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Each year thousands of students arrive on campus to move into our residence halls. Their immediate success here at Georgia Tech requires a little pre-planning. The following information will get you connected to your in-room Network, Television and Telephone services.

Registering for the ResNet network is as easy as 1-2-3. 1) Connect your computer to the data jack provided for you in your room the day you move in. 2) Visit http://start.gatech.edu/ from your computer and authenticate using your OIT provided username and password. 3) Wait 5 minutes and you are online. ResNet RTAs are available in the ResNet office to assist with any problems. 404.894.0044

What computer should I buy? Although any machine that meets the Georgia Tech Student Computer Ownership guidelines will be support, ResNet recommends purchasing machines that are built to last for your entire stay at Georgia Tech. Machines without a minimum of a 3-year manufacturer warranty (not to be confused with an extended warranty) should be avoided. Also, advertised specials on laptops costing less that $1,000 are usually too good to be true. Please make sure that you are purchasing a business quality machine with Windows XP professional and Microsoft Office already installed. The total amount of memory and the processor speed are important and should not be cut to attempt to save money. Twenty dollars today will be well worth it your Junior or Senior year.

What if I want to install Microsoft Vista when it comes out? Be sure to have a minimum of 2GB of memory if you intend on installing Microsoft Vista.

Other items you may want to bring: Surge protector, printer

Will the most inexpensive computers be okay?- Although any computer that meets the Student Computer Ownership requirements is acceptable, you must take into consideration the entire academic career of the student. Those in majors requiring more work in front of their computer, may be better served by a computer with more memory and a faster processor. The machine should also be purchased with the goal of not needing to replace it during the students academic career. A little extra now, could make all the difference during the students senior year.

Laptop vs Desktop - There are several factors to consider when making this decision: Price, Use, Future Upgrades, Possibility for Damage. In general, buying a desktop will provide a better computer for less money. Buying laptop will provide more flexibility for the student when choosing a study location (library, outside, weekend trips home). The choices should be discussed before making a decision to purchase a computer.

88% of Fall 2006 freshman brought a laptop with them to Georgia Tech. Of those the most popular manufacturer was Dell with over 42% of the machines. The 2006 survey of ResNet users found the following: 89% of ResNet machines are Windows machines. The number of residents bringing more than one machine is on the rise. Be sure to read our FAQ Question about connecting multiple machines.

Wireless - Wireless access is available in all traditional and suite style buildings and will be available in all apartment style buildings before the end of the Fall 2007 semester. Also, due to the nature of wireless technology, residents will find wireless connections slower than the provided wired connection.

FASET - ResNet will be presenting briefly during the Campus Computing Session during FASET. We will also be available for answering questions during the FASET Marketplace which takes place during the 2nd day of each FASET session. Please stop by our table for more information.

Network
Each resident has their own connection to the campus network. To connect to this service, you should have a computer that meets the Student Computer Ownership guidelines and a 25 foot Cat5 ethernet cable. Although a shorter cable may work in your first room, purchasing a 25-foot cable allows you to reuse the same cable year after year.
Television
Each double occupancy room has a cable jack for connecting to a TV you may decide to bring with you. Due to the metro Atlanta environment, with potential for interference from numerous broadcast channels, we recommend purchasing a 25-foot RG6 Quad Shield television cable. This type cable is only available on campus at the Technology Center or Burdell's. Learn more about our cable line-up from GTCN.
Telephone
Local telephone service is provided in all residence halls. The phone number provided will be the only published number for campus departments, ResNet and other students to contact you. Although you may already have a cell phone which you plan to use, it is still recommended that you coordinate with your roommate to have at least one phone and answering machine. Caller ID is provided, so be sure to bring a Caller ID phone to take full advantage of this service. Long distance service is not provided and cannot be added to the local phone line. ResNet recommends that you plan ahead to use calling cards, prepaid calling cards, a cell phone or a long distance service with an Atlanta area local access number. Warning! The wall jack for your telephone and network connections are identical. If your computer is connected to the telephone jack by mistake, it will render the phone service inoperable. Generally, the top or left jack is for the telephone and the bottom or right jack is for the network. If your phone does not work, please disconnect ALL computers in the apartment and retest the phone line.
Where to purchase these items?
Although some of the following items can be purchased virtually anywhere, others are specific to Georgia Tech. ResNet works with the Campus Bookstore to make the correct products available at a reasonable cost. Please plan to purchase these items when you are on campus for FASET.	The Technology Center located in Barnes&Noble @ Georgia Tech (building 172) Burdell's located in Student Center Commons (building 114)