If your network connection appears to have problems, there are several steps you can take to narrow down the possible points of failure. These troubleshooting techniques will either solve the problem or make your call to OTS' technology support groups quicker and more efficient.

If you are attempting to access a Web site but are unable to load it, the Web site you are requesting could be down. Try the Towson Web page at www.towson.edu. If the Towson page loads, then try another outside site; it may be that the original site is, in fact, down.

If the Towson Web site fails to load, try rebooting your computer:

• In Windows, go to to the Start menu and choose Shut Down. Next, choose Restart your computer and click OK.
• On a Macintosh, go to the Special menu, and choose Shut Down.

After your computer restarts, check the Towson Web site again. If you still cannot connect, try opening your e-mail. If your e-mail application connects, but you cannot browse any Web sites, you will need additional help. Students should contact Student Computing Services at 410-704-5151 or scs@towson.edu; faculty/staff should contact the Help Center at 410-704-5151 or helpcenter@towson.edu.

If neither your e-mail nor your Web browser connects correctly, then it's likely that your computer has no active network connection. You can check the physical connection by first finding the cable that connects your computer to the network. The cable has ends resembling those of a phone wire, but with larger connectors. Network cables are usually gray or blue. It will connect to the back of your computer at a jack near two small lights, and will run to the wallport in your office.

See if any of the lights on the back of the computer are lit. The lights are located next to the location where the network cable plugs in. One might be a solid light while the other is blinking. If nothing is lit, disconnect the cable from the back of the computer, then re-connect it (making sure you hear a small click when the cable is reinserted). Disconnect and reconnect the cable at the wallport end as well.

If the lights are still not lit, contact the OTS Help Center (faculty/staff) or the SCS Service Desk (students). If the lights weren't lit, but now are, try restarting your computer and see if you now have a network connection.

If none of these troubleshooting techniques work, contact the OTS Help Center (faculty/staff) or the SCS Service Desk (students). You may want to have the following information available when you call:

• The operating system your machine is running (i.e., Windows 2000, Windows 98, Macintosh OS 9)
• The make and model of your computer (i.e., Dell Optiplex GX150, Dell Optiplex GXa, PowerMac G4)
• Your building and room information, along with your wallport number, if possible (i.e., Smith Hall 222, Port 222A)