Get Connected
Wireless access to the internet is available in most areas of campus. If your computer has a wireless interface, you can use it to check e-mail or browse the web in these areas, in accordance with our policy for wireless access. The policy and instructions for wireless are on our Wireless page.
More conventionally, computers are plugged into a jack. If there is no jack in a location where you require one, place an order by phoning 2-9100. If a jack in that location needs to be activated or repaired, you can request such work through our Jack Activation form.
Each computer or other device connected to the University of Chicago network needs an IP address in order send or receive information on the network. In many areas of campus and all of the residence halls, an IP address is automatically available when the computer is physically connected to a jack. This is known as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and instructions for setting your computer to take advantage of this can be found on our DHCP page. If you need to register an address, you may use the Host Registration Forms.
Computing in the Residence Halls is handled with consideration of the unique needs and concerns of the residents.
University community members who wish to access the campus network from elsewhere can do so as instructed on our off-campus connections page. Those who travel or otherwise dial-in from more distant regions may be interested in the AT&T Internet service which provides 24x7 availability and support from hundreds of local dial-ups. Information is available on the AT&T Connection Services page. Travellers or those with broadband internet connections who want access to resources that are restricted to the University community can avail themselves of our VPN service as outlined on the VPN page.
Software for the most popular network uses is available in the Connectivity Package.
