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Home > Student Services >
Technology
Wireless Access - Mac OS X

Please note:

  • All computers connecting to the Mills Network must have virus protection software installed. If you do not have virus protection software you may download and install free virus protection software here.
  • Have your AirPort card and software installed before you begin this process.
  • Record your current settings if you plan to reconnect to a previous network.

1.  Open Network Settings and Create a New Location:

  • Click the Apple Menu icon located in the menu bar at the upper left corner of your desktop and choose 'System Preferences.'
  • Click the 'Network' icon in the 'System Preferences' window.
  • In the Network window, set the 'Location' selection to 'New Location.'
  • If you cannot select 'New Location,' you need to authorize yourself as an Administrator. Click on the lock image at the bottom left corner of the Network window and, when prompted, enter an administrator username and password.
  • A window will pop up. In the 'Name your new location' field, enter 'Mills-Wireless' (with a dash but no quotes). Then click 'Ok.'
  • Set the 'Show' selection to 'AirPort.'

2.  Configure AirPort settings.

  • Click the 'AirPort' tab.
  • Make sure 'Show AirPort status in menu bar' is checked.

3.  Configure TCP/IP settings.

  • Click the 'TCP/IP' tab.
  • Set the 'Configure IPv4' selection to 'Using DHCP.'
  • In the 'DHCP Client ID' field type your Mills login name.
  • Click the 'Apply Now' button in the lower right of the window.
  • Close the Network window.

4.  Verify the AirPort card is working and turned on.

  • Click on the AirPort menu icon in the upper right hand corner of the desktop. If you do not see this icon, please check the installation of your AirPort card before continuing.

airport menu

  • Make sure that 'AirPort: On' is grayed out; if not, select 'Turn AirPort On.'
  • Select 'Mills-Wireless.'  If the card is turned on but you cannot see 'Mills-Wireless,' then you may not be close enough to a wireless access point - move to a different location before continuing.
  • Select 'Use Interference Robustness' if it is listed as an option.

Note: the AirPort menu icon also informs you of the strength of your signal: the more dark bars, the better the signal.

5.  Log in via Bluesocket - required for any access to the internet or Mills network.

  • Open Safari.
  • Use your Mills username and password to log in at the Bluesocket interface.
  • Once you are logged in, keep the Bluesocket browser window active, as you will need it to log out.

6.  IMPORTANT - When finished with network access, log out via the Bluesocket window.

  • Note: If there is no Bluesocket icon active, close all Safari windows and then reopen Safari. This should prompt a small Bluesocket window to come up displaying a Logout command.

IF YOU FORGET YOUR PASSWORD

There is no way to retrieve your old password. The only way to gain access to the network is to reset your password. Follow the password reset instructions detailed on the Password Setting or Resetting page.

To report network outages please call the computing help desk at ext. 2005 or e-mail helpdesk@mills.edu.
Off campus? Phone (510) 430-2005.

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Computing Services
Lucie Stern Hall

P: 510.430.2005
E: helpdesk@mills.edu