Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs briefly address the most common questions about student computing at UW-Madison. Much of the same information is also available in the printed Student Computing Guide. For more free advice or buying information, contact the DoIT Tech Store at (608) 265-7469, info@doit.wisc.edu, or visit us at 1210 West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin. Open 7:45 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
What technology resources are available and how can I learn more about them?
Each student receives a free Internet service account with a unique NetID, that includes UW email (WiscMail), online calendar (WiscCal), 1GB of online file storage and Web space (My WebSpace) and more. A Web site called My UW-Madison provides a personal entry to vital campus information including email, calendars, courses and registration, advising, financial aid and more. To learn more about these resources register for Computing@UW Orientation, a free, one-hour session providing important user tips. Students get a coupon for a free 1GB USB flash drive upon completion. You can also visit the Software Training for Students Web site to register for other free classes in popular software programs, including basic computing, Web design, graphics, business applications, animation, music and video.
How many students own computers? What if I don’t bring a computer to campus?
Most UW-Madison students own computers, but you also have free use of more than 1000 computers in 17 campus computer labs, on-the-go access with over 90 computer kiosks in many popular campus locations, and over 600 wireless laptops that can be checked out from multiple campus locations.
Do I need to buy a new computer or can I just bring one from home?
You don’t need a new computer, but you do need a computer with ample processing speed and memory and the capability to support fast network connections. We recommend a Windows PC with at least a 1GHz Pentium 4 or equivalent processor and 1GB memory, or a Macintosh with at least a 1GHz G4 processor and 1GB memory. For more details see Recommended System Requirements.
Laptop vs. Netbook vs. Desktop
Laptops or Netbooks with wireless networking can expand your academic experience by offering the opportunity to work collaboratively in numerous locations both on and off campus. About 93% of UW-Madison students own laptops, and some colleges and schools (e.g., Business and Engineering) encourage their use. Netbooks are generally inexpensive portable web browsers and word processors with smaller keyboards, smaller screens, less RAM, slower processors, and smaller hard drives (less space for music, video and pictures) than laptops. With their low cost and lower computing power, netbooks make a good fit as a second, very portable computer. Desktop computers generally cost less than laptops, have more powerful processors, and offer larger monitors and keyboards for more comfort. In summary, laptop and netbook computers will offer more opportunity for collaboration and increased productivity, while desktop computers can offer more computing power for the dollar. Be sure to consult your major area of study for any specific recommendations, and the Tech Store consultants to discuss your options.
Should I get a Macintosh or Windows computer?
Both platforms are used and supported on the UW-Madison campus, and both provide the necessary student computing tools. A good rule of thumb is, “go with what you know.” But also be sure to consult your major area of study for any specific recommendations.
Should I buy a new computer now or later (when I move to campus)?
Prices are constantly changing, due to promotions and the introduction of newer components. Generally, the longer you wait to buy, the more you get for your money. But be aware that orders tend to increase as the fall semester approaches which could delay the arrival of your computer. One advantage of ordering closer to the start of classes is that you can have the computer shipped directly to your dorm, reducing what you need to pack and transport on moving day. University Housing and Private Residence Halls start accepting deliveries about 1 to 2 weeks before classes start. Check with your residence hall for official start date, address and other details.
What kinds of computers do you sell or recommend?
The DoIT Tech Store has educational discount programs arranged with Dell and Apple. Dell computers can be customized and purchased directly from their Educational Online Store or via phone. Starting in late June 2009, DoIT will stock and sell a select number of standard Dell laptops and desktops. Apple computers can be purchased in person or online at the DoIT Tech Store. Educational discounts usually amount to a savings of up to 7%. See our Recommended Systems pages for Apple and for Dell for examples of computer systems and pricing.
Will DoIT do warranty or other repair work on my computer?
DoIT is authorized to provide warranty services on most Apple and Dell computers brought in to us. We can service many off-brand PCs, but cannot honor their warranties. DoIT provides a free virus evaluation, detection and removal service. For a standard fee, we provide other installation and repair services for selected software and hardware, including installation of memory, network cards and other upgrade products purchased at DoIT.
How do I connect my computer to the Internet?
The type of connection you will need depends on where you are located:
- University Residence Halls provide the ResNet Network that includes high-speed Ethernet connections in each room and Wireless access in most common areas of UW Housing. See setup details in the ResNet Connection Guide.
- Most Private Residence Halls offer DSL or Dial-in connections.
- In off-campus residences, you need to contact a local vendor to order a high-speed broadband service like DSL or Cable Modem, or use your telephone line for Dial-in connections.
- Most campus buildings provide access to the UW-Madison Wireless Network.
The DoIT Help Desk maintains several online documents on ResNet, Dial-in and Wireless connections under Getting Connected. DSL and Cable Modem service providers furnish their own instructions for connecting to their services.
Are there other Internet connection options?
Yes, you can also connect to the Internet from shared campus facilities such as the campus computer labs, Internet kiosks, or wireless laptops that you can check out for up to 3 days at a time from most campus computer labs. Some department computer labs are available to students enrolled in their courses.
What software do I need?
We recommend recent versions of the following software:
- Operating System (Windows XP or Vista; MacOS X 10.4 or 10.5) with latest security updates
- Office Suite (such as Microsoft Office, Apple iWorks, Open Office or other office solutions) with latest security updates
- AntiVirus and Anti-Spyware (Symantec Endpoint Protection/AntiVirus: free download or free CD in Tech Store and at SOAR Resource Fairs)
- Firewall (included in Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X)
- Web Browser (such as Internet Explorer 7.x, Mozilla Firefox 3.x, Safari 3.x) with latest security updates
What software do you sell?
DoIT has great deals on popular Microsoft products (Vista Business, Vista Ultimate and Office for Windows or Mac starting at $72), and a variety of Adobe graphics and multimedia software. You can buy these products in person at the DoIT Tech Store or the online Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog (WISC). Many other popular software programs are also available for purchase at educational discounts at the DoIT Tech Store and via WISC. All purchases require an active UW-Madison ID. Some products such as Microsoft and Adobe products also require students to sign a license agreement.
Are there Campus Security Requirements?
Every computer connected to the University network must have the latest security-related patches and must run up-to-date antivirus software. Personal firewall and anti-spyware software are also highly recommended. The DoIT Help Desk has more information about security updates for Windows and MacOS X. Symantec AntiVirus software is available to UW-Madison students at no charge and can be obtained in several ways: You can download these Symantec software products for free (a high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended). You can pick up a free CD at SOAR Resource Fairs or at the Tech Store. Or, you can use a campus computer lab to download and copy it to a CD or flash drive. You are responsible for taking measures to secure your computer, protect your identity, and avoid copyright infringement per campus policy. See our Security Web site for more information on campus security and appropriate use policies.
What do I do when my computer, network connection or software doesn’t work?
DoIT provides full Help Desk services. Phone, chat and email support is accessible seven days a week. Use Help Online any time to find answers to most common computing questions. Visit the Walk-in Help Desk at either of our two locations. The main Walk-in Help Desk is located in the Computer Sciences Building, 1210 W. Dayton Street. Our satellite Walk-in Help Desk is located in the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street.
Help Desk services are available:
By phone: 608-264-HELP (4357),
7 days a week: 6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
By email: help@doit.wisc.edu,
7 days a week: 6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
In person:
Main Walk-in Help Desk, Computer Sciences Building,
Monday–Friday from 7:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Satellite Walk-in Help Desk, Memorial Union,
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
By LiveChat:
Select “Click to Chat” from any Help Desk Web page,
7 days a week: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
On the Web: helpdesk.wisc.edu