FAQs
How do I change my account password?
If you need to update your account password, go to https://my.osu.edu/ or call (614) 688-4357 and a Service Desk agent can assist you.
Can I share a networked printer with my roommate on ResNet?
Neither wired nor wireless printers may be shared on ResNet connections. Visit https://uniprint.osu.edu/services/pay-to-print for more information.
Does ResNet have a firewall?
ResNet has a firewall and blocks all incoming initiated connections outside of ResNet. We also only allow OCIO DNS servers to be used for client devices.
Does ResNet provide free access to content streaming media player?
No. Some colleges and universities are providing this service to residence hall students to reduce or eliminate illegal downloading. However, the service is rarely free; students are either paying for it as a part of their residence hall fees or there is a separate technology fee added.
Students who want to download music, movies and games are able to use the legal services available such as Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and iTunes.
May I install my own wireless router in my room and have my roommates connect to it?
No, users should not bring or install their own wireless routers.
By placing a wireless access point within your residence hall, you are exposing your devices to possible security threats from other devices. Also, your wireless access point will conflict and degrade the enterprise wireless service for everyone around you.
If you install a wireless router and any incidents (email threats, security incidents, network outages caused by misconfigured devices) happen and it is concluded that it was coming from your device, you will be held responsible for these potential problems.
Can I use my Chromecast?
No, while you may be able to register a Chromecast on Wifi@osu it will not allow you to stream from your computer, tablet or phone because of the network architecture. You may consider using a Roku or Apple TV.
Will my Google Home Work at Ohio State?
No, while you may be able to register a Google Home on Wifi@osu it will not complete the setup process.
What kind of help does ResNet provide?
Support Provided By Resnet:
- Configure and connect wired and wireless devices (including game stations and smartphones)
- Assist with problems with Web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Help with anti-malware/anti-virus software and removal of viruses and malware
- Repair wired network wall jacks
- Provide general help with operating systems and office productivity software
- Education and technical assistance on safe computing and avoiding copyright infringement
Not Supported by ResNet:
- Hardware repair (contact your manufacturer or we can refer you to local companies)
- Help with anti-malware/anti-virus software and removal of viruses and malware. Visit https://ocio.osu.edu/help for more information.
What devices are supported by Ohio State's Wireless Networks?
The university's wireless network supports numerous device types and operating systems. This link lists many popular devices that can connect to Ohio State's network along with the network to use (i.e., SSID) and how it can be configured to connect.
NOTE: Devices not listed below may still be able to connect.
Does the university provide free antivirus software?
Ohio State recommends the use of Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows OS and Sophos for Apple OSX.
How do I keep from becoming infected with Malware?
There are a number of ways that computers may become infected with Malware/SpyWare but we will only discuss the most common infection methods and how you can prevent installation or remove.
One common way Malware is added to a computer is by shareware authors or distributors. Shareware is programs that are designed and provided to the public at no charge. Most of the authors of these software packages make a profit by bundling a second program with the original. Most people do not realize this second program is being installed and this second program cannot usually be removed without the removal of the original program. This second program is designed to gather information about the user, display popups, change homepages and report information gathered about the user back to the programmer. The authors are then paid by the number of advertisements that are displayed and the authors also sell the information gathered about users to marketing companies. A good example of this type of program is peer to peer file sharing software. The best way to avoid infection is to reduce your use of shareware and purchase or download only from reputable sites.
Malware is often installed with browser toolbars (Yahoo, etc.) or other browser extensions or add-ons. Be careful when you download software as many products are "bundled" with toolbars and extensions. Most legitimate downloads will provide an option to uncheck a box to prevent the additions of unwanted software. This malware may actually control the behavior of your browser to the point where you can't browse to certain sites or where web pages do not appear or function normally. Avoid the use of browser toolbars and extensions to reduce your chance of infection.
One can also become infected simply by visiting a website. While this does not happen as frequently as people believe, it does happen. The only way this is possible on a windows machine is if certain user options are selected. This way of being infected is nearly impossible to protect against without the help of an Anti Malware program such as Malwarebytes, Ad-Aware or SpyBot S&D.
Here are additional cybersecurity resources provided by OCIO: https://cybersecurity.osu.edu/students
I think I may have a virus- what should I do?
If your computer is behaving funny, running slow or if you think you may have a virus, you can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows) or Sophos Home Antivirus (OSX) for free from the OSU "Site Licensed Software" website at http://ocio.osu.edu/software. As always you can contact ResNet for Support!
What happens if I violate the Acceptable Use Policy(AUP)?
Students caught violating the AUP may be removed from the network, and are subject to university disciplinary procedures. In addition, if students are violating federal, state, or local laws they will be subject to criminal sanctions.
Remember, sharing, downloading, or uploading copyrighted material is illegal. However, you are allowed to legally download music from sites such as Napster and iTunes. You are not allowed to Peer2Peer (P2P) file share illegally downloaded movies or music.
Why worry about my computer's security?
In today's world, your computer will be exposed to viruses which CAN harm not only your computer, but it can also send viruses to and potentially infect your friends’ and associates’ computers as well. Whenever you are using a high-speed connection such as ResNet, your computer is connected to the Internet as long as it is turned on, not just when you're actively using it, making it a possible target for a break-in.
Whenever connected, it is possible for an intruder to access personal documents on your computer, steal your account and password information for other systems or steal any private information you have stored. Intruders can also use your computer to break into other computers, send out an unsolicited mass e-mail, and spread viruses. Viruses, spyware, and worms can cause your computer's performance to become slower, use up your disk space, and may allow personal information on your computer to be sent to people whom you do not know. The computer may become unstable and may require frequent reboots.
The office of the CIO has created an important web page with more details about various aspects of protecting your computer. It is available at Buckeye Secure.
In addition, when your computer is connected to ResNet and a virus or worm infection is detected, your computer may be blocked from internet access until it is free of any infections. If your computer or account is quarantined, contact ResNet at the Student Life Technology Services Support Center (614) 292-5700 for help in fixing the problem and getting your computer cleaned and unblocked.