
Minimum Macintosh Requirements?
Why do I need ResNet?
How do I subscribe to ResNet?
What can I do to protect my computer?
What should I bring to the ResNet center when I need scans?
What services does ResNet perform?
Does ResNet have computer labs available?
How much will ResNet cost?
If I sign up late, will I have to pay the full price for ResNet?
Will ResNet be available during the summer session?
What if I need a static IP address?
What if I want to use a hub/switch/router or wireless access point?
Why doesn't my file sharing program (or other program) work on ResNet?
How fast is my connection?
Is there wireless access available?
Why is my ResNet slow?
Why is ResNet behind a firewall?
Is there a bandwidth limitation on ResNet?
Why can't I use Skype?
What Do I Need to Know About ResNet's Policies?
There are several key points you need to know about ResNet's policies in order to prevent service loss if you are found in violation of these policies. Click here to read the full ResNet Acceptable Use Policy.- You can not use any kind of wireless device in your Residence Hall room. If you use the wireless connection in other parts of campus you must disable it when you are using ResNet from your Residence Hall room. AUP Item #1.
- You can only have one computer hooked to your ResNet jack at any given time. AUP Items #1 and #2.
- The bandwidth ResNet uses is shared between all our users. In order to make sure everybody has the fastest connection available, ResNet is limiting the usage of individuals to 2 gigabytes of data transfer in a 24 hour period. This limit will not affect normal usage (i.e. web browsing, chat, etc) and is only intended to make sure ResNet stays available for everyone. Bandwidth limit is measured from midnight to midnight daily. AUP Item #3.
- Open file sharing on ResNet is prohibited. Any file shares MUST be password protected. AUP Item #5.
Windows computers (PCs) minimum requirements
- Processor: Pentium 3 class or better (minimum: Pentium 2)
- Hard Drive: 10 GB or more (minimum: 100 MB free space)
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista (minimum: Windows 2000)
- Disk Drives: CD-ROM drive required
- Network Interface Card: PCI 10/100 Mbps network card. Cards for your desktop system are available for sale through ResNet for $10 (price includes installation and lifetime warranty). MSU Bookstore and other local vendors offer PCMCIA/USB Ethernet cards for laptop computers
- Network Cable: A Category 5 (Cat5 or "Ethernet") cable will be needed to connect your PC to the data jack. Cables in two lengths (10' and 20') will be available for purchase through ResNet.
*Please note: We do not have the staff to support PCs that do not meet the minimum requirements.
Macintosh computers minimum requirements
- Processor: G4 or higher (minimum: G3)
- Hard Drive: 10 GB or more (minimum: 100 MB free space)
- Operating System: Mac OS X Leopard (minimum: Mac OS X 10.1)
- Disk Drives: 24x CD-ROM drive (minimum: 8x CD-ROM drive)
- Network Interface Card: Most Macs (G3 and newer) are sold as Ethernet-ready. The important thing is that they be 100BaseT (twisted pair) compatible.
- Network Cable: A Category 5 (Cat5 or "Ethernet") cable will be needed to connect your computer to the data jack. Cables in 2 lengths (10' and 20') will be available for purchase through ResNet.
*Please note: We do not have the staff to support Macs that do not meet the minimum requirements.
Why do I need ResNet?
Montana State University's Internet connection is over 300 times faster than a conventional modem and dial up service. ResNet currently offers a combined speed of 2.5 Gigabits (shared across Montana State University). ResNet gives you access to campus network resources. Your phone line is not tied up while you are online. You are always connected to ResNet, and you have 24/7 access for one low fee each semester.How do I subscribe to ResNet?
Subscribe online If you live in the Residence Halls or Family Graduate Housing, you can subscribe online for ResNet service at any time during the semester from your room or apartment. If you are having trouble and need assistance please call the ResNet help desk at (406)994-1929.What can I do to protect my computer?
After bringing your computer to the ResNet service center, you will notice that we have installed a few programs to help keep your computer safe. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, SuperAntiSpyware, and Spybot: Search and Destroy are programs that will scan your computer for malicious software and attempt to remove it. You don't need to bring your computer in to get these programs, as they are freely available online. We have also provided an easy to use Guide to assist you in running scans. It is recommended to run these programs at least once a month. Before running a full scan with these programs, they should be updated to the latest definitions by clicking the update button on the main window of the program. Most versions of Windows also include a spyware scanner called Windows Defender. Windows Defender, along with a virus scan should be ran once a month as well. Performing these steps will greatly reduce the amount of spyware/adware on your computer. If after running these scans your computer still appears to be infected, you may bring it in to the ResNet center, located in the basement of North Hedges, for us to run scans.What should I bring to the ResNet center when I need scans?
