Using Wi-Fi

  1. How do I use wireless at MCC?
  2. How can I connect?
  3. Where can I connect?
  4. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
  5. What are the restrictions?
  6. Can MCC staff help me configure my computer?
  7. How do I get started?

 

  1. How do I use Wireless at McHenry County College?

    Bring your own laptop computer or PDA with built-in Wi-Fi or a Wi-Fi network card. Most Wi-Fi equipment will be compatible. However, MCC makes no guarantee as to the compatibility of your equipment with our student access Wi-Fi network.

    MCC uses the Wi-Fi standard known as 802.11b/g/n.

  2. How can I connect?

    Current Students

    If you're a current credit student at MCC, you will need to follow these instructions to connect to the "MCC-Community" Wi-Fi network:

    • Your first login must be on an MCC hardwired computer (located in computer labs, classrooms, etc.)
    • To access "MCC-Community," use your regular login information (your username is your 8-digit student ID, and the password is what you created on your first login to an MCC hardwired computer)
    • At the beginning of each semester, you must repeat this process, as student accounts are deleted at semester end
    • If you need assistance logging in, visit Computer Lab A or E or the Help Desk in A110 for assistance

    Visitors

    If you are a guest of MCC or the Shah Center for a conference, workshop or other event, or you are just visiting, you may access the "MCC-Guest" Wi-Fi network.

    ⇑ top

  3. Where can I connect?

    Once you follow the initial log in instructions, you may connect from any building on campus and select outdoor areas including the patios and the grassy area between the cafeteria and Building E.

  4. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?

    You'll need a user name and password to connect to the Internet.

    • If you're a currently enrolled MCC credit student, you only need to use your existing user name and password to access the "MCC-Community" Wi-Fi network.
    • If you are a conference or workshop attendee at MCC, you may obtain a temporary user name and password for the "MCC-Guest" Wi-Fi network from Kristine or Amy in B171.
    • If you are a conference or workshop attendee at Shah, you may obtain a temporary user name and password for the "MCC-Guest" Wi-Fi network from Maricella or Laura in SCC102.
    • If you are a general visitor, you may obtain an MCC library card, and then be granted a user name and account for the "MCC-Guest" network for two years.

    ⇑ top

  5. What are the restrictions?

    The Wi-Fi networks are intended for educational use, therefore downloads of .mp3, .exe and .zip files are restricted and sites are content-filtered. There is currently no printing available on the wireless networks.

  6. Can MCC staff help me configure my computer?

    No, but we can offer some helpful tips (see below). Everyone's computer is different, and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment and for any changes you make to your computer's settings. MCC cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings, or for any consequences of changes you make to your computer's settings. MCC staff cannot assist you in making changes. If you require assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your computer or wireless network card, or talk to your computer support provider.

    ⇑ top

  7. How do I get started?

    These are basic guidelines assuming you already have installed wireless access for your computer. Make sure your wireless device is 802.11b or 802.11g or 802.11n compatible. MCC cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with the student access Wi-Fi.

    Windows XP

    1. Right click on the wireless network connection icon located on the taskbar on the lower right of your screen.
    2. Select "View Available Wireless Networks".
    3. Select the "MCC-Community" or "MCC-Guest" network and click "Connect." You will be warned that this connection may not be secure, click "Connect Anyway."
    4. Read the terms and conditions, then enter your user name and password.

    Macintosh (OS X)

    1. Click on the wireless network status indicator in the Finder bar and select the "MCC-Community" network. The status indicator should darken to indicate connectivity.
    2. Open your web browser to authenticate.
    3. Select the "MCC-Community" or "MCC-Guest" network and click "Connect." You will be warned that this connection may not be secure, click "Connect Anyway".
    4. Read the terms and conditions, then enter your user name and password.

⇑ top

 

⇐ Return to technology resources