Students
Guide Contents
- My UW-Madison
- Getting Connected
- Help Desk
- Anti-Virus and Security
- Computing Advice
- Computer and Software Discounts
- Equipment Service and Warranties
- My Web Space
- Training
- IT News
- Accessibility
- Appropriate Use Polices
Helpful Links
Student Guide
Everything you need for successful computing at the UW is provided by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Whether you need expert advice on software or hardware, great prices, a network connection, training, help 7 days a week, warranties, or repair & installation, you can get it at DoIT. Services like Software Training for Students, sales advice and tech help are free (covered through your student fees). Stop in at the Tech Store (1210 West Dayton Street), shop online or contact us at (608) 265-7469.
Getting Started
If you haven't already done so, activate your NetID. During your UW application process you were given the opportunity to activate your NetID to access My UW-Madison (your personal web portal) to access the latest information regarding your application status, financial aid, housing, etc. When you register for your Summer SOAR session you are given the opportunity to activate additional NetID privileges to access your UW-Madison web-based email account (WiscMail), web-based calendar (WiscCal), online file storage and web space (My WebSpace) and more. If you haven't yet activated these additional services, we recommend you activate now. In order to register for classes at your SOAR session you will need to have an activated NetID.
Attention: NEW Students! |
|
|
Things to do before coming to campus:
| |
My UW-Madison Web Portal
My UW-Madison is a secure, easy-to-use gateway to personalized campus information and services. You gain access to My UW-Madison after you activate your unique NetID. Read more about MyUW or logon at my.wisc.edu.
Getting Connected
On-Campus Connections
UW-Madison offers a variety of options for on-campus Internet access. These include ResNet, campus computer labs, Internet kiosks, a wireless network, and laptops for loan.
Off-Campus Connections
If you live off-campus (including the private residence halls) you have several options for connecting to the internet. These options vary in performance, convenience, and cost. Dial-in access, DSLand Cable Modem are all available choices. Dial-in is the least expensive option, but also the slowest at 56Kbps. DSL and Cable modem services are much faster (up to 6Mbps).
Help Desk
DoIT provides full Help Desk services, accessible seven days a week. You can contact the Help Desk any of these ways:
Call
(608) 264-4357 (4-HELP)
Seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Online
helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu
anytime
Email
help@doit.wisc.edu
anytime
Walk-in
1210 W. Dayton Street
Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Appointments are required to diagnose modem, virus and hardware problems.
Get Your "Free Stuff"
Find out about the range of free technology tools you have access to as a UW-Madison student, from calendaring tools, to security software, to desktop applications. These short flash animation videos will provide you with the information you need to save time and increase your efficiency while on campus.
Anti-Virus and Security
Every computer connected to the University network must have the latest security-related patches and must run up-to-date antivirus software. We also highly recommend running personal firewall and anti-spyware software. See the DoIT Security Web site for the latest information and advice about protecting your computer, and to download free security software.
Campus Computing Advice
DoIT provides free consulting and advice on a wide array of campus computing resources, and a showroom where you can try out many of these services as well as selected computing hardware and software products. Contact us during normal business hours at (608) 265-7469, email, visit our online Student Computing Checklist, or walk-in at 1210 W. Dayton St.
Computer and Software Discounts
UW-Madison has Higher Education discount programs for Dell and Apple computers. For more info, read our Buying Advice
Many popular software programs are available at educational discounts. The best discounts on the most popular products are through WISC (Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog). To purchase WISC software, you must be enrolled in classes at UW-Madison. You can buy WISC products online or in person at the DoIT Tech Store.
Equipment Service and Warranties
DoIT is an authorized warranty service center for most Apple and Dell computers and for HP laser printers. (We also service many off-brand PCs, but cannot honor off-brand warranties.) 
Manufacturer’s warranties typically range from one to four years, depending on the manufacturer and the product. You can extend your warranty to cover additional years or features with a WiscCare Warranty Enhancement or AppleCare Plan.
