Connecting to the Ohio Wesleyan Wired Network

If you bring a computer to campus, you will need to attach it to the OWU network to access available services, including e-mail and the Internet.

To do before you arrive on campus

• Make sure the operating system is updated with the latest security patches.
• If you have a currently installed antivirus program, make sure it is updated and active.
• Check the system for any malware (spyware and viruses).
• Backup important files as a precaution before transporting your system.

What to bring to campus

Here is a list of items you should bring to campus in addition to your computer:

• A Category 5 (Cat 5) patch cable with RJ45 plugs (a.k.a. an Ethernet cable).  This cable connects your computer to the network jack in your dorm room. We recommend a 25-foot cable.
• Power surge protector
• All system manuals and restore disks
• Any documentation concerning warranties, including contact information
• Backup media - blank CDs (if your computer has a CD burner), a USB key, or an external hard drive for backing up your system
• You will need your OWU username and password to access the network, so make sure you have that information also!

Once you arrive on campus

• Set up your computer. Plug the Ethernet cable into your computer and into a network jack in the wall. (There will be one jack for each person - based on normal occupancy - in the on-campus housing.)
• Open an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. 
• Enter http://register.owu.edu/.  Follow the prompt on the screen and enter your OWU username and password.
• Wait 5 minutes.

During the 5-minute wait

If your computer is running MS Windows, use this 5-minute wait to install the software available on the OWU Network CD for Windows (if you have not already done so). This includes the following items:

• Install Microsoft Windows Defender to protect your computer from spyware.  You can and should run multiple anti-spyware programs.
• If you do not have an anti-virus program, install Sophos, the anti-virus software program provided free by OWU.  You are required to have one of the following anti-virus programs:  Sophos, McAfee, Norton (Symantec), Trend Micro, Panda, AVG, or EZ Antivirus.  Do not install more than one anti-virus program because they can cause problems with each other.  If you have an anti-virus program that is not approved, uninstall it before installing an approved one.
• Set Windows to automatically download and install updates.

After the 5-minute wait

• Open an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. 
• Systems running Macintosh or Linux operating systems will have full access.  If not, try restarting your computer.
• Systems running Windows will be automatically directed to the OWU Impulse Point page. Follow the prompts / directions online.
• You will be prompted to download a policy key. You must agree to this step to access the OWU network. The policy key is a small piece of code that allows for the determination of the computer's operating system and then, based, on the operating system checks that certain rules are passed before allowing the system full access to the network. This check helps ensure that compromised computers are not allowed on the network where they can cause problems for all network users.
• Once the policy key is downloaded, systems running Windows will be checked for the following:
  • Automatic download and installation of Windows updates
  • An anti-spyware program is installed and updated
  • An anti-virus program is installed and updated

If you experience any trouble

If you have questions or concerns during this process, please contact the LIS Student Help Desk at 740-368-3520.