Wireless Networking: University Technology Services

At the University of South Carolina Columbia campus, residence halls, offices, conference areas, and most outdoor and indoor common areas have wireless access.

USC does require students, faculty, staff and users of the network to follow network guidelines. Click here to view these guidelines.

Getting Started

Getting connected to the University Wireless is easy! But before you attempt to connect to University wi-fi with a computer, be sure you have done the following:

Run your computer's operating system updates.

For Windows users, go to the Microsoft Update site
For Mac users, click on the Apple on your menu bar, and select Software Update

Install and update your anti-virus program.
- The University provides FREE TrendMicro anti-virus software. You can download it from VIP!
  - Log in to VIP
  - Click on Technology in the left menu
  - Select Software Distribution
  - Select Home or Office (for department computers)
  - Select the Wireless Access for your operating system
  - For Windows, select Trend Micro. For Mac, select McAfee
Know your University network username and password.
You can find this on VIP under Technology.

Getting Connected

For easy, step-by-step instructions to connect to University wireless, click on the listing for your operating system:

Windows Vista

Windows 7

Apple Mac OSX

Windows XP - Identify the wireless management program your computer uses. You can do this by locating the wireless icon in the system tray at the lower right of your Windows desktop. Match the icon with one of these instructions:

For support, contact the AT&T Wireless Support Line: 1-888-888-7520

Computers connected to the University wireless system will be required to reauthenticate to the system every seven (7) days. The network will automatically request that you log in to SafeConnect when reauthorization is required.

Click here for more information and wireless locations about the USC and AT&T WiFi service on the USC Columbia campus.

Mobile Devices and University Wireless

Most network-capable smart phones, PDAs, and hand-held devices should be able to connect to the University wireless network. Mobile devices connected to the University wireless network will be required to reauthenticate to the network every seven (7) days.

UTS has instructions for connecting with an iPhone/iPod Touch. For more information on connecting other devices to a wireless network, see your device's instruction manual, or contact your service provider.

Email on Mobile Devices

Most mobile devices should be able to connect to the University's Student email and the faculty/staff exchange network.

Student email on a mobile device: http://www.sc.edu/studentemail/mobile.shtml

Faculty/staff email on a mobile device: visit the University Email Instruction and Documentation page

Problems? Questions? Contact the UTS Help Desk at 803-777-1800, or email at: helpdesk@sc.edu

Be Security Aware

Protect your identity when using any network.

Don't give your password to anyone or respond to email requesting your password. University offices do not ask for your password.
Protect personal information. Do not email passwords, social security numbers, credit card information, or bank information
Keep your computer updated with the latest security updates and antivirus protection.
Passwords should contain at least 8 characters, including a number, upper and lower case letters, and a special character such as !@#$%^&*-+
Your University network password expires every 6 months for security reasons. It can be reset in VIP.

For more information on safe computing and identity security, visit our UTS IT Security page.