New Students

Freshman F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
Created in conjunction with UITS and the UConn Co-op

Many new students and parents have a lot of questions regarding the purchase of a computer and technology equipment and software. For example, should you buy a notebook computer or a desktop, should the operating system be Windows or Apple, etc. The basic question is: should you buy a computer prior to coming to UConn and if so what make, model and configuration? No undergraduate programs initially requires students to bring a specific computer or maintain a specific configuration. Some programs (Schools of Business & Education) do require a specific computer, which the schools themselves lease to students after they have been accepted into the programs.

1. What is your major?
2. What software will you need?
3. What are you currently familiar with or comfortable using?

1. Does my school and/or major have a determined computer requirement?
2. What are the hardware requirements?
3. What are the software requirements?
4. What about Virus Protection and Spyware?
5. Can I buy a computer through UConn?
6. How do computer leases work?
7. Should I buy a notebook computer or a desktop computer?
8. Should I buy a Windows or an Apple Macintosh computer?
9. How do I connect to the Internet at UConn?
10. How do I use the wireless network at UConn?
11. How do I secure a computer from theft?
12. Who provides students Technology support on Campus?
13. What is my NetID and what do I use it for (WebCT, Huskymail, etc.)?
14. What is my Peoplesoft ID and what do I use it for?
15. Is there network, backup or shared file storage for students?
16. Is there anything else I should know?

1. Does my school and/or major have a determined computer requirement?

• School of Business: http://www.business.uconn.edu/mobilecomputing
• School of Education: http://www.education.uconn.edu/technology
• CANR: http://uconn.edu/schools/agriculture.php
• School of Law: http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu/law.html
• Health Sciences, Farmington: http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu/hsec.html
• Engineering: http://uconn.edu/schools/engineering.php *Prefers desktops over notebook computers.*
• Always ask your school before purchasing a computer.

2. What are the hardware requirements?

There is no hardware requirement set by the university but below are recommendations that will ensure better support and better usage on the network. Any computer made in the last 4 years probably has everything you need as far as the processor and hard drive are concerned.

• PC:Pentium III or better or equivalent
• MAC:Power PC G4 or better

RAM: minimum of 512 MB

Hard drive: minimum of 20 GB (current standard on new computers in 40 GB)

Network Card: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Cards (most internal network cards will work). Most computers will come with this built in.

• Category 5 (Cat5)
• 25 feet will reach around most rooms depending on furniture placement

Splitter: some areas will need to split their Internet connection (North, Hale, Ellsworth, McMahon, Alumni, Buckley, East, West). Splitters MUST be bought from the UConn Co-Op, the wiring is specialized by the university.

Wireless Network Card: see wireless requirements

Printers: It is suggested that each student brings his or her own printer to campus. The only public printers are in the library. When bringing files to the library to print, the student will have to use a USB stick, CD, or by emailing that file to themselves, and printing fees will be incurred.

Any other type of hardware must be supported by the user--we will not provide any assistance beyond supplying the necessary configuration information.

3. What are the software requirements?

There is no software requirement set by the university but below are recommendations that will ensure better support and better usage on the network:

• PC: Windows 2000 SP4 or Windows XP SP2
• MAC: OS 10.3 or better

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) or equivalent software (Mac and Windows versions are available). The UConn Co-Op has special student education pricing for this product.

Antivirus Software (Symantec Antivirus provided to UConn students for free)

• See http://www.security.uconn.edu

• Windows XP: use included firewall
• Windows 2000: Zone Alarm is suggested
• MAC: use included firewall

**Check with academic departments**

Any other Operating system (Linux, BeOS, Unix, Windows 3.x, etc) must be supported by the user--we will not provide any assistance beyond supplying the necessary configuration information.

4. What about Virus Protection and Spyware?

• Whatever computer you buy, be sure it is protected. No warranty will cover the removal of viruses, spyware or any software issues.
• Consider adding Spyware removal software, like AdAware or Spybot. These are free from sites like www.download.com, with the option to purchase more advanced versions.
• UConn ITS provides students with a free downloadable installation of Symantec Anti-Virus. This does not mean you should wait to protect the computer. If an unprotected computer accesses the university network, it can immediately be infected by viruses inadvertently spread to the network by other unprotected users – before the free download! Downloading Symantec Anti-Virus from off-campus is possible and requires the use of the VPN to ensure you are a UConn student. For more information go to http://www.resnet.uconn.edu/com_update.html.

