Your computer must be running Windows XP or later, or Mac OS X 10.3 or later. Computers running Linux or other Unix-based operating systems are also welcome, though technical support will be limited. Please download and install all available operating system updates and patches for you computer before you arrive on campus. For information on updating your computer, please see our instruction page.

Please note: Computers running Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Mac OS 9 are not supported and will be unable to connect to the Internet on campus. Microsoft and Apple have discontinued support for these systems and are no longer providing critical security updates for them, making their use a security risk. If your computer is running an outdated operating system, you will need to upgrade the software and/or hardware before you arrive.

All computers running the Windows operating system must have Kent State University's release of McAfee VirusScan software installed. This software is available to all Kent students at no charge, and will protect you from viruses, trojans, and other threats. Please see our Virus Protection information page for details on how to obtain and use this software. Every Windows-based computer should also be running a quality anti-spyware program to prevent spyware, adware, and other malware from disrupting your computer's stability and performance. Please see our Spyware information page for more details.

All computers running the Windows operating system must install the Cisco Clean Access Agent software when they arrive on campus. You will be directed to download this software automatically the first time you connect your computer to the ResNet network. The Clean Access software will then allow you to log into the campus network with your Flashline username and password. The software will also verify that your computer has all critical Windows updates installed, and has the updated McAfee VirusScan software install and functioning properly. If you computer is missing any of the required software or updates, you will be directed to install the necessary software before you will be able to access the Internet. Please see our Cisco Clean Access information page for details on the Clean Access system.

If you are planning on purchasing a new computer for the school year, you are encouraged to follow the guidelines below to ensure that your computer will serve you well into your academic career. For a more detailed list of hardware recommendations, please see the University Helpdesk's Computer Recommendations page. Students with older computers will be supported as long as they meet the software requirements listed previously on this page. Students are encouraged to purchase laptop computers for the added portability and decreased space usage.

• Memory: 512MB (Minimum) / 1GB (Recommended; Required for Windows Vista)
• Hard Drive: 60GB (Minimum) / 100GB (Recommended)
• Processor: 1.5Ghz (Minimum) / 2Ghz (Recommended)
• Wireless: All laptops should have an 802.11g wireless card.
• Warranty: You are strongly encouraged to purchase at least a three-year extended warranty to protect your investment in your new computer system.

Students purchasing new computers can receive attractive educational discounts when buying from the following vendors:

• Dell: Buy directly from Dell online.
• Gateway: Buy directly from Gateway online.
• Apple: Buy directly from Apple online, or buy in-person from the KSU Apple Store.

To access the campus network, every computer must have a network interface card (known as an 'Ethernet card' or 'NIC') with properly installed device drivers (the software that controls the card). It is also necessary to have a network cable (known as an 'Ethernet cable' or a 'Cat-5 cable') that is long enough to reach from your computer to the data jack on the wall. We recommend you purchase a cable that is at least 25 feet long. Please note that Ethernet cards and Ethernet cables are different from Modems and phone cords. Although the connectors for each look similar, the Ethernet cable is much larger and contains more wires. See the picture below to verify that you have the correct cable.

To connect your computer to ResNet, all you need to do is connect the Ethernet cable from your computer to the Ethernet jack in the wall of your room. Once your computer is hooked up, just open up your web browser (such as Internet Explorer) and you will be asked to log into the network with your FlashLine ID and password. If your computer is running Windows, you will then be instructed to install the Cisco Clean Access software, which you will use to log in from then on. By following the steps in the section below before you arrive on campus, you will significantly reduce the time it takes to get your computer connected.

An unprotected computer can be hazardous to the entire network. To protect its users, the University has implemented the Cisco Clean Access system, which prevents unprotected computers from accessing the Internet until they meet the requirements - such as having the latest Microsoft updates and a copy of up-to-date antivirus software installed. This page lists a few steps you must complete before you can connect to the network. Please follow these steps before you arrive on campus, to ensure a quick and easy connection process.

• Visit Microsoft Windows Update 
• Follow the instructions Microsoft provides.
• Continue to visit Windows Update until no more updates remain.

Additional Windows Update Help

---

• Remove any currently installed antivirus programs.
• Download Kent State University's release of McAfee VirusScan.
• Install McAfee by running KSU McAfee Anti-Virus 8.5i.exe.
• Update McAfee to ensure that you have the latest protection.

Additional McAfee VirusScan Help

• Download Microsoft Windows Defender
• Install Microsoft Windows Defender by running WindowsDefender.msi.
• Learn more about using Microsoft Windows Defender.

Once you have completed these steps, setting up your computer on-campus should be easy. When you arrive, just plug in your Ethernet cable (if you do not have one, go to the ResNet office in the Tri Towers Rotunda), open up your browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox) and follow the instructions on screen.