Productivity Tools
These free tools are all provided on a campus-wide basis, however, please note that some departments choose to use their own products or systems in place of those listed here.
Free Antivirus and Other Software
Free security software is available to all UW employees via CD at the DoIT Tech Store or by download. You also have access to other free software. Go to the DoIT Tech Store, enter the Departmental Store, then click on Free under the Software tab. The site contains several free downloads, including Web browsers, file compression software, email desktop clients, a bibliography manager and much more.
My UW-Madison
Each month more than 60,000 people use My UW-Madison, the gateway to personalized online campus resources. This “portal” offers an impressive array of resources including advisor views, class lists, earnings statements, current events, library resources and campus news. You can tailor My UW modules to meet your viewing preferences.
Email (WiscMail)
The central campus email system is called WiscMail, which you can access directly through the Web or My UW-Madison. It includes up to 20 GB of free storage and spam and virus filtering. You can also install a free desktop client, such as Outlook, Mozilla or Thunderbird, to gain access to your email account. Additional storage is available at no charge.
Calendaring (WiscCal)
WiscCal is a powerful calendaring system that gives you the ability to set meetings with 70,000 other WiscCal users on campus, schedule appointments, import events, manage tasks, share your calendar with others, create daily reminders and synch with your handheld Web device. WiscCal is available through the Web or My UW-Madison. Go here to learn more or to install a free desktop client.
File Storage (My WebSpace)
My WebSpace provides 1 GB of free Web-accessible storage space, allowing users to store files (e.g., presentations, research, proposals, graphics) and access them from any computer with Internet access. You can also use this space to share or collaborate on files with anyone and to publish a Web page. My WebSpace Group Directories with 1 GB of space are available for use by groups on campus.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Some network resources are restricted to campus-based computers. When you use a commercial Internet Service Provider (e.g., Charter), you may be prevented from accessing these resources. VPN software links your computer and the campus network, allowing you to access some network resources from home or while traveling. VPN also encrypts data while in transit, providing another layer of security. Go here to install the VPN desktop client or to learn more.
Digital Identification
Like a passport, a digital identification is an official way to validate to others on the Internet that you are who you say you are. UW-Madison has licensed software that enables you to use a digital signature to verify that the email and documents you send are, in fact, from you. You can also use a digital certificate to encrypt email and attachments and prevent unauthorized alteration of your documents.