5. Can I buy a computer through UConn?

• • No. UConn does not sell computers, but has worked with various vendors to create educational pricing that is beneficial to students, and computer systems can be bought bundled or customized for a discount. Visit the web site: http://www.huskypc.uconn.edu/studentpersonal.html for details. Note: Please be aware that if you choose to buy the base computer through UConn that support for it is not provided by the university. The university has worked with vendors to get discounts on cost but not for support. It may come with a warranty and any vendor that does warranty work can be used.
• The UConn Co-op also sells Apple, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu & Hewlett Packard computers which are sold at very competitive educational prices as well. Visit the web site: http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu/computer.html for details.
  • Most computers purchased from the UConn Co-op will come with a 3-year parts and labor warranty and an option to upgrade to accidental damage coverage. Customers who purchase the accidental coverage also have access to a pool of loaner computers should they need to have warranty service completed on their computer.
• The important thing is to look into getting a good warranty and accidental damage protection.
• The UConn Co-op also sells the “CompletePak” which includes all the necessities for setting up your computer when you come to campus (surge protector, ethernet cable, inkjet printer or all-in-one printer, USB printer cable, paper, Microsoft Office, notebook security lock, notebook carry case and USB flash drive.) This package has special discounts, including an educationally priced student version of Microsoft Office not available elsewhere.

6. How do computer leases work?

• Students accepted into certain programs are required to lease a notebook computer directly from the schools. For example, the School of Business requires it for students’ junior & senior years & the NEAG School of Education for students’ third, fourth & fifth years.
• These students are encouraged to use an entry-level machine for their first two years.

7. Should I buy a notebook computer or a desktop computer?

• Both desktop and laptop computers are very similar, as far as quality. Generally speaking, this decision comes down to personal preference. There are no advantages or disadvantages to having either setup.
• Desktops may be more power for homework, programming, music and gaming.
• Notebook computers provide physical portability, if you want to be mobile, work outdoors and bring your computer to class or home over breaks. Most are light (4-8lbs), making them easy to move around. notebook computers also provide work portability, so work can be easily taken outside of the dorm room – to a quieter place! Notebook computers provide the opportunity to take advantage of the wireless network on campus.
• If your usage will consist of just “common use” such as email, Internet, writing papers, etc. then either will work.
• While theft is not unheard of, computer theft is largely a crime of opportunity. The size & weight of an average desktop naturally keep them from becoming obvious targets of theft. Locks are available to help protect the safety of a notebook computer.
• It’s not common for students to take notebook computers to class although some majors may require it.
• Note: Notebook computers are known to have more overheating/hardware issues. In addition, we recommend taking more care with notebook computers especially, keeping food and drink away from the keyboard.

8. Should I buy a Windows or an Apple Macintosh computer?

• Both Windows and Macintosh computers are very similar, as far as quality. Generally speaking, this decision comes down to personal preference. There are no advantages or disadvantages to having either platform - either will work with the UConn network.
• Macintosh computers have few problems with spyware and viruses.
• Windows computers are more prevalent on campus, with a wider technical support structure available.
• The decision may depend on your major and software needs. A Microsoft Office version is available for either platform & documents created are cross compatible between platforms.
• If the computer is for general use (browsing the Internet, sending/receiving email, and/or writing papers) then either option will work fine.

9. How do I connect to the Internet at UConn?

• A high-speed Internet connection is included in the cost of tuition. ResNet is a technology support group, and not the physical UConn network.
• All residence hall rooms have Ethernet connections. Some residence hall rooms have only one Ethernet jack so a splitter wired for the UConn campus will be required for the following residence halls North, Hale, Ellsworth, McMahon, Alumni, Buckley, East, West. UConn ITS recommends waiting until move-in & if you need one, see the UConn Co-op.
• UConn’s wireless initiative: extends to the academic buildings and not in the residential halls.
• Network traffic is monitored for bandwidth usage and copyright violations. The university abides by copyright laws and therefore, illegal downloading of music, games, software, etc could result in an RIAA or MPAA complaint.
  • Bandwidth is the allotted amount of internet use each student gets which is 7GB for a 7 day period, for most students this is excessive. 7GB is the equivalent of downloading 9-10 CDs of information. Think of bandwidth as a pipe that everyone has to share. You get a portion of that pipe for your information; if you have too much information then a bandwidth violation will occur. For more information see our knowledge base.
• As long as all settings and security issues are taken care of when a student arrives all they will need to do is plug their cable into the wall and they will be directed to the registration page when they go to their web browser. They will have to agree to all the university network policies. After registering with their NetID they are all set! For more information on their NetID see other FAQ questions.

10. How do I use the wireless network at UConn?

• There is no wireless in the residential halls.
• To get wireless in the residence halls you must bring your own wireless router and register it with ResNet. Click here for equipment information. You must secure the device otherwise because all users on the router share the same 7 GB of bandwidth per 7 days. Increases to bandwidth are not possible for 4 computers sharing one router.
• Since some students bring their own router; if you see access available in the residence halls, do not connect to it without permission from the owner.
• For campus public wireless such as in the Library, Student Union, etc. use you will need an 802.11b/g wireless network adapter. (Most internal wireless cards will work). For locations of UConn Public wireless, check the following web site: http://www.wireless.uconn.edu.

