Common Problems with Off-Campus Access

AOL - America Online

America Online is an Online Service Provider with available connections to the Internet. The AOL Web Browser is incompatible with the Library web server.
Solution - AOL usually installs a copy of Internet Explorer with its own software. Launch AOL, minimize their browser and start Internet Explorer. This should allow regular access.

Firewalls

Firewalls are barriers to network access. They exist to protect computers/networks from outside attack. They can also be used to prevent computers on the inside of a firewall from going out to certain sites. Typically they are maintained at the organization level but individuals can run their own (Windows XP includes one with Service Pack 2). Why is this a problem? All Internet software communicates via addresses called "ports." Web browsers talk to port 80 while other software can use any number from 0 to 65,000. To most users this is a never-seen aspect of web surfing. To systems administrators this can be a headache. Viruses and other malicious software will communicate through these ports as will file sharing software like KaZaa or Napster. Ports other than port 80 are often turned off (with a firewall) to protect the network from outside attack (Viruses) and from inside abuse (file swappers - industrial espionage). If all you do is web surf, you might not notice this blocking. However, the Library runs its off-campus access using port 2048 ( notice it in our URLs: http://library.limestone.edu:2048/login?url=). If we detect you using a URL from off-campus we immediately authenticate you and set-up a session on another port.
Solution
Solutions will depend on the IT staff.

A. J. Eastwood Library | 1115 College Drive | Gaffney | SC | 29340
Phone 864.488.4612 | Toll Free 800-795-7151
email: library@limestone.edu