Data Services

Technical Assistance

Help with diagnosing and resolving potential hardware or software configuration problems is available by calling 4HELP (4-4357). 4HELP maintains http://www.computing.vt.edu where you can find a wealth of information, including free software downloads to help you manage your computer and some of your educational accounts such as PIDs and passwords.

PID and Password

Your PID is a unique Personal IDentifier that allows you to use many of the information resources available at Virginia Tech. These resources include access to the Internet, the Virginia Tech Intranet, e-mail, and systems such as the Hokie SPA, Course Drop/Add, certain University Libraries' databases, and more. A PID and password are assigned to each Virginia Tech student prior to summer orientation. If your PID and password are lost, stolen, or forgotten, answers are available at the VT Knowledge Base.

Ethernet

Each residence hall room is equipped with one Ethernet connection per resident. This connection is your on-campus access to the Internet. To connect your computer to the University's Ethernet, you will need a 10-BaseT Ethernet card and a 10-BaseT-patch cable with an RJ-45 connector, which may be purchased from your computer vendor, most computer/electronic stores, or the University Bookstore. Before purchasing your computer, please read the latest guidelines for computer purchases. For assistance with connecting and configuring your computer, please call 4HELP (4-4357).

Additional Private Ethernet Connections

The connection of more than one machine to a single network portal in your residence hall room constitutes a private local area network (LAN). If you wish to connect a private LAN, you must register with CNS Student Network Services. A registration fee and monthly service fee will apply. The complete text of this policy is available for view.

Public Ethernet Portals at Virginia Tech

Ethernet portals are located in public areas throughout Torgersen Hall and are available for use by Virginia Tech students. All users must register to use the public Ethernet portals and may do so either in person at Tech Connect in the Electronic Reading Room located in the bridge to Newman Library or online.

Computer Labs

A number of computer labs are available to students across campus. Please contact the computer labs directly as their hours vary.

Software

4HELP produces a CD known as VTNET. A copy of the current edition of VTNET will be available in your residence hall room when you arrive on campus for fall semester. It includes a suite of software for Macintosh and Windows operating systems. VTNET includes Ethernet (for on-campus students) and Modem (off-campus) configuration software, Symantec AntiVirus, Eudora, and Netscape. The CD is also available from the CNS Student Network Services Office at 120 Student Services Building. Additional software is available for download.

IP Addresses

When you install the University provided VTNET software, your computer will be configured for Dyanamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which provides for automatically assigned IP addresses.

Wireless Computing

Virginia Tech offers wireless data network access for portable (laptop) computer users in 85% of academic and administrative buildings on campus. This network uses the 802.11g standard. Complete information about the wireless service including registration, coverage, availability and technical support is available at http://wireless.cns.vt.edu. To use the wireless network service, you must first register on COLA or in person at the Student Network Services office.

Virginia Tech Modem Pool

If you anticipate moving off campus in the future and are interested in off-campus access to Virginia Tech's computing system and the Internet, you may sign up for our modem pool service. There is a monthly service fee and a processing fee for the service.

You may subscribe to modem pool service using COLA.

Analog Lines

A digital telephone network serves Virginia Tech residence halls. The use of a fax machine in your residence hall room or other data devices such as a laptop computer modem requires the installation of an analog telephone line. There is a connection fee and an additional monthly charge for this service. You may request analog line service by presenting valid identification at the CNS Student Network Services Office during normal business hours.