11. How do I secure a computer from theft?

• It’s been our experience that most thefts occur due to lack of supervision. Keep your room doors locked. When checking bags at the dining hall don’t leave your notebook computer in them, etc. and maintain security measures.
• You can buy a locking system through the UConn Co-op (or other retailers) for added security.
• If your computer is stolen, please notify the UConn police (860-486-4800) and ResNet.

12. Who provides students Technology support on campus?

• ResNet: will help students resolve issues related to connecting to the network and provides software repair services. Cost is a $0-$20 flat fee depending on service. The wait time may be from 1-4 days to 2 weeks depending on the issue and time of year workload.
• UITS: provides the network connection in the room (ResNet does support on behalf of UITS for students when a problem occurs). They also help students with account issues (Huskymail, WebCT, Student Administration System, etc.)
• UConn Co-op Technology Dept.: offers vendor-certified support and phone support. The UConn Co-op has certified technicians that can also help with any issues under warranty on campus and in addition will provide service for non-warranty issues. Cost is $0-$60 per hour depending on service and wait time for per-hour service, is usually under an hour.
• Learning Resource Center: provides application support with how to use Microsoft Office and Windows/Apple operating systems in general.

13. What is my NetID and what do I use it for (WebCT, Huskymail, etc.)?

• A NetID is issued to every student as an unique identifier; user name or log-on providing access rights to a variety of online services.
• To find your NetID, go to http://netid.uconn.edu and click on ‘Find your NetID.’
• A NetID is “system specific”, so the password you set is only good for associated services, such as Huskymail, WebCT, Proxy, VPN, and NetReg. Other systems that use NetID log-on include applications within the Bursars, Registrar’s and Housing offices.
• If you have any problems accessing and/or using your NetID, please telephone the UConn Help Center at 486-4357 or email helpcenter@uconn.edu.
• Huskymail uses the NetID. It is the UConn student email system. If you plan to use an alternative email account, such as hotmail, gmail or yahoo, then you will need to set up email forwarding. NOTE: The University communicates with you through huskymail as the official line of communication.
• WebCT uses the NetID. WebCT/Vista is used for the web enhanced courses. Instructors grant access to the students enrolled in a particular class, so if you don’t see yourself in the class roster, speak with your instructor.

14. What is my PeopleSoft ID and what do I use it for (PeopleSoft)?

• PeopleSoft is the Student Administration System where you will register for classes, print out your schedule or get grades.
• To log onto this system, you need a special “username” or “log-on” which is a 7 digit number called your “Psoft ID number” and a Peoplesoft password. (Note - Your NetID and password do not work in this system.)
• Student Administration passwords expire every 120 days.
• To log into the Student Administration system, go to http://student.studentadmin.uconn.edu.
• If you have any problems with your Student Administration ID, please call the UConn Help Center at 486-4357 or email helpcenter@uconn.edu.

15. Is there network, backup or shared file storage for students?

• There is currently no network space for students to save files provided by the university for mass amounts or long term use. For this reason, ResNet recommends backing up your data on USB sticks/flash drives, Cds, or external harddrives.
• The UConn Dropbox is available for temporary storage of individual files or to share files for academic purposes. See http://dropbox.uconn.edu/dropbox.
• The UConn Co-op will do data back ups for a fee of $60 per hour (usually takes an hour). This does not include music or movies.

16. Is there anything else I should know?

• Whatever computer you buy, be sure it is protected. No warranty will cover the removal of viruses, spyware or any software issues.
• Before coming to campus make sure your computer is completely updated and secure. To see how visit http://www.resnet.uconn.edu/com_update.html.
• Computer Labs: are available in some academic areas, CUE building and the Library.
• Printing Locations: are available in some academic areas, CUE building and the Library but may incur fees.
• Hardware Repair: is not done by anyone except the UConn Coop and only for computers that they have sold.
• Educational Pricing: is not always advertised by stores so ask, for example the UConn Coop sells Microsoft Office for $99.
• During move in weekend each fall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ResNet provides satellite locations to help students do the step on our “Before Connecting” page if they were unable to do it prior to coming to campus. Our webpage will list locations and times for this service at that time.
• Do not share passwords with anyone or use accounts too openly. For example if a student uses their own NetID for their friends computer because the friend is having trouble that means anything the friend does from now on is the responsibility of the first student. This includes all bandwidth and copyright violations.
  • When registering a router to a NetID, all computers using that router is now that person’s responsibility so any bandwidth or copyright as well. They all have to share the 7GB per week of bandwidth as well. Bandwidth allotments are not increased because more computers are going through the one device.

Technology Contacts

• McMahon Commons 1st Floor
• 860-486-4087
• http://www.resnet.uconn.edu

• Math-Science Building, Ground Floor, M037
• 860-486-4357
• HELPCENTER@uconn.edu
• http://uits.uconn.edu

• 2075 Hillside Road (next to Gampel Pavilion)
• 860-486-5756
http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu/computer.html