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Getting Connected Orientation Guide

 

Getting Connected

Everything You Need to Know about Computing at U-M

• Know Your Computing Package
• Get Connected
• Get Help
• Access Your @umich.edu Email
• Go Mobile
• Use Your Computer Wisely
• Buy Computers and Software
• Find U-M Friends and Classmates
• Download PDF (2MB)
• Use Computers and Software
• Protect Yourself and Your Computer

Know Your Standard Computing Package

The standard computing package U-M provided to every student includes:

• Uniqname (login ID you select) and UMICH Kerberos password
• Email
• Personal file storage, also known as Institutional File System (IFS)
• Online directory
• Printing allocation
• Access to Unix systems (Login Service and SCS) for computationally intensive programs
• Access to the ITS Service Center, computers, printers, and software

Some students receive additional services through their school or college.

Access Your @umich.edu Email

U-M email addresses consist of a uniqname and "@umich.edu" (for example, bjensen@umich.edu). Share your uniqname with anyone, but never share your password. You'll use your Google Apps UMICH account for email.

Buy Computers and Software

Most schools and colleges do not require you to own a computer, but a few do. Check with your academic program to be certain. Whether or not you own a computer, you can use computers available at Campus Computing Sites and in the common areas of residence halls.

Windows or Mac?

People across campus use both Windows and Macs. Base your decision as to which you want on program-of-study requirements, price, functionality, overall lifestyle, and suggestions from your academic advisor.

Pros and Cons: Notebook, netbook, tablets or desktop computer?

Notebook	Netbook	Tablet	Desktop
Easy to transport	Lacks the computing power necessary to support academics	Usefulness depends on program of study	Bigger screens than notebooks
Heavier than netbook or tablet	Easy to transport	Easy to transport	Very difficult to transport
Wireless networking opportunities abundant on campus	More lightweight than laptop; heavier than tablet	Very lightweight	Heavy and cumbersome
Chosen by more students than other types	Nice accompaniment to another computer	Vulnerable to theft	Less likely to be damaged or stolen

Warranties

• Not all warranties are equal; for example, some cover accidental damage and some do not. Be sure you understand what the manufacturer's warranty covers and for how long.
• The Computer Showcase bundles most of the computers it sells with a three-year warranty. The warranty adds to the purchase price, but repairs can be expensive and a good warranty can pay for itself over time.
• No matter where you buy your computer, please note that the warranty is from the manufacturer, not from the Showcase or other retailer. The manufacturer sets the terms of the warranty.

Buy Software

• We recommend Microsoft Office as a standard set of software applications.
• If you have paid your enrollment deposit, you can purchase Microsoft Office through the Computer Showcase at educationally discounted prices.
• Other Microsoft products and products from other vendors, such as Adobe, are also available at the Showcase. Some Microsoft products for Windows are on DVDs, so you will need a DVD drive.
• We also recommend that you check the Showcase's discounted educational prices before purchasing elsewhere.
• If you own or purchase other software, be sure to bring along the discs in case a problem occurs.
• U-M offers various types of preconfigured software.
• The university also provides and strongly recommends that all students download the anti-virus software.

Computer Showcase

• The University offers a year-round computer consulting and sales program through the Computer Showcase.
• The Showcase has locations on the ground floor of the Michigan Union (Central Campus) and on the main concourse of Pierpont Commons (North Campus).
• The Showcase staff can answer questions about selecting or configuring your computer for use at U-M.
• Additionally, the Computer Support and Repair Service provides low-cost assistance to students who have a variety of software and hardware maintenance and repair issues. The services includes:
  • walk-in maintenance services for most brands of computers, including virus remediation and software troubleshooting
  • Software installations, including operating system upgrades
  • hardware upgrades and installations (RAM, hard drives, network cards, and more)
  • data back-ups and transfers
• Because of contractual agreements with computer manufacturers, only U-M students, staff, and faculty may purchase computers and software from the Showcase at significantly discounted prices. Available products include PC and Mac computers, software, iPods, printers, cables, and more.
• The Showcase bundles most of the computers it sells with a three-year warranty. The warranty adds to the purchase price, but repairs can be expensive and a good warranty can pay for itself over time.
• Because of the licensing agreements the university has with various vendors, only you—not your parents or a family member—can purchase computers and equipment from the Showcase.

Use Computers and Software

Use Computer Labs

Campus Computing Sites provide help with standard computing services and sites-related computing questions.

Print

• You can print on university laser printers located in ResComp Sites, Campus Computing Sites, and some University Library locations.
• As a convenience, you can use MPrint, which allows remote printing to any Campus Computing Sites' printer.
• Your standard computing service includes a printing allocation. Charges for all color and additional black-and-white printing exceeding your allocation will appear on your student account. Check your allotment information online.

Use Software Remotely

If you need to use additional standard or specialized software, you can access it via Virtual Sites from Campus Computing Sites' workstations or from any computer with an Internet connection.

Get Connected

On Campus

Use MWireless for a secure WiFi connection. First, you must configure your device – learn how to connect. Check the WiFi Network Locations map for specific locations.

