Using a laptop at JCU
If you own a laptop with an Ethernet or Wireless network adapter you can set it up so that you can access online resources here at JCU. Some examples of what you can connect to are:
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Internet access through the Web Browser
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Access to automatic virus updates with Sophos Anti-Virus
One thing to be aware of is that any network access is subject to the same rules as accessing the network on a GATCF machine. Any access to external sites is charged to your account using the same rules.
See the NetAccess page for more information about Internet charges.
What operating system should I use?
Currently these are the operating systems that IT Support staff at InfoHelp will support:
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Microsoft Windows
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Windows XP
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Windows Vista
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Mac OSX
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10.3
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10.4
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10.5
Any operating system that supports DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) should be able to connect to the JCU network but InfoHelp will only support the above systems.
Do I need special Hardware to connect to the network?
Currently you have two options for connecting your laptop to the JCU network.
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Wired 10/100/1000 Mbs Ethernet Card with CAT5 UTP cable
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Wireless 802.11 B/G/A
Most modern laptops come with an Ethernet Card built-in, and it's becoming more common for Wireless to be added as well. If you do not have one of these cards you can usually buy accessories which fit into your laptop's PCMCIA slot that give you this functionality.
What settings do I need to change in order for my laptop to work?
If you are planning on connecting your laptop to JCU using Wireless then please go to our JCU Walkabout Wireless home page.
If you're using a wired cable access to JCU you need to ask JCU's computer system to supply your laptop with an address. This process is called DHCP and the end result is an IP (Internet Protocol) address which allows the University and the rest of the Internet to locate your computer on the network.
Choose the link below that represents the system that you will be using to setup your laptop
What Virus protection software is available for me as a student?
As long as you are a current JCU student or staff member you have access to free updates from Sophos Anti-Virus. You register your JCU username and IT&R will email you information regarding changes to our Sophos distribution.
Click to go to the JCU Sophos Anti-Virus site.
Can I print to CopyPrint from my Laptop?
Yes, printing to CopyPrint from both Windows and OSX laptops is available; students should follow these instructions to set up their laptops to print to CopyPrint:
What about Wireless Support?
The JCU Walkabout Wireless project is designed to cater to the increasing numbers of wireless supported laptops. There are several locations around the Campuses in Townsville and Cairns that are enabled for Wireless access.
For more information about Walkabout Wireless and how to get connected go to Walkabout Wireless.
What support is available for me?
If you are a current JCU student you can book yourself into a support session where one of the InfoHelp staff will be able to assist you with configuring your personal laptop to connect to the JCU network, and installing and configuring the university provided Sophos Antivirus. For any hardware or software faults you will have to contact the manufacturer or software vendor or take your computer to a local computer shop for repair.
Staff members will need to speak to their IT Support Officer regarding any laptop support.