Wireless At School: Web blocked but Mail working?

[makeluv247]

Hi

I have recently purchased a Macbook for school. However, the technician, who, according to both me and all of my teachers, is lazy and should have been fired a while ago, refused to let me connect to the network. His exact words were, 'I can't be bothered.'

Anyways, I've got the wireless password (the idiot keeps it on a sticky note in his office), and I can connect just fine. I've set up mail and I can send/receive messages without a problem.

However, I cannot access the web. I use Safari. Not a single website under HTTP will load. Any ideas on how to get round this?

Thanks for any help!

[ElDiabloConCaca]

Could he have, perchance, set up a web proxy on the network?

[makeluv247]

Maybe? I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to networking on that scale. If more info is needed, let me know how to find out and what software I need and I'll do it

Thanks

[Satcomer]

System Preferences->Network pane. In there select a new "Location" (at the top of the pane and call it 'School' or 'School Hacked Net' or anything you want. Then at the bottom of the pane hit the "Apply" button and rejoin the network. Once you are on the network go back to System Preferences->Network and near the bottom of the pane and hit the "Advanced" button. Then in the drop-down select all the tabs and make sure you are getting an IP and a gateway IP. In the DNS tab make sure you are getting DNS!!!

Now if the network is Windows Active Directory you will need the WINS tab to find the Domain. Then in the settings to make a Domain account. So check to make sure this network is not a domain.

Lastly with any laptop I urge anyone in North America or Europe (yes the servers now in London & Denmark) to use OpenDNS.com (http://www.opendns.com/). They have an instructional video (http://www.opendns.com/support/videos) so you can see the benefits of using there DNS service.

[makeluv247]

Hi

I just tried it. I get IP and DNS, but still doesn't work. I don't understand what you mean about the Windows Active Directory or it being a domain... any more instructions?

Thanks

[Satcomer]

Ask someone in the school if the network is in a Domain. This could explain your symptoms because of a Domain Policy.

[makeluv247]

I can't ask the technician - he's the problem. My ICT teacher thinks so... under the WINS tab i think it was, there was a selection to choose from in the drop down. That anything to do with it? Any other way I can find out?

Thanks

[Satcomer]

The Domain means there is a Server and you have to have the Domain Admin add you & your Mac to the network.

[makeluv247]

Is there not another way to get internet? He hasn't added me to the network, but I can still get my emails... He won't do it, and he was particularly rude to me when I asked him. I intend to write a letter of complaint to the headmaster, but I haven't had time recently, it'd just be easier to connect without his help. There is a server, there has to be, the school has a lot of computers...

Thanks

[g/re/p]

post deleted by g/re/p - moderator deleted the quoted post, causing my post to make no sense. :)

[makeluv247]

yeah.. thanks... that was real helpful...

[g/re/p]

yeah.. thanks... that was real helpful...

That was not directed at you - it was directed at the blatant spam from the post above mine, that was removed by the Moderator. :)

BTW - if you find some way to hack into the school network, you will probably be violating your schools TOS (terms of service) and the "tech" could easily cause you problems.

Deal with the problem through the system and report his lazy a** to the head master. Mention the techs history and direct the headmaster to consult with the teachers as a backup to your story.

[makeluv247]

Fair enough. Didn't see it.

I have every intention of doing so, only problem is time. I have more time to try bypassing whatever he's set up than I do to write a letter. I'll do it when I've got all my work out the way i think...

Thanks

[makeluv247]

Good news. I had a conversation with yet another member of staff. He also organises the business side of things at school. Turns out he's also sick of the technician, as business associates can't access the internet at school. After some conversations he's had, he told me that within the next couple of months there should be internet access for all laptops within the school. unfortunately no news on firing the technician though...

Thanks for your help!