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) 264-3648, chat, email info@doit.wisc.edu, or visit us at our Computer Sciences Store (1210 W. Dayton St.) or Health Sciences Store (750 Highland Ave.)
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), online file
storage and Web space (My WebSpace)
and more. A Web site called My
UW-Madison provides a personal entry point to these services and vital
academic and other campus information and services such as course information and
registration, advising, financial aid, library services, help desk services, work
records and more. To learn more about these resources register for Computing@UW
Orientation, a free, one-hour session providing important user tips. Upon
completion, participants will receive a coupon for a free item from the DoIT Tech
Store and be entered into a drawing for more prizes. 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 1.6GHz Pentium 4, Atom, Core or equivalent processor
and 2GB memory, or a Macintosh with at least a 1.83GHz Core Duo processor and 2GB
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 one to two 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. We stock and sell a select number of standard Dell computers, and provide a link to Dell's Higher Education online store to build and order customized versions of most any Dell computer. We also stock and sell standard Apple computers, and provide a link to the Apple Store for Education to build and order customized versions of these systems. 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 (wired) connections in each room and Wireless access in most common areas of UW Housing. For more information and setup details for ResNet wired, wireless, video and voice services see ResNet FAQ.
- Private Residence Halls typically offer connection options. Contact your specific residence for details.
- In off-campus residences, you need to contact a local vendor to order a high-speed broadband service like DSL , Cable Modem, or Wireless.
- Most campus buildings provide access to the UW-Madison Wireless Network.
The DoIT Help Desk maintains several online documents on ResNet, Wireless and other connections under Getting Connected. Local DSL, Cable Modem and Wireless 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 three 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, Windows Vista or Windows 7; Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7) with latest security updates
- Office Suite (such as Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, 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)
- Firewall (included in Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X)
- Web Browser (such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari) with latest security updates
What software do you sell?
DoIT has great deals
on popular Microsoft products (Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate and Office for Windows
or Mac starting at $63.99), and a variety of Adobe graphics and multimedia
software. You can buy these products in person at the DoIT Tech Store or
the online 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 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 our main Walk-in Help Desk in the Computer Sciences Building, 1210 W. Dayton Street, or our other locations in the Memorial Union or the Health Sciences Learning Center. See addresses and hours for each location below.
Contact the Help Desk any of these ways:
Online: helpdesk.wisc.edu
Self help always available
LiveChat: Select "Click to Chat" at bottom left corner of any Help Desk Web page,
7 days a week: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Phone: 608-264-HELP (4357),
7 days a week: 6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Email: help@doit.wisc.edu
Response within 24 hours
In person:
Computer Science Walk-in Help Desk (1210 W. Dayton St.)
Monday–Friday from 7:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Health Sciences Walk-in Help Desk (750 Highland Ave.)
Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Memorial Union Walk-in Help Desk (800 Langdon St.)
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.