When bringing a computer to the ResNet center there are a few things we will need to perform the scans. If you are bringing in a laptop, make sure to bring in the power cable as well. Some of our scans take a few hours and even a fully charged battery will not be sufficient. If you are bringing in a desktop, all we will need to run scans is the tower itself, we will not need any cables. To pick up your computer, you will need a photo ID, and nobody else can pick it up for you. This is for your protection.What services does ResNet perform?
Troubleshooting guideIf you are living in the Residence Halls, or you are using ResNet in the serviceable areas of Family and Graduate housing, we can perform the following services: Virus, spyware, and adware scans - Operating system installs/reloads with back ups* - Hardware support/installs - Network diagnostics - Computer Troubleshooting. If you do not subscribe to ResNet service, or you live off campus, we can provide you with most of the same services. However, we are unable to back up your data in the case of an operating system reload, and if the problem is too severe to us to fix in a timely manner, the computer will be returned to you. Subscribing customers are our first priority in the event of high demand.
*ResNet is unable to back up Music, Videos, and installed programs. We can back up your Documents and Pictures
Does ResNet have computer labs available?
Yes! There are computer labs available for student use in North Hedges, South Hedges, Hannon, Hapner, Langford, and Johnstone. Roskie residents can use the South Hedges lab, and New Building residents can use the North Hedges lab. Printing is also provided free in all the labs for documents under 20 pages. All our lab computers have Microsoft Office software loaded including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Please note that files created with Microsoft Works are not compatible with current versions of Microsoft Office, and you may experience problems trying to print Works documents from the computer labs.How much will ResNet cost?
A $72.00 fee will be charged to your student account. This fee includes one semester of ResNet service along with free technical support for all network related problems.If I sign up late will I have to pay the full price for ResNet service?
If you live in the Residence Halls, since the service is available as soon as you move into your room, the charge for ResNet is based on when you begin occupancy. In other words, if you move in to the Residence Halls after the beginning of the semester, or move out before the end of the semester, ResNet charges will be prorated. For Family and Graduate Housing residents, the cost of ResNet is prorated weekly. In other words, if you sign up later in the semester, you will not pay the full charge.Will ResNet be available for summer session?
Yes! ResNet is available for the summer, either for summer school or Family and Graduate housing. The cost for the whole summer is the same as other semesters, and service for part of the summer is prorated.What if I need a static IP address?
If you would like a static IP address please email a request to resnet@montana.edu, be sure to include a legitimate reason for your request. ResNet will assign a static IP address on a case by case basis.What if I need to use a hub/switch/router or wireless access point?
Use of a network switch on ResNet requires you to pay a second connection fee, and is subject to approval. Please call the ResNet office if you wish to do this at (406) 994-1929. Use of a hub, router, any wireless device, or any other device which provides multiple connections through a single ResNet connection is strictly prohibited. Please see the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy, numbers 6 and 7 for more information.Why doesn't my file sharing program (or other program) work well on ResNet?
Why is my ResNet service slow?
Your ResNet connection is shared with the rest of the users on campus. If some users abuse their connection,
it slows down the network for everyone else. MSU uses a bandwidth shaping device to try to ensure that those
who wish to use the network for web (HTTP) traffic will not be affected by programs such as file-sharing and
peer-to-peer applications. Please refer to the Acceptable Use Policy, number 16
for more information.
How fast is my connection?
The campus offers 2.5 Gbps, of which 200 Mbps is commodity traffic. ResNet data jacks have a port speed of 100 Mbps. If you need further clarification, please call ResNet at 994-1929.Is there wireless access available?
Currently, wireless access is available in select academic buildings, as well as most common areas and large laundry rooms in the residence halls. Please contact the ResNet Help Desk for more information regarding wireless access at (406) 994-1929. Please make sure to disable your wireless card when you are connected to ResNet in your room to prevent interference with our equipment.Why is ResNet behind a firewall?
ResNet is behind a firewall to protect its users from malicious internet users outside our network. Please note that it is still the responsibility of the ResNet user to ensure their computer is secure. Refer to the Acceptable Use Policy, numbers 4 and 19 for more information.Is there a bandwidth limitation on ResNet?
Yes, currently there is a 2 gigabyte* data transfer (upload and download) limitation per 24 hour period, measured midnight to midnight.* Bandwidth limits subject to change without notice.
Why can't I use Skype?
Montana State University-Bozeman does not allow any network user to use the Skype Internet telephony application because of the negative impact it has on the campus bandwidth. Due to the fact that Skype uses a Peer-to-Peer based network topography, it treats each computer it is installed on as a hub for many other users, saturating the network.While not endorsed or recommended by MSU ResNet, the Internet telephony applications listed below are relatively easy to use, have clients for most computer operating systems, and offer services comparable to Skype. Be aware that if any application, including these listed below, is found to have a negative impact on the campus network/bandwidth, the application will be forbidden on the MSU-Bozeman network.