In Residence Halls

• If you have a University Housing (on-campus) contract, then networking is included as part of the Housing technology fee—automatically billed to your student account—for the network connection, ResComp support services, and educational programs University Housing provides.
• You will need an Ethernet cable (available at the Computer Showcase) to connect an Ethernet-ready computer to the wall jack in the room.
• You may use a hub at no extra charge if there are more computers in your room than wall jacks.
• Most residence halls offer wireless networking in common areas. A few also offer it in individual rooms.
• If you're living in the Northwood Community Apartments, then networking access is available through a DSL service.
• Certain off-campus rental units include free networking, while others do not. Check with the landlord or leasing agent to determine what is available. Privately paid options include DSL service, cable modem, wireless USB modem, or PC card.

Go Mobile

Visit the U-M Mobile Center on your smart phone to download the Michigan iPhone App and other mobile applications.

Find U-M Friends and Classmates

• MCommunity, U-M's online directory, includes contact information and more for all members of the U-M community. Use it to forward your U-M email to a different address and to create and manage email groups.
• U-M Automated Operator (734-615-2244) provides non-restricted student, staff, and faculty telephone numbers.

Protect Yourself and Your Computer

Personal and computer safety is a major concern to the University community. We recommend that you visit the U-M Safe Computing website. On this site, you will discover ways to protect yourself and your computer.

Sign Up for Urgent Notifications in Case of a Campus Emergency

The U-M Department of Public Safety automatically notifies students, faculty, and staff by email when there is an active, major campus emergency. Additional notification methods include text and voice messages. Register on Wolverine Access.

For more info, visit UM Emergency Alert.

Explore Security-Related Websites

• Blue Disc — Download preconfigured security-related software

• IT User Advocate — Report online abuse, harassment, or suspicious email

• Safe Computing — Get info on protecting your data, your computer, and your online identity

• Anti-virus Protection at U-M — Install free anti-virus software

Use Secure WiFi

MWireless is the most secure WiFi network and should be used by all U-M students. Before using the service, you will need to configure settings on your WiFi device. See Connecting to MWireless and UM Wireless Network.

Note: MGuest is a courtesy WiFi network for visitors to campus. It is a limited network that does not encrpt data.

Prevent Theft

• Keep your computer visible and in your possession when in use, stored when not in use, and protected with a password.
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Don't leave your computer in your unlocked residence hall room while you visit with friends down the hall.
• Many students take the added precaution of participating in the U-M Department of Public Safety's Laptop Registration Program.

Purchase Insurance

• We recommend that you insure your computer.
• The university does not carry insurance for student belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Your parents may have a home insurance policy that provides coverage while you're away at college. If not, you may wish encourage them to add this coverage to their policy.
• Another option is renters' insurance, which is quite reasonable when compared to the cost of replacing your computer.
• For added safety, a security kit that locks down computer components is a good investment.

Download Anti-virus software

• The university provides a couple of free options to protect students' computers and the campus networks. We recommend that you take advantage of one of these options as soon as you set up your computer.
• U-M offers excellent commercial software at no charge: Sophos Anti-Virus for the Mac and VirusScan for Windows. These software packages protect against adware and spyware as well. The programs check for updates every hour, so you will have the most up-to-date protection. Download the software from the Blue Disc website.
• During Move-in and Welcome Week, ResComp and ITS offer free Inoculation Stations. The I-Stations are centralized support locations where you can follow self-guided instructions to patch operating systems and install anti-virus software.

Get Help

Students with Disabilities

Adaptive Technology Computing Services provides a broad range of specialized computing workstations to serve the needs of students with disabilities, including mobility impairment, learning or reading impairments, deafness, low vision, and blindness. Ergo-assistive computing environments and equipment are available throughout campus.

Computer Help

• During Move-in to a residence hall, you will receive the ResComp NetGuide.
• Northwood Community Apartments residents receive the Northwood NetGuide.
• U-M computer consultants are available at no charge. Call 734-764-HELP (764-4357).
• Computer Showcase provides help with virus remediation, software upgrades, and hardware installations.
• Resources in the Ann Arbor area are available by checking online or the telephone directory.

Computer Repair

• ITS Computer Support & Repair operates out of the Computer Showcase store in the Michigan Union only and services mostly Apple and Dell computers.
• Contact the computer's manufacturer. Options may include taking it to a specific location or store, using a pickup service, or choosing from a list of qualified local repair centers.
• Resources in the Ann Arbor area are available by checking online or the telephone directory.

Use Your Computer Wisely

Back Up Computer Files

Yes, backing up files regularly is very important. You should back up often and check the backups to make sure they are reliable. The university supplies 10 GB of secure online file storage to all students as part of their standard computing services.

Avoid Illegal File Sharing

Certain forms of file sharing are legal, while others are not. It is possible to share files and not know you are doing so. The penalties for illegally sharing files can be costly.

The university has designed a service called BAYU (Be Aware You're Uploading), which notifies users on the residence halls' networks that they might be uploading. The system does not look at the content being uploaded, nor does it look at the content on the computer's hard drive. Instead, it sends an email with a link to educational information and university resources to the person whose computer is uploading.

Use Online Storage Space

Log in to the MFile website or click on the "My IFS Home" icon on any Campus Computing Sites' computer.

Help Your Parents Access Online Billing

Your parents will need to sign up for a Friend Account, and you will need to authorize them to access specific services, such as university billing statements and financial aid data.

Information and Technology Services

Student Computing at U-M    Office of New Student Programs    M-Parent    Contact ITS    University of Michigan

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