Monday September 8 2008
Information Technology Central Services at the University of Michigan
Orientation to U-M Computing

Quick Guide

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Orientation Guide

» for Students » for Parents

 

Printed copies of these publications will be made available during Campus Orientation.

Please consult the Quick Guide and Orientation Guide for important U-M IT policies and safe computing information.

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Computing on Campus

Orientation Guide for Students 2008–2009

Questions to Think About During Orientation

Am I required to own a computer?

Most U-M schools and colleges do not require you to own a computer, although a few do. Check with your academic program to be certain. We believe that owning a computer is extremely helpful and convenient.

Whether you own a computer or not, all students can take advantage of hundreds of computers at Campus Computing Sites. For students living in University Housing, a computing site is located in each of the residence halls.

What kind of computer is best?

Both Windows and Macs are used throughout the University. Some academic programs have a platform requirement or preference, so ask your academic advisor what types of computers and software are used in your field of study. Aside from that, your decision should be based on price, functionality, and overall lifestyle.

Desktop or notebook?

Most students choose notebooks because they are easy to transport, and wireless networking opportunities increase the places where you can work online. If you like the freedom of a notebook, go with it. However, be aware that notebooks are more easily damaged and stolen, while desktop computers generally have bigger screens and often cost less. Choose what you think will work best for you.

Where can I ask questions about purchasing a computer?

The University offers a year-round computer consulting and sales program through the U-M Computer Showcase. Available products include Windows and Mac computers, software, iPods, printers, cables, and other items that are sold at not-for-profit prices.

Visit the Showcase during Orientation. The Showcase has locations on the ground floor of the Michigan Union and on the main concourse of Pierpont Commons.

Showcase staff will answer questions about making smart choices, even if you decide to purchase your system elsewhere. If you are comparison shopping, consider any additional costs, such as extended warranties. The Showcase bundles an extended warranty in the price of the computers it sells.

What about warranties?

When you purchase a computer, be sure you understand what the manufacturer's warranty covers and for how long. Not all warranties are equal (for example, some cover accidental damage and some do not).

As a rule, the U-M Computer Showcase bundles three-year (or occasionally four-year) warranties with its computers. Yes, the warranty adds to the purchase price, but repairs are expensive and a good warranty pays for itself over time.

No matter where you purchase your computer, understand that you are buying the warranty from the manufacturer, not from the Showcase or other retailer. The manufacturer (Apple, Dell, IBM/Lenovo, etc.) sets the terms of the warranty.

For questions on service or repair, see the Computer Resources section.

If I decide to purchase a computer, should I buy one before or after I move to campus?

There can be advantages either way. If you buy a computer before you move to campus, you'll have more time to become familiar with it. However, by waiting until after you arrive, you can see what other students are using and learn more about campus resources and computing in your field of study.

Some vendors offer back-to-school specials starting in the summer, although good deals are often available at other times of the year also. Check the U-M Computer Showcase for specials and to get advice.

What technology is available for students with temporary injuries or ongoing disabilities?

Adaptive Technology Computing Services at U-M 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.

What software should I have?

We recommend Microsoft Office as a standard set of software applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Enrolled students can purchase Microsoft Office through the U-M Computer Showcase at educationally discounted prices. Other Microsoft products and products from other vendors, such as Adobe, are also available. Some Microsoft products are on DVDs, so you will need a DVD drive.

We recommend checking the Showcase's prices before purchasing elsewhere. If you own or purchase other software, be sure to bring the discs with you in case you need to reinstall the software.

ITCS provides no charge, downloadable anti-virus and preconfigured SSH and SFTP software. Visit our Blue Disc website to download these products.

If you need to use additional standard or specialized software, U-M's Virtual Sites allows you to remotely access the software on Campus Computing Sites' workstations from any Mac or Windows computer with an Internet connection. There is no charge to use this software.

Getting Started

What computing services will I get?

Your Basic Computing Package (BCP) includes your uniqname (login ID), UMICH Kerberos password, e-mail, 10 GB online storage space (IFS), and access to computers, printers, and software. Some students, such as Engineering majors, receive additional services through their college.

How do I get started with e-mail?

Your U-M e-mail address is your uniqname (login ID) and "@umich.edu" (for example, bjensen@umich.edu). Share your uniqname with anyone, but never share your password. You can use a number of mail applications, but we suggest starting with U-M's web-based e-mail.

