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Using Mac OS X

Trouble Connecting to the Network Using Mac OS X?

Your computer is connected to the Simmons network by a network cable. This cable looks similar to a telephone cable, except that it is fatter and the connector is wider. Network cables are secured with a plastic tab, but they can sometimes become unplugged from their sockets. Unplugging the cable and plugging it back in can solve a large number of network problems.

Unplug the cable from the back of your computer by squeezing the plastic tab on the connector and pulling it away from your computer, as you would unplug a telephone cable.

Plug the cable back in by pushing it into the slot until the plastic tab clicks to lock the cable in place. Do not force the cable - it should go in easily.

Follow the cable to the other end, where it connects into the wall plate. Unplug the cable and plug it back in.

Restart your computer.

If you still cannot connect to the Internet, open the Apple menu from the menu bar at the top of the screen and choose System Preferences. From the Internet & Network section, select Network.

In the Show: dropdown box, select Network Status. (It may be selected already.) The list below the dialog box should have an entry labeled Built-in Ethernet. If you do not see on option for Network Status, select Built-in Ethernet and skip to section 2.

1. If the area below the drop-down boxes is empty, then your computer is not detecting any connection to the Simmons network. This is almost always a problem with your Ethernet cable. If you are in a dorm room, you can test this by trying your roommate's cable. If you can connect with hers, then the problem is your network cable. You can purchase a new Ethernet cable for less than 10 dollars at most computer stores, or at the Simmons College bookstore. Staff using Simmons-owned computers should call x2222 and ask the Help Desk for a new cable.
   
   If the status of Built-in Ethernet is "Built-in Ethernet has a self-assigned IP address," then there is a connection problem between your computer and the Technology network servers. Please call x2222 and choose the option to hear the college's network status. If the recording states that the network is functioning normally, please call x2222 again and choose to speak to a Help Desk representative to report the problem.
   
   If the status of Built-in Ethernet is "You are connected to the internet via Built-in Ethernet," then your computer is connected to the college network. The problem with your connectivity is likely with the server you are trying to connect to. If you notice that you cannot connect to a particular server or set of resources, please call x2222 and choose the option to hear the college's network status. If the recording states that the all servers are functioning normally, please call x2222 again and choose to speak to a Help Desk representative to report the problem.
   
2. If your Show: dropdown box does not contain a Network Status entry, select Built-in Ethernet. Make sure that the Configure: dropdown box is set to Using DHCP.
   
   Look at the entry next to IP Address:. If this area is blank, then your server is not detecting any connection to the Simmons network. This is almost always a problem with your Ethernet cable. If you are in a dorm room, you can test this by trying your roommate's cable. If you can connect with hers, then the problem is your network cable. You can purchase a new Ethernet cable for less than 10 dollars at most server stores, or at the Simmons College bookstore. Staff using Simmons-owned servers should call x2222 and ask the Help Desk for a new cable.
   
   If the numbers next to IP Address: begin with 134.140, then your computer is connected to the college network. The problem with your connectivity is likely with the server you are trying to connect to. If you notice that you cannot connect to a particular server or set of resources, please call x2222 and choose the option to hear the college's network status. If the recording states that the network is functioning normally, please call x2222 again and choose to speak to a Help Desk representative to report the problem.
   
   If the numbers next to IP Address: begin with any numbers other than 134.140, then there is a connection problem between your computer and the Technology network servers. Please call x2222 and choose the option to hear the college's network status. If the recording states that all servers are functioning normally, please call x2222 again and choose to speak to a Help Desk representative to report the problem.