Using a Laptop

This facility is only open to members of Oxford University and official visiting members of the University (blue stripe University Card holders). Applications from members of other UK universities will be considered.

This document explains how to register and configure your laptop to connect to the network via desk sockets.

If your machine is WiFi enabled, there is no need to register.

Once the Library has registered your laptop you will be able to access the Oxford University computer network from any desk data socket in the Library.

To register, please submit the online form below.

To register your machine we need to know the MAC (network card hardware address) of your machine.

This address usually is physically printed on your Ethernet card, sometimes adjacent to a barcode. The address is a 12-digit alpha-numeric string in either of the following forms: 002E2344FF01 or 00:2E:23:44:FF:01.

If this number is not depicted on your Ethernet card try the following:

  • W95/W98/ME machines: click Start, Run, and type winipcfg
  • NT/2000/XP machines: click Start, Run, type cmd to bring up the command prompt, then type ipconfig/all

It is possible that the above interrogations will call up the address of an incorrect adaptor. Remember, the MAC address always begins 00… It is also possible that more than one MAC address will display. In which case please provide all of them.

Finally, in the TCP/IP configuration settings of your computer you will need to select the DHCP or random IP option.

Please note that the Sackler Library cannot offer assistance with this process. If you have a problem contact your college or local computer officer.

Please operate your computer as quietly as possible in the Library.

Please ensure that your machine is up-to-date with security patches and virus protection; and please remember that you must adhere to the University's Computer Usage Rules. If your laptop has been compromised it will be blocked from connecting to the network.

ST/JL December 2004, revised April 2007

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