Student Wifi Access At Fairfield University: A Step-By-Step Guide

To sign in to the student WiFi at Fairfield University, you will need to register your device on the STUDENT-S Network. To do this, you must ensure that your device meets the university's network policies. This includes having up-to-date system software and antivirus software installed. You will then need to use your NetID and password to register. If you encounter any issues, you can contact the ITS4U Help Desk at (203) 254-4069 for assistance.

Ensure your device meets the university's PC requirements

To ensure your device meets the university's PC requirements, you must verify that your PC meets the established network policies prior to connecting to the Fairfield University network.

Firstly, you must ensure that your system software is up-to-date. This includes Windows and Mac OS X Operating Systems. For Windows, you need to upgrade to at least Vista, and for Mac OS X, you need to upgrade to at least 10.7 (Lion), depending on your computer's hardware compatibility for upgrades.

Secondly, you must have antivirus software installed and virus definitions up-to-date. You can update your antivirus program's virus definitions by opening the application and looking for an option that says "Update", "Update Now", or "Update Definitions". It is important to note that Windows RT computers are actually tablets and do not need antivirus software like other computers; they can be registered as mobile devices.

Additionally, iPad iOS 13 users must tap the view menu/page actions menu and select "Request Mobile Website" during the registration process.

To verify that your device meets the network requirements, you can enter your NetID credentials, select your device type, and click the "Begin Network Registration" button. This will download the FortiNac Dissolvable agent, which must be run to check that your computer meets the network requirements. Once complete, the agent will inform you of your successful registration or any reasons for failure.

Keep your operating system up-to-date

Keeping your operating system up-to-date is essential for security and functionality. Operating system developers are constantly creating patches to fix known vulnerabilities, and these patches are released through updates. If you don't install these updates, your device is left exposed to these vulnerabilities, which threat actors can exploit to conduct malicious activities such as spreading malware or exfiltrating data.

Updates for your operating system can usually be set to install automatically, which is recommended for an easy and secure experience. For example, Home versions of Windows will automatically install updates as needed. If you have irregular access to the internet, be aware that your device may install updates and reboot when you connect after a period of offline time.

You can also manually update your operating system and its apps. For instance, to manually update your iOS software, you can refer to Apple Support instructions. Similarly, you can manually update apps on your Apple device by following the instructions provided by Apple Support. For Android devices, you can check and update your Android version by following the instructions on Google's support pages.

It is important to note that if your operating system is no longer supported, you should upgrade to the newest available version. For example, if you are using Windows 7, you should upgrade to Windows 11. Similarly, if the developer of an app no longer issues security updates, you should consider finding a replacement that provides routine security updates.

Install an antivirus application

To connect your personal computer to the campus network in your student residence, you must agree to and abide by the acceptable computing standards set forth by the Office of Information Technology Services. This includes utilizing appropriate antivirus software.

To install an antivirus application, follow the steps outlined below:

• Choose a reputable antivirus software that is compatible with your device and operating system. Fairfield University recommends the use of antivirus software, but they may not specify a particular product. Common options include Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky.
• Download the antivirus software from its official website or purchase it from an authorized reseller. Be cautious of downloading from unofficial sources to avoid malware or outdated versions.
• Install the antivirus application by locating the downloaded file or setup wizard and following the on-screen instructions. This process may vary depending on the software and your operating system. Grant any necessary permissions during the installation.
• Once the installation is complete, open the antivirus application and follow any additional setup instructions. This may include creating an account, configuring settings, and updating the virus definitions to the latest version.
• Ensure that the antivirus software is set to automatically update, enabling it to detect and protect against the latest security threats. Most antivirus applications provide real-time protection, actively scanning your system for any potential threats.
• Regularly scan your system using the antivirus software to detect and remove any malware or potential threats. Schedule periodic scans to ensure the ongoing security of your device and personal information.

By installing and regularly using antivirus software, you can help protect your personal computer and maintain the security of the campus network while connected to the University's WiFi.

Keep your antivirus definitions up-to-date

To connect to the WiFi at Fairfield University, students need to use their NetID and password to log in. While this is a simple process, it is important to ensure that your device is secure when connecting to any new network. Keeping your antivirus definitions up-to-date is a vital part of this.

Antivirus software is designed to protect your device from malicious software or malware, which can infiltrate your device in several ways. For example, a virus can be transmitted through a USB stick or by downloading a file from the internet. Once a virus has infected your device, it can slow it down or even stop it from functioning altogether.

New viruses and malware are created every day, and they regularly attack computers. Therefore, your antivirus software must be kept up-to-date with the latest antivirus definitions to scan and eliminate these new threats. Antivirus programs have signature files that are released regularly, containing the latest list of known viruses. By keeping your antivirus definitions up-to-date, you ensure that your device has the necessary tools to fight these new types of malware and protect your computer.

Most antivirus software allows you to configure automatic updates, and you should take advantage of this feature to ensure your device is always protected. You can also check for updates manually. For instance, if you use Windows Defender on Windows 10, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender > Open Windows Defender Security Center to check for updates.

By keeping your antivirus definitions up-to-date, you can browse the internet and connect to new networks more securely, safe in the knowledge that your device is protected from the latest threats.

Contact the ITS4U Help Desk if you need assistance

If you need assistance with signing into the student WiFi at Fairfield University, the ITS4U Help Desk is available to help with any computing needs. The Information Technology Services (ITS) department at Fairfield University is dedicated to offering reliable, innovative, and sustainable technology to support students, staff, and faculty.

The ITS4U Help Desk can be contacted via email or phone, with the latter being available for 24/7 after-hours support. Emailing the Help Desk is the fastest way to get your issue resolved, and you can do so by sending an email to [email protected]. For urgent matters or if you require immediate assistance, you can call the Help Desk at (203) 254-4069.

The Help Desk also offers support through a chat feature, which can be useful if you need quick assistance and don't have access to a phone. Additionally, the Help Desk employs student technicians who work under the supervision of a full-time Help Desk Supervisor, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable and timely assistance.

Remember that the ITS4U Help Desk is available to support you with any technology-related issues. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with signing into the student WiFi or any other computing needs.

Frequently asked questions