Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2000 16:51:14 -0400

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Incoming students and their parents have been asking how to obtain (and get installed) Ethernet adapters for computers not purchased through UVM. The requirement is to have a supported adapter installed and tested _prior_ to arriving on campus. For background information, please see "Computing the hard way" (which all parents received at Orientation), and the FAQ (which was mailed in May to all new students) at: 

http://cit.uvm.edu/~djw/fall2000/Computer-FAQ-20000404.html 

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To get an appropriate Ethernet adapter installed in your computer, we suggest you try the following options: 

1.	Review the system specifications and the guide to supported Ethernet adapters at the Residential Life Web site: 

	http://reslife.uvm.edu/resnet/

2. Ask the retailer it was bought from to sell and install the Ethernet adapter. 

3. Search the Yellow Pages headings "Computers - Dlrs" and "Computers - Svce. & Repair" for an authorized dealer or repair center for your brand of computer in your home city. 

4. Consult the manufacturer's Web site for your nearest authorized dealer or repair center. 

5. Call the manufacturer's technical support number, found in the material that came with your computer, for your nearest authorized dealer or repair center. 

6. Check the Yellow Pages for "Computer Networks," "Computers - Dlrs," or "Computers - Svce. & Repair" for a company in your home city that works with any brand of computer. 

7.	If you can install and test the Ethernet adapter yourself, you can find the supported adapters in superstores or Web-based retailers. 

8.	If one of the supported Ethernet adapters just can't be found anywhere, it's more important to have a quality adapter installed and tested prior to arriving on campus, than to arrive without one, since the University does not provide an installation service. 

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The CIT Help Line, 802-656-2604, can assist with questions beyond what's covered above. 

Note that a company like Digital Junction _may_ be on hand during move-in to sell and install adapters, but that's not certain at this point; the requirement is still to have it done before getting here. 

The UVM Bookstore _may_ sell supported adapters, but that hasn't been concluded yet, and at any rate, installation wouldn't be included. 

Please let me know if there are questions or ideas for enhancing this "standard answer." 

-Dean W.