Computing at UW-MadisonDivision of Information Technology
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Computing Essentials for Faculty and Staff

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 Security and Other Software
Free security software is available to all UW employees via CD at the DoIT Tech Store or by download. The DoIT Tech Store also has other free software (e.g., email desktop clients, file compression, etc.). Enter the Department Store, then click on Free under the Software tab.

My UW-Madison
Each month more than 60,000 people use My UW-Madison to access personalized resources such as advisor views, class lists, payroll statements, current events, library resources and campus news.

Email: WiscMail
You can access the campus email system, WiscMail, through the web or My UW-Madison. It includes 200 MB of free storage and spam and virus filtering. You can also install a free desktop client, such as Outlook or Thunderbird, to gain access to your email account. Additional storage is available for a nominal fee.

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 and synch with your PDA device. WiscCal is available through the web or My UW-Madison. Go here 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., research, proposals, graphics) and access them from any computer with Internet access. Users can also share or collaborate on files with anyone and/or 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)
When you use a commercial Internet Service Provider (e.g., Charter), you may be prevented from accessing some campus network resources. VPN software links your PC and the campus network, allowing you to access network resources from home or while traveling.

Digital Identification
UW-Madison has licensed software that enables you to verify that the email and documents you send are, in fact, from you through use of a digital signature. You can also use a digital certificate to encrypt email and attachments and prevent unauthorized alteration of your documents. Use of the software is free for the first year.