Other services include installation and repair for selected software and hardware, and installation of memory, network cards and other upgrade products purchased at DoIT. For more information, browse our installation and repair services pages or call (608) 264-4357 (4-HELP).
My WebSpace
My WebSpace provides 1GB of central storage for each student to store files and post personal web pages. Use this space to publish a personal home page and to store important files such as homework, notes, papers, theses, dissertations, and graphic images. Retrieve and store files from any computer with Internet access. More about My WebSpace.
Training
Free Classes for Students
Free training is available to UW-Madison students from Software Training for Students. Classes vary from basic desktop applications to advanced Web design and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick up a training schedule at computer labs, libraries, and the DoIT Tech Store. Call (608) 265-4615 or (608) 265-6699, email or check doit.wisc.edu/training/student/ for more information.
STS also leads the Computing@UW Orientation in the fall. All incoming freshmen and transferred students are expected to register for a one-hour orientation session which will highlight important user tips for many of the free UW technology products that will be used commonly throught their time at UW-Madison.
Computer Workshops/ Short Courses
For a greater variety of computing/programming training topics, consider a fee-based course. For schedules and fee information, go to DoIT's Professional Technical Education Web site.
Library Workshops
UW-Madison libraries offer workshops throughout the semester to all campus users at no cost. These workshops cover a wide range of topics including overviews of library resources and services, information management software such as RefWorks and End Note, using Google to do research, using MadCat, the campus catalog, and building Web pages. A number of workshops focus on using subject-specific information resources. Check out the current semester's workshop calendar or email Abbie Loomis, Library & Information Literacy Instruction Program Coordinator or call (608) 262-4308.
Information Technology news and publications
IT Bytes
DoIT provides timely computing information to students through IT Bytes, which appears monthly in a campus newspaper. IT Bytes includes usage tips, computing advice from the DoIT Help Desk, training schedules, information on new products available at the DoIT Tech Store, and more — all focused on the interests and needs of UW-Madison students. IT Bytes is also available on the internet at: http://doit.wisc.edu/news/IT_Bytes.asp
TechNews email news digest
TechNews is an email news digest, published twice a month by DoIT. It contains computing information geared for UW-Madison students. To subscribe to TechNews, click on “Subscribe to TechNews.” Send feedback or article ideas to IT@doit.wisc.edu.
Accessibility information
Web sites
UW-Madison has implemented a policy to make the Web more accessible for people with vision, hearing or other disabilities. More information on web accessibility.
Computer labs and Kiosks
Most of the open computer labs are equipped with adjustable tables to improve wheelchair access. Most labs also have special applications including screen reader software and screen magnification software. The computer lab at Memorial Library has additional assistive software and hardware. Communication kiosks have accessibility features activated to ensure that they are more accessible to users with disabilities.
Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 262-6000
A TDD line is available at DoIT for the convenience of our hearing-impaired customers. The TDD line, (608) 262-6000, is answered from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Appropriate Use Policies
Electronic mail and networks
The Board of Regents requires that the email and network facilities of the University be used to fulfill the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service. Computing equipment, software, and network access must be used in a manner consistent with appropriate University codes of conduct and applicable statutes of the Wisconsin Criminal Code. To ensure the security of these resources, the following rules apply:
- Every computer connected to the University network must have the latest security-related patches and must run up-to-date antivirus software. Running personal firewall and anti-spyware software is also highly recommended. All of these software products are provided free to all UW-Madison students. See "Anti-Virus and Security" above, for more.
- All users must protect their account IDs and passwords, may not let others use their account, and are prohibited from using accounts or passwords that have not been assigned to them.
- Incidental personal use is acceptable, but use of University IT resources for commercial, political or extensive personal matters is prohibited.
- Violation of these rules can result in suspension from network access and other appropriate penalties.
For more information about appropriate use and other policies, see www.cio.wisc.edu/policies/.