Computing & Information Services

Setting up a Mac OS X computer at Reed

These instructions were written specifically for Mac OS 10.2 and later. Although the interface varies slightly, most of the information you need to configure and use earlier versions of OS 10 is here. If you get stuck at any point contact CUS for help.

Connecting to the Internet and Reed's Network

Because OS X does a lot of work for you, accessing the Internet and connecting to Reed's network should be as easy as turning on your computer and plugging into an Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable. Don't use a phone cord!! The Ethernet cable plugs into the only port on your computer wide enough for it. Both the port on your computer and the port on the wall look like the jack into which a telephone cord plugs, only a bit larger.

If you have trouble accessing the Internet or Reed's network, use the following instructions to configure your network connection.

Configuring your network connection for Ethernet

  1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then click on the Network icon.
  2. From the Location pop-up menu, select New Location.
  3. Enter a descriptive name, e.g., reed wired, then click OK.
  4. From the Show pop-up menu, select Network Port Configurations.
  5. Uncheck everything but Built-in Ethernet, then click Apply Now.
  6. From the Show pop-up menu, select Built-in Ethernet.
  7. From the Configure IPv4 ( Configure in 10.2) pop-up menu, select Using DHCP.
  8. If you have made changes, click Apply Now.
  9. Click on the AppleTalk tab, check the box next to Make AppleTalk Active, then click Apply Now. From the AppleTalk Zone pop-up menu, select Dorms, then click Apply Now.
  10. Close System Preferences by clicking on the red dot in the upper left hand corner of the open Network pane.

Your computer is now configured to access both the Internet and Reed's various networked services using the Ethernet.

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Configuring a wireless network connection

If you have an airport card, you can also configure a wireless network location. Once set up, wherever wireless access is available, you will be able to access Reed's network and the Internet without plugging in. For instructions, see the wireless setup page.

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Accessing Reed's Networked Services/Servers

The basic steps for connecting to (logging onto) the various servers are the same regardless of which server you want to access. Most require that you enter your network username and password. There are three exceptions:

  • The toolchest requires that you log on as a guest.
  • In order to use keyed, college-owned applications you must connect to the Key Server using a different access method.  For step-by-step instructions see this page.
  • Logging on to the Print Server is different in OS 10.2. See the printing help page.
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Connecting to a server

With Mac OS

See the server instructions and descriptions here.

Note: Do not open documents or run applications directly from the server. Doing so makes crashes more likely, and may cause you to lose all of your work. Before working with files, copy them to your computer by dragging them from the server to the desktop.

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With Mac OS 10.4

Tiger (OS 10.4) should be set up by default to use AppleTalk, so you can connect to servers by following the instructions above. If for some reason you run into trouble, first follow the instructions under With Mac OS 10.3 for setting up AppleTalk instead of Samba. If that doesn't help, email CUS or call at x7525.

Disconnecting from servers

After you're finished with a server, disconnect from it by dragging its icon to the Trash/Disconnect on your dock. Disconnecting keeps your work and computer more secure.

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Using College-Owned Applications

You may install many of the applications licensed to Reed on your own computer because they are "keyed," allowing users to share the limited number of licenses Reed has purchased for these programs. Since the KeyServer is accessible only when you are directly connected to the campus network, the "keyed" software you install will only work while you are on campus and connected to our network. If you must use a keyed application off campus contact CUS. We may be able to help you.

For step-by-step instructions on using keyed, college-owned applications see this page.

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A Word About Security

There are a few critical things you should do to insure the safety of your machine, and most importantly, your data. Back up your data. Keep your operating system and software up to date. Don't create unnecessary accounts on your machine. Password all accounts you use. Don't share files, folders, or services across the network unless you absolutely must, and then turn on as little access as possible. For more tips and detailed instructions visit our security page.

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