Future Students
A technology guide for future students
Information technology is an increasingly important part of our
everyday life. It is no different at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
If you learn with technology, you’ll be at home at UW-Madison.
UW-Madison
provides you with the technology resources you need to be successful:
- a personalized Web portal, providing Web-based email, a calendar,
and access to campus and student information
- Internet access via a variety of network connection options,
including wireless network access points distributed around campus
- 1,000 general-access computers available in labs across campus
- 24-hour help desk
- free training
- a retail store providing computing hardware, software, peripherals
and supplies, advice and repair.
With these tools, you can communicate via email with faculty and
other students outside the classroom. Learn from other students
in free training sessions. Use word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
and Internet tools for class assignments and research. Buy the latest
hardware and software at great prices. Schedule appointments and
campus events with your personalized calendar.
At UW-Madison, you’re never far from the Internet. Every University
residence hall room has a network connection ready for your computer. DSL and
cable modem services from private vendors offer additional options
for network connections in private dorms and other residences. If
you own a laptop with a wireless network card, use the campus wireless
network to connect to the Internet.
When you’re out and about on campus, stop at a general-access computing
lab, computer kiosk, or checkout a laptop with wireless networking.
My UW-Madison Web portal
My UW-Madison is your personal entry point to student and campus
information at UW-Madison. It is an easy-to-use Web tool that you
can “personalize” for quick access to the resources you need to
meet your educational goals. It includes Web-based email and calendaring
and access to the campus library catalog. You can view your course
schedule and grades, add or drop classes, update your personal information
and more.
You gain access to My UW-Madison when you activate your unique
NetID. When you log on, My UW-Madison recognizes who you are and
presents your personalized information. You get secure access to
content based on your NetID.
Computer labs, laptops and kiosks
More than 1,000 computers are available in the 17 general-access
labs located on campus. Even if you have your own computer, you
can use the printers, scanners, CD burning and digital editing resources
available in the labs; see www.doit.wisc.edu/computerlabs/.
Wireless laptop computers are available for short-term checkout
at several of the labs; see www.doit.wisc.edu/laptops/. Campus computer
kiosks also provide Internet access in many campus locations; see
www.doit.wisc.edu/kiosks/.
Internet connections
With your own computer, you have several Internet connection options
that vary in speed, convenience and cost. You can connect using
Ethernet (ResNet in University
Residence Halls), the wireless network (connect at
most locations around campus) or a commercial service such as DSL (digital
subscriber line) or cable modem.
ResNet (Ethernet) is included in UW Residence Halls and two private
dorms (Towers and Regent). ResNet, DSL and cable modem require a
computer with an Ethernet card. To access the wireless network,
your laptop must have a wireless network card. The DoIT Tech Store
has additional information about each of these Internet connection
options.
Should I buy a computer?
You are not required to own your own computer, though more than
90% of UW-Madison students do. If you’re thinking about buying a
new computer, first talk to your major department and the DoIT Tech
Store. Your major department might have specific technology
recommendations, and the Tech Store provides free expert
consultation and product information to help you decide what you
need. Contact the Tech Store by phone (608-265-7469) or stop in at 1210 W. Dayton St. or 750 Highland Ave.
Should I buy a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop?
The DoIT Tech Store and your major department can provide
valuable information to help you decide which computer is better
for you. Consider the software you plan to use, any recommendations/preferences
from your major field of study, and your personal preference and
past experience.
Buy the computer that best suits your needs. Macintoshes and PCs
have their advantages. Both are popular on campus, both are found
in the computer labs, and both can be serviced on campus. Most software
that a typical college student uses will run on either a Mac or
a PC.
When deciding between a laptop or desktop, first consider what
is most important to you:
Mobility
Consider a laptop if you think you will make use of the
campus wireless network that allows you to connect to the Internet
with your laptop, a wireless card and your activated NetID.
Screen size
If portability isn’t a priority for you, a desktop computer
might be a better option. Desktop computers usually have a bigger
screen and broader keyboard.
Price
Desktop computers are generally less expensive to purchase,
repair and upgrade than a similarly configured laptop.
You
can purchase Dell, Gateway and Apple desktop and laptop computers
at educational discounts available through each of these vendor’s
web sites. You can buy computer supplies, documentation, software,
peripherals, and parts at academic discounts at the DoIT Tech Store.
Before you buy anything, contact the Tech Store for product
information and assistance in identifying your computing needs.
Help
The University provides full Help Desk services, accessible 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week. You can visit one of three Walk-in Help Desk
locations, send an email message to help@doit.wisc.edu, or call (608) 264-HELP
(4357) anytime.
You can also access Help Online, a computing-related knowledge
base, at helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu. At Help Online, you can
search for solutions, follow the progress of your Help Desk inquiries,
or email questions to the Help Desk mailbox.
As a registered UW-Madison student, you can take advantage of free
training through the Software Training for Students program. Classes
vary from basic desktop applications to advanced Web design. No
registration is required, but seating is usually limited and is
offered on a first-come, first-served basis. See the Web site at
www.doit.wisc.edu/training/sts for more information.
A campus retail facility, called the
Tech Store, sells hardware and software at substantial educational
discounts at two locations. Part of UW-Madison’s Division of Information Technology
(DoIT), the Tech Store provides information,
advice, and demonstrations on supported products. Contact the Tech
Store at (608) 265-7469 or visit 1210 W. Dayton St. or 750 Highland Ave. At the Online Tech Store, you can find
DoIT-recommended products, comparisons, information concerning compatibility
and other advice. Check out the Online Tech Store at techstore.doit.wisc.edu.
DoIT has an authorized service department
that offers installation and repair services for computers, monitors,
printers, and other equipment. Take advantage of reasonable rates
or subscribe to one of several service-plan options to keep your
computing system up and running.
Security and responsible use of campus
network
UW-Madison works to minimize risks to
information and computing resources on campus. Responsible use guidelines
include:
• Be smart, do not swap copyrighted
music or video.
• Do not SPAM. It’s annoying, and it
slows down the network.
• Protect your computer – free Norton
AntiVirus is available to all UW students.
• Your NetID and password are very important.
Do not lose or share them.
Location and more information
DoIT is located at 1210 W. Dayton St.
and is open 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more
information about computing resources available to UW-Madison students,
see www.doit.wisc.edu/students/ or contact the Tech Store
at (608) 265-7469
