Office for Information Technology
Networks & Wireless
Wireless Glossary
Some quick definitions of random terms used on this site. Wireless Gateway The gateway is a server that controls all wireless access on campus. All wireless connections flow through the gateway, and the gateway ensures that all wireless users are authorized to use it. In order to secure the wireless system here at Williams and more »
First Days Computing Guide
Please read the important guides below regarding college accounts, getting your computer on the network, computer security and other fun and important information that will help you get online quickly and safely at Williams. You can actually get your computer ready to join the college network before you arrive on campus by following the networking more »
Proxy Server Set-Up on an iPad
Go to Settings. Select Wi-Fi. Select the Wi-Fi Network to whcih you are connected (ex. Purple Air) In the WiFi Networks window tab on the arrow to the right of your WiFi network name Under the IP Address you should be the DHCP section Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to HTTP Proxy Select Manual Fill more »
VPN for IPads
To configure the Williams VPN on an IPad Choose Settings > General > Network > VPN and then choose Add VPN Configuration. Choose IPSec and input these setting: Description: Williams VPN Server: vpn.williams.edu Account: (Your Unix User ID) Passwords: (**Leave Blank**) Group Name: WilliamsFacStaff Secret: Please Call X4090 for the Secret To Turn on/off the more »
Data Storage (Network File Space)
Every faculty staff and student has available network space to store files. People with college provided PCs running Windows access this space using the Novell Netware client. Logging into this client maps an F drive which is personal to the individual, and a G drive which is a shared space for the department. Macs can more »
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Williams VPN Running the VPN client allows you to establish a secure connection to the college network. Your computer acts as though it were here on campus. Among other things this allows a keyserver connection to run Williams licensed software from off-campus. The VPN connection is limited to Faculty and Staff who are doing academic more »
PC Networking
Before arriving at Williams Secure your computer – Run Windows Updates All Windows computers must have current critical updates and anti-virus software. Vista and Windows 7 updates are accessed from the Control Panel: System and Security: Windows Update or from the Start menu: Windows Update. Get Sophos Anti-Virus To download Sophos Anti-virus you will need more »
Mac Access to Netware
Get access to your personal and shared file space on the Novell Netware servers. Switch to the Finder view (click your desktop background). Select the Go menu, then Connect to Server. For server address type in the name of the server. Examples: smb://hector.williams.edu (faculty/staff in departments starting with A-M) smb://helen.williams.edu (faculty/staff in departments starting with more »
Mac Networking
Even though Macs are much less likely to be attacked than PCs, you should still have all OS software updates and an anti-virus application. We provide Sophos Anti-virus. Other anti-virus software for the Mac is acceptable but you must be responsible for maintaining a subsription service and keeping the definitions up to date. Before installing more »
Determining MAC Addresses for Network Devices
Mac | PC | Printers | iPhone-iPad Gaming Consoles: GameCube | Nintendo DS | Sony PSP | Playstation 2 Playstation 3 | Wii | Xbox | Xbox 360 Note the MAC address is always 12 alphanumerals from 0-9 and A-F. To find the MAC for other devices like Androids, Nooks and Kindles, see the excellent more »
Working From Off-Campus
You can do the following when off-campus: Read and respond to your Williams email, as well as download, view and send attachments. Access personal and departmental file storage spaces (Helen, Hector, etc.) via netstorage. Access the restricted databases of the college libraries, like Lexis/ Nexis, using the college proxy server. (Contact the library for more information.) more »
Wireless FAQ
Coverage Issues You said there was coverage in this area, but I found a dead zone. What gives? What’s the schedule for wireless deployments? Other Issues How do I use wireless on <insert random OS here>? How do I use wireless on my handheld? I want my own access point in my dorm room or more »
Wireless Application Usage
Since wireless networks are by nature insecure (information is passed through the air and thus is susceptible to being captured), OIT requires wireless users to use only secure applications – those that do not send passwords in clear-text. This page will help you make the switch to using secure applications. Don’t worry - all of these changes or new programs more »
Network Device Registration
Devices will be registered by us within 2 business days Network devices need to be registered with OIT. Please use our online form to submit a registration request. Most wireless devices that can open a web browser can connect to the Purple Help network and finish the process of authentication to Purple Air rather than more »
Wireless Network
Connecting to Wireless Connecting to the Williams wireless network is easy. Just follow these steps: Configure your wireless settings (the default settings will work on most machines). Associate to an access point with an SSID of Purple Help. Open a web browser and follow the instructions based on your operating system. Follow the instructions, based on your operating more »
