At Binghamton University, Internet connections are available in every Residence Hall room on campus.

• 24 hour internet access
• High speed connections
• No modems or busy signals
• No monthly fees

Your computer must have an Ethernet card installed and configured in order to utilize an Ethernet connection. You will also need an Ethernet cable. No modem is needed. Computing Services does not sell or install Ethernet cards or cables.

Hardware

Most new computers are capable of connecting to the University network through Ethernet. If you already have a computer and it does not have Ethernet capability, you can purchase an Ethernet add-in card (adapter) for it. We recommend that you have the card installed and configured before you get to school.  

More detailed information about systems requirements: 

• Windows Machines
• Macintoshes

Cables

Computing Services does not provide Ethernet cables to students residing on campus. Ethernet cables are available from the campus bookstore, Staples, and from most retailers that carry computers and computer accessories.

Data Connections

Data connections are active in all dorm rooms. To use this connection your computer must have a 10baseT EthernetCard.

UserID and Password

To access the campus network, you will need a computer UserID and password. Once on campus you can claim your unique UserID and your initial password using the widely available BUSI (Binghamton University Student Information) system. Instructions for accessing BUSI can be found on-line.

Software

Get the right software for your system! Computing Services provides software and documentation (free of charge) to connect your computer to the Internet. The Binghamton University Internet Connection Kit (B.U.I.C.K.) for Windows and Internet Suite for Macintosh software are available on CD-ROM and can be picked up at the Help Desk. 

The software is designed to guide you through the installation and setup of your network connection. Should you need assistance, help is available (see below). Be sure to have your operating system installation disks handy before you get started.

University Policies

All users must abide by the Binghamton University Computer and Network Usage Policy Violators of this policy may be subject to immediate suspension of services by Computing Services and to existing student or employee disciplinary procedures of the University. Illegal acts involving the University's computing resources may also subject users to subpoena and prosecution by commercial enterprises, local, state and/or federal authorities. As such, users are expected to read and understand these policies.

Need Help?

Residence Hall Consultants (ResCons) will help with configuration and connection problems. There is a ResCon living in each residential building and one Senior ResCon living in each residential community.  In addition, Computing Services provides a full time staff member who oversees and coordinates the ResCon program.  If you experience problems connecting to the campus network you should first contact the Help Desk (7-6420, helpdesk@binghamton.edu).  They will contact the ResCon for your building. If necessary, the problem with be escalated to the Senior ResCon and then to the ResCon coordinator.

Other Questions

Q: What if I already have other network connection software installed on my computer?
A: You are not obligated to use Binghamton University's software. Some other network and Internet software conflicts with the B.U.I.C.K. software distributed here. Conflicting software then needs to be removed. Our software is configured for local machines. 

Q: I have my connection set up but I want to upgrade some of the software. Do I need to reinstall B.U.I.C.K.?
A: No, once you've set up your connection and software, there should be no reason to reinstall your communications software. To upgrade individual programs on-line, browse the software vendor's site or check the Binghamton University FTP site.