Connect Apple OS X

Security Warning

Wireless networks by their nature are not secure. You should not use the wireless network for activities that involve the transfer of sensitive data like usernames and passwords, or the viewing of websites, emails or files containing private information, unless such transfers are protected by encryption like SSL. Some signs that you are using SSL encryption is if the URL of the website begins with "https" instead of "http", as well, most web browsers will have a padlock icon that appears somewhere at the bottom of the browser window when your connection is encrypted.

Reliable methods for securing wireless networks are currently being developed. It is USM's intention to implement a secure wireless network sometime in the future.

  1. Open the hard drive icon, find the Applications folder, navigate and open the Utilities folder, and open the AirPort Setup Assistant program. If you don't have an AirPort card installed, you'll see the following message:
    The appropriate AirPort hardware was not found on this computer. If you recently installed an AirPort card, please shut down your computer and make sure the card is properly installed. Once you have verified that your AirPort card is properly installed, start your computer and open the AirPort Setup Assistant.
    If your AirPort card has been properly installed, but is turned off, you'll see the alert screen below to turn it on. Click OK.
    Message: "Your AirPort card is turned off. Click OK to turn it on."
  2. The Airport Setup Assistant software will gather information about your computer. Click Continue if prompted.
    The Airport Setup Assistant software will gather information about your computer.
  3. When the information about your computer has been collected, you'll see the screen below. Make sure the radio button next to "Set up your computer to join an existing AirPort network" is selected. Then select Continue.
    Make sure the radio button next to "Set up your computer to join an existing AirPort network" is selected. Then select "Continue".
  4. If you are in an area that is covered by USM's Wireless Network, there should be an available network named "tempest". Click Continue. See a list of covered buildings.
    If you are in an area that is covered by USM's Wireless Network, there should be an available network named "tempest". Click "Continue".
  5. When you see the message below, select Continue.
    Message: The Setup Assistant is now ready to configure your computer to access the network "temptest." Airport network settings will be made active.
  6. When you see the following message, you're receiving confirmation that your computer was able to join USM's wireless network. Press Done.
    Message: The AirPort Setup Assistant is finished. The assistant was able to join the network "tempest" and has set this computer to use it for wireless netowrking. To access other AirPort networks, use the Internet Connect application located in your Applications folder. Look in AirPort Help for additional information on using AirPort. Click "Done" to continue using your computer.
  7. If you go to your computer's Desktop, you'll see a fan-shaped icon in the menu bar. If the rounded lines in the icon are filled in completely, your computer is receiving a strong signal from a wireless network. When you select, click, and hold on the icon, a drop-down menu will appear. The check mark next to "tempest" indicates that the computer is connected to USM's wireless network.
    image of desktop with fan-shaped icon and menu
  8. If you are having trouble connecting, see Troubleshooting Your Connection.

For further information or problems with this page, contact: helpdesk@usm.maine.edu.

The USM Computing site is maintained by Robin McGlauflin.