1. How do I get an IP assignment and connect to the Texas State LAN (local area network)?

• To connect a new computer to the LAN (includes Internet), use procedure #2 below.
• To connect a new computer to the LAN that will be used as a Web Server, use procedure #3 below.

If your computer was put on line before fall of 2000, you probably have a fixed IP number. There is no reason to change this, and if you get a new computer that replaces the old one, you should transfer the IP number to the new computer (see #3 below if you don't know how to do this). Computers that will be used as FTP or HTTP servers MUST have fixed IP numbers. Texas State has switched to dynamic serving, which means that a different IP number is assigned each time you start up your computer.

2. How do I get a Dynamic Connection with NEW MACs, NEW PCs (Windows) and used Macs or Windows PCs?

• To connect using a NEW, just out of the box Mac, BEFORE YOU TURN IT ON, plug it into a "hot" Ethernet connection. Turn it on. It will automatically configure the TCP/IP setting properly. Nothing else is required on your part - it isn't necessary to run the set up assistant, which will automatically launch when you first start the computer. If you already turned it on before connecting Ethernet, use the procedure given in the next steps.
• Plug in a hot Ethernet line. Open the System Preferences Network (or TCP/IP control) panel. In Windows, use Internet Properties (or neighborhood, or whatever the newest Windows calls it now).
• For "connect via" select "Ethernet"
• For "configure" select (Mac) "DHCP server" or (Windows) "dynamic". Note that for Windows, the exact terms will vary depending on what version you are using. If these choices don't appear on your Mac, you need to get a new one that runs system 10.2.6, or later.
• All other boxes should be left blank.
• Exit (save on exit). All Internet functions should now be enabled.

3. How do I get a fixed IP number for a dedicated server? Contact Technology Resources.