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Computing and Networking FAQ


1. GETTING CONNECTED - BASICS


[1.1] How can I get access to UQNET and the Internet?

Although this question usually refers to dialin or direct ethernet access, it is worth noting that there are many terminals and PCs on campus that are available for general student and staff access. Terminals located in the foyer of the Prentice building can be used for telnet access to campus [and remote] host computers. PCs and Macintoshes in the Prentice Centre computing lab [Room 212] are fully networked and configured with a range of applications, including Netscape, and telnet, ftp, and email clients. The Multimedia Laboratory in the Audio-Visual Library is similarly configured, and is also available for class bookings and general use by UQ staff and students. Additional labs for booked classroom use are located on levels 3 and 5 of the Prentice Centre. Many other departments also have lab facilities, but use is normally restricted to students enrolled in department courses.

If you wish to dial in to UQNET via modem from home or another remote site, you need a Dialin Access account. This provides you with up a "threshold" number of hours per week of online access and an email account on a unix host (dingo or student). Currently UQ has four modem banks, each of which is controlled by an "Annex" server. Details of the UQ modem banks are as follows.

 
       Phone No   # of modems       Speed
       ----------------------------------
       3870-3227      62            28.8k
       3871-1766      32            28.8k
       3365-4900      46            14.4k
       3870-7257      31            28.8k
      [restricted]

For more information on dialling in, refer to other sections of this FAQ, and to Prentice Factsheets 3 [Network Service Kits] and 15 [Accessing UQNET with a Dialin Modem].

For on-campus connections, you will need an ethernet card/adapter in your PC/Mac [already built-in to some computers, eg. PowerMacs]; a cable connection to the campus ethernet backbone; an Internet (IP) address for your computer; and TCP/IP software.

Most UQ buildings are connected to the campus ethernet backbone via cable, fibre-optic, or microwave link, though some remote sites may be linked via a single, permanent SLIP/PPP or ISDN dialup connection. Some buildings with older Local Area Networks (LANs) are still wired with coaxial cabling, but in general, to connect your PC to UQNET you will need UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cabling from a wall socket near your computer to a hub/repeater in the building. Although the Prentice Centre normally organises and installs all of the above via a single "Requisition for Inter Departmental Services" [RIDS] form, some departments may already be fully cabled and equipped to deal with additional office connections themselves. In such cases, the Departmental Liaison Officer (DLO) or network administrator can obtain additional IP addresses by sending an email request to hostmaster@cc.uq.edu.au. Ethernet cards are available from the University Technology Shop, and installation and support services can be provided by the Prentice Centre Workstation Support Group [wsg@cc.uq.edu.au].

To use email and other internet services provided by any of the Prentice servers, you need a "Network Resource enabled" account. [Historical note: prior to March 1996, there were separate "Dialin access" and "Network Resource" accounts. For external clients, Dialin Access accounts now automatically include an account on a unix mail server.] Existing account holders can have dialin access [with or without SLIP/PPP capability] and/or network resource access enabled by contacting the Prentice Client Service desk [3365-4400], or by sending email to help@cc.uq.edu.au.

Dialin clients wishing to run TCP/IP applications on their home PC will need to use SLIP or PPP. For more information, refer to other sections of this FAQ (eg. [5.5]).

For a list of all Prentice network related factsheets, refer to the UQNET Support page.
[ URL : http://www.uq.edu.au/net-support ]

[1.2] How much does it cost?

Dialin and Network Access accounts are free to UQ staff and students, and to visiting staff from other universities. Discounts may apply to staff and associates of affiliated organizations. Refer to the Prentice Centre Network Charges page or phone Client Services (3365 4400) for more information.

Cost of Ethernet cards varies depending on make, model and the computer "bus" architecture [eg. ISA, VLB, PCI, PCMCIA, Apple NuBus]. ISA cards for IBM compatibles cost between $60-130. We recommend SMC (approx $85 ex-tax) and 3Com (approx $110 ex-tax). Higher performance VLB and PCI cards are generally in the $150-250 price range. NuBus cards [Mac LC, Quadra, etc..] cost around $250. PCMCIA cards for notebooks are the most expensive, generally in the range $300-500. For more information on Ethernet cards and pricing, contact the University Technology Shop.

Approximate cost for UTP cabling and wall-socket installations is $200-$250 per connection. Some buildings may need new or additional hubs, which cost approx $800 (12 port) or $1100 (24 port).

[1.3] What are the names of the UQ news, gopher, ftp and irc servers?

Note that irc.uq.edu.au is maintained by CLTR. Prentice does not maintain or support an IRC server. Please direct any IRC related inquiries or problems to root@irc.uq.edu.au.

[1.4] How can I get help if I have any problems?

For general UQ network and computing help and enquiries, send email to help@cc.uq.edu.au, or phone the Prentice Client Service desk on 3365-4400.

For dialin help and enquiries, send email to dialin@cc.uq.edu.au. The Prentice Centre also runs a "SLIP clinic" on Mon, Wed, Fri (1pm - 3pm) and Sat (10am - 12 noon) in Room 529 of the Prentice building. Bring your modem manual and modem if possible, and your notebook computer if you have one.

For UQ Web help and enquiries, send email to webmaster@cc.uq.edu.au.

For Workstation Support (WSG) help and enquiries, send email to wsg@cc.uq.edu.au or phone the Client Service Desk [3365-4400].

Before seeking assistance, be sure to check out the Prentice Centre's other online information services.


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Document last revised : 15 May 1996 [MM]