Northern Illinois University

Residential Technology

Return Internet Equipment

All internet equipment should be returned on Friday, May 8th by 5PM to the ResTech Helpdesk. The ResTech Helpdesk is located at Stevenson North, 110C. Do not return it anywhere else but the Helpdesk or you may be billed for the equipment.

Internet Equipment Price List

Watch TV on the Internet Now!

NIU and Northwestern University have launched a pilot trial to provide TV over the Internet to residents of the halls.

25 channels of movies, sports, news, and more are available at http://iptv.niu.edu.

Common Problems

If you're having trouble connecting your computer to the network, click here simple troubleshooting steps. If you still need help please call the ResTech Helpdesk at 753-6267.

Important Information For Fall 2009 Residents

We strongly encourage you to have your personal computer prepared before Opening Day Move-In in order to avoid the peak demand for technical support that occurs at the start of the semester. All rooms have Internet access, and in order to provide a robust on-line experience we have a few guidelines.

General Information:

  • Cisco Clean Access is required in order to use the NIU network (see below).
  • You need an Ethernet cable and Ethernet card to use the in-room connection.
  • You need an 802.11b (or better) wireless network card to connect to the NIU wireless networks that are available in specific locations.
  • Personal routers and/or wireless access points are prohibited. Unmanaged switches can be used if residents want to connect more than one device in their room.

Cicso Clean Access Agent - The Clean Access Agent resides on the client's machine, authenticates the user, and scans for the required patches and software on both the wired and wireless networks. The software will be provided by NIU upon arrival.

Computer Requirments for Windows Machines:

  • Must have a legal version of Windows XP or Vista
  • Must be running anti-virus software allowed by NIU.
    • McAfee Anti-Virus is provided free by NIU here

IMPORTANT NOTE: UNINSTALL ALL ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE BEFORE INSTALLING NIU’S VERSION OF MCAFEE! Running more than one anti-virus program on your computer can cause many problems. Please call the ResTech Helpdesk for help in removing programs that may cause problems.

Other Information:

  • The ResTech Connection CD will be provided upon move in and has detailed instructions to help you get online with your personal computer.
  • Clean Access requires Mac and Linux users to authenticate, but they will not be required to install any software.
File Sharing and Copyright Infringement

Colleges and universities, including NIU, face increasing pressure from organizations such as the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), BSA (Business Software Alliance), SafeNet, Inc., and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) to address copyright infringement issues on campuses.

Click here for more information.

Valuable Links

Safe Computing - The information you need to keep your computer secure.

Information Security - NIU's security and technology policies.

The Everything Technology Handbook - Everything Technology at Northern Illinois University is brought to you by the cooperative efforts of Information Technology Services and Residential Technology. Each group contributes to the information provided so that students are able to make the most of the technology offered at NIU.

Blackboard - NIU's Course Management System

Password Reset - Forget your password? Look up, change, or reset your password here, 24/7.

NIU Weather - A small division of the Heating Plant and Environmental Health and Safety, NIU Weather provides updated meteorological information and weather warnings for the NIU campus.