Microcomputer Services

Internet Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get internet access through UO?
When I try to dial in, I get a message that says, "Authentication Failed". What do I do?
Can I use the University as my DSL/cable modem provider?
What is Telnet? What is Ssh?

Can I dial in to the University from another city, state or country?
 

How do I get internet access through UO?
Current students, faculty and staff can use the University as their Internet Service Provider (ISP) free of charge. All that's required is an active UOregon account.

To set up modem access, please see our Get Connected page.

When I try to dial in, I get a message that says, "Authentication Failed". What do I do?
This problem is caused by one of two problems:

  1. Incorrect username: Your user name for dial in will be your entire email address. For instance, Jeremy Smith's dial in user name would be "jersmith@uoregon.edu" (which is also his email address).
  2. Incorrect or expired password: To dial in, you use your UOregon account password. Because these passwords expire every six months, you need to update your dial in password once you've changed it. (If your password is about to expire and you wish to change it now, see our password change page.)

We have complete instructions on how to set up dial in software for Windows and Macintosh available on our Get Connected page. This page is also helpful if you wish to double-check your settings.

Can I use the University as my DSL/cable modem provider?
The short answer is no.

Broadband connections such as DSL and cable modems require two components: the connection (much like a pipe or a garden hose) and internet service. In the case of cable modems, Comcast provides both. With DSL, Qwest commonly provides the connection in the form of your telephone line, and you have the option of using Qwest as your internet service provider (ISP) or selecting another company. The University has no plans to enter the market as a broadband ISP.

However, once your DSL or cable modem is set up you can reach nearly all University internet sites.

What is Telnet? What is SSH?
Telnet is a computer protocol that allows one computer to access another computer (often your Uoregon.edu account) and act as a remote terminal for that computer. SSH is a secure version of Telnet and is short for secure shell. SSH transfers data between the server and the client securely, including passwords that most users would rather not have intercepted as they travel the internet.

Windows-compatible SSH software is available on our Duckware CD. Mac OS X includes the application "Terminal", which can be used to start an SSH session.

Can I dial in to the University from another city, state or country?
The University's modem pool (541-225-2200) is a local call from the Eugene/Springfield calling area. We do not have modem access points in any other city, state or country.

If you are leaving Eugene or you travel frequently, dialing long-distance to reach the modem pool can be very expensive. Furthermore, telephone line quality varies greatly from one city to the next and we cannot guarantee good connection speeds (or any connection, for that matter).

The same applies to overseas users. Intercontinental telephone circuits employ technology that generally prevents modems from connecting in any reasonable manner.

We encourage you to use an ISP (Internet Service Provider) that has access telephone numbers in the city or country you are visiting.

Travelers who find themselves at other universities can often use their networks to reach services here at UO.