6. Connection Methods 6.1 System Requirements For reasonable performance, your computer system should meet certain minimum requirements for disk space, RAM, and operating system level: -- Almost any kind of Macintosh can run the Access client software. One with a hard disk makes things much easier. We recommend a system with at least 4MB of memory and System 7. -- For IBM PCs a hard disk is required, and DOS version 4 or newer. For Windows clients, Windows 3.1 or newer is needed and 4MB of memory is recommended. The software you will need is generally dependent upon the type of computer you use and where you use it. Requirements for the most common situations are described below. Other circumstances may require consultation with Help Desk staff. 6.2 If You Have a Backbone Connection If your department is connected to the University backbone, you must obtain network and client software. If a backbone connection is available, use this method of connection rather than a modem and phone--it's much faster. Departmental backbone connections must be arranged with the Office of Telecommunications (OTC) by your department. Network software can be purchased from the Microcomputer Order Center (MOC) in 12 Willard Building. If you don't know whether a backbone connection and network software are available, ask the computer support person in your department or college. The administrative offices of your work unit can provide contact information. 6.3 If You Use a Modem If your machine is not connected to the backbone, you must use a modem and a phone line to connect. Your modem should support "V.42bis" which at 14400 "baud" is the fastest that is supported. Slower modems work, but may be too slow for some functions. If you're considering the purchase of a modem for connecting to the Access dialup server, be sure that you can return it in case it doesn't work. We recommend an external (rather than internal) modem with lights. Lights help you see what's going on during transmission of data. Ideally, your modem should be capable of being upgraded to "V.34", an emerging protocol. In addition to a modem, you must get the software that enables your modem to connect to the network. 6.4 If You Live in a Residence Hall A very high-speed "Ethernet" connection to the backbone is provided by request to students who live in University Park residence halls. Although you can use a modem, an ethernet connection is the best way for you to use your Access Account. If your wish to request a backbone connection in your residence hall room, first verify that your computer has a "10BASE=T Ethernet card." If you do not already have a "10BASE-T Ethernet card," you must obtain one before you apply for an IBC connection so that you can supply the Ethernet card address on the application form. Requests for connection cannot be processed without this information. Apply for an Individual Backbone Connection (IBC) by completing and returning the Individual Backbone Connection Request Form available at the CAC Helpdesk in 12 Willard and 215 Computer Building. After you submit the IBC form, the Computer Accounts office will assign you a host name, an Internet address, and a data port. The OTC Network Management Center will contact you when your data port is ready for use. You will not be able to use the Access servicves until OTC tells you that your data port is active. You will also need to obtain your Access Account used ID and password, network software, and client software. The Microcomputer Order Center in 12 Willard Building offers special Access packages for residence hall students. Residence hall network cards and software can be purchased by students for computer connection to networks from residence halls. Also, network adapters can be rented by students for use in connecting to the residence hall networks. Any student living in a residence hall may rent the approprate adapter from the MOC. Payment includes both a deposit and a one-time rental fee for use of the adapter during the student's tenure as a residence hall inhabitant. Upon departure from the residence hall (or Penn State), the student returns the adapter for a refund of the deposit amount. For further information or assistance, visit the MOC in 12 Willard Building, call (814) 865-2100 or send email to moc@psuvm.psu.edu. Orders can be placed Monday throught Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Consulting help is available from the CAC Help Desk in 12 Willard Building. If you need additional help with installation of the network and client software, the Help Desk will have a student consultant contact you to set up an appointment in your residencehall room. You must arrange to have an RA present while the consultant is in your room. Call (814) 863-1035 for more information or to arrange an appointment. 6.5 If You Use the CAC Labs Microcomputer labs are already configured with the appropriate access software, but you must have your Access Account information and you will also need diskettes for using email or Netnews and for saving your files. Access software is available in all CAC labs on both IBM and Macintosh computers except for the Macintosh SE's and IBM PS/2 Model 30's. Users of the CAC's Unix clusters can use client software to access news, Gopher, and phone directory services. News is accessible with tin, rn, or trn from terminal sessions and with xrn from X Windows sessions. Gopher may be accessed with Gopher from terminal sessions or xGopher from X Windows. Directory services may be accessed with ph in terminal sessions or xph from X Windows. At present, no POPmail software is installed on the CAC Unix Clusters. Client software for Unix is available by anonymous FTP from ftp.cac.psu.edu in the directory pub/access/unix.