Thompson Hall (where you live when you're on campus) is fully wired with a computer network outlet in each student's room. Once you connect your computer, you can get direct access to the campus computer network or the Internet without the use of a modem and without disturbing telephone access to the room.

The jack connector is the RJ45 type. In order to utilize the network, the computer must have an Ethernet card installed. We recommend that you use the outlets beneath the windows (just below the heat register panels) for your computer power source. You should also use a good quality power strip with a surge protector to prevent damage to hardware from power surges.

Network cards, connectors, and power strips can be purchased at the Kettering bookstore or from local vendors. For computers with PCI bus architecture, we recommend the 3COM Etherlink XL 3C905 Ethernet adapter. For computers with ISA-only bus architecture, we recommend the 3COM Etherlink IIIB 3C509B Ethernet adapter. The network runs at 10Mbps over twisted pair.

Kettering recommends, as a minimum, a 233Mhz Pentium computer with at least 64 MB of RAM running Windows 98 (800 MHz with 512 MB and WIN 2000 Professional is preferred). The Computer Center does not support the Macintosh platform.

Telephone

Each room is equipped with a standard telephone outlet for your personal telephone. All local calls are free.

Cable TV

Each room is equipped with a standard cable television outlet. Residents are able to access the campus television network by attaching their own television with a section of coaxial (cable-TV) cable. Cable may be purchased at the campus bookstore or through a variety of local vendors. It is recommended that students purchase the "push on" or "Y" type cable rather than the "screw connection" or "F" type, as this will reduce wear on the outlet.