FAQs for Parents
This page addresses questions parents commonly ask as they prepare to send a student to UT Knoxville.
What kind of connections are in the residence halls?
The residence halls are directly connected to the UT Knoxville infrastructure by Ethernet. All residence halls are set up for wireless Internet access. The common areas of the campus also are wireless too. If your student is bringing a TV, don’t forget to pack a coaxial cable to connect the TV to the cable TV jack!
What is the difference between the two networks?
The Ethernet is faster than the wireless network. It is also more secure. Wireless can be used all over campus, and in Summer 09, students can look forward to a more robust, secure and faster wireless network.
What do students need to get connected in the residence hall?
Your student needs a computer with the capability to be networked and a network card. The type of network card needed will depend on the make and model of machine the student owns. Students also need to have a ResNet connection. Questions can also be answered by calling the HelpDesk (974-9900) or visiting the OIT Service Center, located in the Commons South, second floor, Hodges Library. Students are given email accounts when they are accepted to the university.
What do students need to get connected from home (off-campus)?
Students not living on campus will have access to the Internet via their Internet service provider. Questions can also be answered by calling the HelpDesk (974-9900) or by visiting the OIT Service Center, located in the Commons South, second floor, Hodges Library. .
What kind of computer does my student need? Laptop or desktop? What about software?
The answers to these questions depend on the student’s needs and major. Start by checking with the specific college or department to find out what kind of computer and software they recommend for their incoming students.
What is my student’s email address?
Each student receives an email account and NetID. That NetID, combined with @utk.edu is the student’s email address. You can always look up students’ email addresses, in the online directory.
Can my student have a web page?
Yes, each student may create a webpage. The Technology Training Team teaches many hands on classes on how to create a website. Additionally, there are links to many websites in the collegiate surfer portion of the Life Preserver with tips on such as how to make a homepage, where to find clip art, icons, and backgrounds. These links can help students personalize their homepages.
If you are having problems accessing the wireless network or just have some questions on how to get started, contact
OIT HelpDesk at 974-9900
or visit the OIT Service Center, located in the Commons South, second floor, Hodges Library.
Join our OIT Technology Training Group on Facebook and find out about all the great free computer training classes that are offered to help you in your academic classes!
