Networking
E-mail and Conferencing System (FirstClass)
Emmanuel College uses FirstClass as its e-mail system. This system is also used extensively for campus communication and coursework. The software includes such features as conferencing and private chats. FirstClass software is available free of charge and training is available to students during orientation. Your e-mail account information and instructions for downloading and installing FirstClass will be provided to you under separate cover.
Network Connections
If you are living on campus, network connections are installed in every room in the residence halls. These connections provide fast and reliable internet service. This eliminates the need for a modem to access e-mail and the internet. To take advantage of these services, however, your computer must be equipped with a network card and a network patch cable with the following specifications:
- 10/100 Base-T, NE2000 compliant, with RJ-45 connector
- Network patch cable with RJ-45 connectors
Emmanuel College has installed wireless access points in various public spaces around campus. This wireless network is available to all Emmanuel students who own a laptop computer equipped with a wireless networking card that meets the following specifications:
- Any wireless (WiFi) enabled network card that complies with the 802.11 b/g Wireless Networking Standard
Once again, a reputable retailer can assist you with selection and installation of the appropriate card for your computer. Because of liability, Information Technology cannot install these cards for you. When you arrive on campus, network configuration information will be provided to you. Please note that since there is no need for a modem on campus, their use is strictly prohibited in the residence halls.
Network Connection Policy
In order to secure and maintain the integrity of the Emmanuel College network, the Emmanuel Information Technology department is currently implementing the Cisco Clean Access network security system in all residence halls. All students who bring computers to campus running any Windows operating system must install and run the Cisco Clean Access Security Agent.
The main features of this system include user authentication, vulnerability assessment and remediation. In other words, the system requires students to log in and checks the PC for computer viruses and other vulnerabilities before granting full network access.
A description of the system and full instructions for installing and running the agent can be found at www1.emmanuel.edu/helpdesk/cleanaccess/cleanaccessinstall.html (link will open in new window).
You will not be able to access the internet until the Emmanuel clean access agent is installed and has run; however, you will be able to access FirstClass e-mail, Online Academic Resources and WebCT.
Wireless Network
Directions for connecting to the wireless network (link will open in new window) Students may register for access to the Emmanuel College Wireless Network. The network, using industry standard 802.11
wi-fi technology, allows those with a laptop containing a wireless networking card to access the internet wirelessly at several public location on campus.
Wireless network locations:
- Loretto Hall - 1st floor lounge
- St. Ann's Hall - 1st floor lounge
- St. Joe's Hall - 1st floor lounge
- Julie Hall - Hynes Square Library - 1st and 2nd floor reading rooms
- Yawkey Center - 1st floor atrium, 2nd floor lounge, dining hall
Special Information for AOL Users
Connecting to the network — via the network card in your computer and Emmanuel's Internet connection — removes the need for a third party Internet Service Provider, such as AOL. However, we understand the popularity of AOL and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) among students. Many students who use AOL and AIM at home wish to continue using these services at Emmanuel. This is not recommended. Certain conflicts between the AOL software and high-speed networks may cause severe disruptions in students' ability to connect to the Internet in any way. In particular, AOL Instant Messenger has been prone to disrupt students' network connections. Consequently, we do not recommend its use. If you must use an instant messaging program, we recommend using either MSN Messenger or ICQ.
This, however, doesn't mean that you need to give up your AOL email. You just need to stop using the AOL software to connect to the Internet and check your AOL email. We recommend using either Netscape or Internet Explorer browsers and going directly to aol.com, where you can log in using your AOL screen name and password to check your AOL e-mail.