A direct, Ethernet connection provides substantial advantages over dial-up service. You do not have to dial-up or log on. The phone line is always available for talking. There are no dropped lines so you will not be bumped off. An Ethernet connection is MUCH faster than a modem connection, in some cases up to 50 times faster.
Students have access to academic fileservers to store and retrieve files.
No, you must first register at the Help Desk. Watch for details when you return. If you plan to purchase a computer, be sure to let your vendor know that you need an Ethernet card pre-installed according to the specs below. Nothing further is required. Do not purchase a combo card.