ResNet @ UMD
Welcome Letter for Fall 2009 Residents
As you get ready to move to campus for the start of Fall semester, Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS) would like to welcome you and to share a few notes about using technology resources while living on campus.
FREE anti-virus software
The University provides Symantec Anti-virus software free to all students. Anti-virus software is required on all computers that connect to the University network.
You can install it at any time. Download it here: Symantec Anti-virus
ResNet: Residence Hall Network
ResNet provides wired broadband network access in every residence hall room or apartment.
To get full access to the network, you will need to register your computer once you arrive on campus. It's a pretty simple procedure:
- Plug your computer into the network jack in your room (you'll need an Ethernet cable for this - there is no wireless access in the residence hall rooms).
- Open up any web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer).
- Follow the directions on the screen to register your computer.
XBox, PS2 or Wii?
You are welcome to use your game console on the network. Like your computer, you'll need to register it once you get to campus.
You can find details here:
Register your XBox, PS2 or Wii
Wireless access / Wireless hubs
No wireless access: At this time, the residence halls do not have wireless access, except in a few common areas in each hall or apartment building. However, you can use your wireless laptop in most classrooms and other buildings on campus.
No wireless hubs / routers: Our network is designed as a shared resource, and unauthorized devices (like wireless hubs or routers) cause disruptions to service. Because of this, personal wireless hubs or routers are not allowed on the University's network. Please leave yours at home.
File sharing (BitTorrent, LimeWire, etc....)
Downloading or sharing copyrighted material is against the law; doing it while on the University network (ResNEt, wireless, VPN or modem) is against University policy. In recent years, copyright holders have stepped up legal efforts to combat it, and unfortunately, they have targeted college students with increased DMCA Copyright Infringement notices. You should be aware of the risks you take if you choose to participate in this activity.
While UMD does not monitor network traffic for content, the recording and motion picture industries do monitor networks for illegal sharing of their copyrighted materials via peer-to-peer (P2P) software. When they find evidence of this on a computer on our network, they send the University a DMCA "cease and desist" notice, which we in turn pass on to the student. In some cases, they may choose to send pre-litigation or preservation notices, which can be pre-cursors to further legal action (i.e., suing for copyright infringement).
Here's what you should know about file-sharing:
- Hundreds of UMD students have received DMCA Copyright Infringement notices in the past few years. If you receive one, your network access is temporarily disabled, and you must meet with ITSS security before access is reinstated.
- You can receive a DMCA notice for downloading OR for allowing others to upload content from your computer. If you have P2P software on your computer, you are most likely sharing files anytime your computer is on the network.
- You can not turn off file sharing with most P2P programs (even if they say you can). Many P2P programs install additional spyware that keeps the P2P connection live. The only real solution: uninstall it.
Make smart choices while you're here. If you choose to use the University network, remove all peer-to-peer file-sharing software from your computer.
More questions?
If you have questions about technology at UMD, please visit our web site:
Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS)
We've put together a special page with information geared to students, at:
Technology Resources for Students
Or, when you're on campus, stop by our new TechCenter in Kirby Plaza 165.
Rev 09.09 sab