Before turning on your computer, make certain that both ends of your patch cord (the yellow cable) are plugged in securely. Once you have done this, start up your computer.

Before your computer can connect to the USC network, you will have to authenticate to the network and validate that your computer is configured to meet the minimum security requirements for the network.  You can initiate the process by opening an internet browser window; rather than viewing your home page, you will be redirected to the USC Network Authentication & Registration page.  This page documents the terms and conditions for operating a computer on the USC network.  Your login indicates your acceptance and intention to comply and will initiate the authentication & validation process.

The authentication & validation process involves 3 steps outlined below. 
              Click here for more detailed, printable instructions.

1.  Login to the network with your network username and password.
You can obtain your network username by logging into VIP and selecting the “Technology” link and then selecting the “Show Me Network Username” button.  Note that your network username and password is not the USC identification number and PIN used to login to VIP itself.

2.  Your system will be scanned for vulnerabilities.
Once you’ve entered your network username and password, your machine will be scanned for vulnerabilities.  If any known vulnerabilities are detected, your system will be placed in a quarantine mode.  You must update your system with the correct patches to resolve the problem before being allowed access to the network.  If no vulnerabilities are detected, you will be connected to the network.

3.  Your network session timer is set for 7 days. 
Once 7 days has expired, you will lose your connection abruptly and you will have to login again to regain network access.  Your timer is reset each time you logout and then login again; we recommend that you proactively logout daily and then login again to reset your timer and prevent any abrupt disconnects.  Please note that if your system is powered off or “sleeps” for an extended time (more than a few hours), it may be logged out.  You can logout via the “Log Me Out” link on the validation webpage:  http://security.csd.sc.edu/validation/validation.html.

Follow the directions below for your computer’s operating system to install TCP/IP.

TCP/IP Configuration Mac OSX

1. Pull down the Apple menu, and select System Preferences. Select Network.  If the lock in the bottom Left-Hand corner is shut and says Click the lock to make changes, you will need to do so. It will ask for an administrator password before letting you change these settings.
2. In the Configure: pull-down menu, select Advanced.
3. Turn on the Built-In Ethernet port (or the Ethernet card you wish to use) by checking the box beside it. If the Ethernet port is not the first one listed, click and drag it to the top of the list.
4. Click on the Configure: pull-down menu and select the Ethernet port.
5. Make sure the TCP/IP tab is selected, then click on the lower Configure: pull-down menu and select Using DHCP.
6. In the Search Domains window, type sc.edu

Your TCP/IP control panel should now look like the image below. Double check that this is the case, then close the Network System Preferences window, and click Save if it asks if you want to save your changes.

TCP/IP Configuration Mac OS 7.5.3 - 9.x

1. Pull down the Apple menu and go into Control Panels. Open TCP/IP.  If you are asked whether you wish to make TCP/IP active, click Yes.
2. Go under the Edit menu and choose User Mode.  Make certain that Basic is chosen and click OK.
3. You now need to configure a few things in the TCP/IP window. In the Connect via: pop-down menu, choose Ethernet. (Some users with special Ethernet cards may see an “Ethernet Slot B1” that they need to choose instead.)
4. In the Configure: pop-down menu, choose Using DHCP Server. If you see a space for DHCP Client ID leave it blank.
5. In the Search Domains: window, type sc.edu.

Your TCP/IP control panel should now look like the image below. Double check that this is the case, then close the TCP/IP window, and click Save if it asks if you want to save your changes.

Special Note For Mac OS 7.5.3 and Mac OS 7.5.5 Users ONLY

1. Click HERE to download the Network Software Selector to your desktop.
2. Once the compressed file is downloaded, it should automatically "unstuff" with Stuffit Expander.
3. Double-click the Network Software Selector application.
4.  After it launches, check to see if Use Open Transport Networking is selected in the window that appears. If it is selected, then go under the File menu and quit the Network Software Selector. You can now continue on with your setup.
5. If Use Open Transport Networking is not selected, then select Use Open Transport Networking. Go under the File menu and quit the Network Software Selector. Go under the Special menu and Restart your computer. Then you may continue with your setup.