Configuring Your Computer To Use Walkup Computing

Hardware

Any computer and most operating systems should work.

You need an Ethernet adaptor ready to connect to 10Mb Ethernet, which is built in to nearly any laptop made since 1998. You will also need a data cable with a plug called an RJ45 connector. (It looks similar to a telephone connector, but it is not! Do not use a telephone cord!) This picture shows the end of the cable:

It is helpful if you get your computer working on any other network before trying it with Walkup, just to verify that your hardware and network drivers are functioning.

Software

The only requirement is a web browser. If you have an SSL-capable web browser (and almost all of them are SSL-capable), you will be able to use the QuickConnect authentication system to access Walkup. (As mentioned in the QuickConnect documentation, the first website you visit should begin with http:// rather than https://. The University home page will work for a first stop after connecting; the Express Email web interface will not.)

Because QuickConnect limits the types of networking which are permitted, you may also wish to install a VPN client for your system. However, QuickConnect allows the most common network types; try using QuickConnect first.

Network Properties Configuration

Your computer needs to be configured to receive a temporary IP address identifying it as part of the Walkup network. (This is called DHCP; on Windows systems it's referred to as "Obtain an IP address automatically.")

Many systems are already configured to use DHCP

In many cases, your computer will already be configured correctly for Walkup access. Just plug your laptop in, open a browser window, and see if it works.

Setting your computer to use DHCP

If you encounter any problems with the "just plug it in and start" method, check to see if your system is configured to use DHCP:

On a Windows machine:
Go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Network Connections, then right-click on the icon for your Ethernet connection and choose Properties. In the Properties dialogue box, select the TCP/IP item and click Properties.

One of the DNS options listed should be Obtain an IP address automatically (or wording to that effect). You want to obtain an IP address from the DHCP servers, so make sure that option is selected. Then click OK until you've returned to the desktop. (You may need to reboot your machine.)

On a Macintosh OS X machine:
Go to the Apple menu, then System Preferences, then click the Network button, then the TCP/IP tab.

Depending on your machine's configuration, you may need an administrative password (or someone who knows it) to tell the machine to get its IP address from a DHCP server. Once you've accomplished this, click OK until you've returned to the desktop. You may need to reboot your machine.

For more assistance, contact the CITES Help Desk.