There should be an ethernet port on that PC, it looks like a large phone jack, be sure file and print sharing is turned off or blocked by your firewall, before connecting in the Dorm. Keeps the bad guys out..

 

What model PC is it?

And of course, you will need an ethernet cable.  Get one long enough so that you will have some freedom in the room to move around, if you choose.

It's a Dell Dimension 4600.  I'm pretty sure it has what I need.  I actually got a new driver for it recently, and that changed the "ethernet controller" in my device manager to a network adapter.  I'm going to guess that THAT'S what I need to access the university's highspeed internet, yes?

 

Also, how would I go about making sure my computer doesn't allow other people to access it like that?  Would I want to use the Windows Firewall, or my own?  I use Norton.

"I'm going to guess that THAT'S what I need to access the university's highspeed internet, yes?"

 

Yes you are correct.

 

Windows firewall in XP SP2 is ok, just be sure you configure it, go to Contol Panel/Windows firewall/Exceptions Tab, and untick anything you do not want to get past the firewall, like file and printer sharing, untick this for sure, and remote desktop..

 

Turn off your wireless adapter if there is one..

You want us to find out in which university you are and call them to ask what kind of internet they have?

With what are you thinking?

First you ASK them, and THEN if you don't understand the answer or get problems - ask here.