What about networking in my residence hall room?

All residence hall rooms are wired with Ethernet for Internet access. University Housing charges an annual fee—automatically billed to your student account—for the network connection, Computing Sites' services, and educational programs.

You will need an Ethernet (RJ-45) cable (available at the Computer Showcase) to connect an Ethernet ready computer to the wall jack in the room. There is no charge to use a hub if there are more computers in your room than wall jacks. DSL service is available in Northwood Apartments and is included in the rental agreement.

Some residence halls offer wireless networking in common areas. In-room wireless is available in certain halls.

Computer Resources

Where can I get help with my computer?

There are various resources on or near campus:

Where can I get my computer serviced or repaired?

You have several options available:

Computing Life on Campus

Do I need insurance for my computer?

Yes. The University does not provide insurance for student belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged, so getting insurance is an excellent idea. Your parents may have a policy that provides coverage for college students in on-campus housing as part of a standard policy. If not, they may be able to add this coverage at an additional cost. Other options include renters' insurance, which is quite reasonable when compared to the cost of a replacement computer. For added safety, a security kit that locks down computer components is a good investment.

Is wireless available at U-M?

Yes. Check the map on the U-M Wireless Network website for specific locations and information about using wireless on campus. Your notebook computer will need to have a wireless card (see our Recommended Computer Requirements for more details).

If you need assistance setting up your computer, stop by the Computer Showcase.

Will I need my own printer?

No, but many students like the convenience of owning a printer. All students can print on University laser printers located in ResComp Sites, Campus Computing Sites, and some University Library locations.

As a convenience, you also can use mPrint, which allows you to print remotely to any Campus Computing Sites' printer.

A printing allocation (renewed each term) is included in your Basic Computing Package. All color printing and additional black-and-white printing exceeding your allocation at ResComp and Campus Computing Sites will be charged directly to your student account. You can check online to see how much of your allotment is left.

Will I need a cell phone?

No, although most students come to campus with a cell phone. Most students living in the residence halls are provided with a room telephone. Optional voicemail is available for a small fee on a per-room basis.

For more info, visit Housing's Telephone Service Quick Guide

Safety & Security

Do I need anti-virus software?

Yes. To protect your computer and the campus networks, the University provides a couple of options. We recommend that you take advantage of one of these options as soon as you set up your computer.

1) U-M offers excellent commercial software at no charge: Sophos Anti-Virus for the Mac and VirusScan for Windows. This software protects against adware and spyware as well. We've configured these programs to check for updates every hour, so you're always certain to have the most current protection. Visit the U-M Virus Busters website to find out about preventing and eradicating computer viruses and to link to the Blue Disc website.

2) During Fall Move-In and Welcome Week, ResComp and ITCS offer free Inoculation Stations. The I-Stations are centralized support locations where you can follow self-guided instructions to patch your operating system and install anti-virus software. For I-Station dates, times, and locations, visit the ResComp website.

What do I need to know about computer security?

Computer safety is a major concern to the University community. We strongly recommend that you visit the U-M IT Security Services website. There you will discover ways to protect yourself and your computer.

How do I receive urgent notifications in case of a campus emergency?

The U-M Department of Public Safety automatically notifies students, faculty, and staff by e-mail when there is an active, major campus emergency. Additional notification methods include text and voice messages. To receive text and voice message alerts during an emergency, you need to register on Wolverine Access under "Student Business."

For more info, visit UM Emergency Alert.

Computing Know-How

How do I use my online storage space?

Log in to the mFile website or click on the "My IFS Home" icon on any Campus Computing Sites' computer. Use this secure space to store and share files and to publish your personal website.

You can download software from the Blue Disc website (Fugu or Fetch for Macs, or SSH Secure Shell for Windows) to access your IFS home directory. Additional space beyond the standard allocation is available for a nominal fee.

What do I need to know about file sharing policies and other rules?

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

As a service to students, 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 e-mail with a link to educational information and University resources to the person whose computer is uploading.

Do I need to back up my files?

Yes, backing up your files regularly is important. You should back up often and check your backups to make sure they are reliable. The University supplies 10 GB of secure online file storage.

What can I do about spam e-mail?

Your e-mail address is automatically set to use U-M's Do Not Spam List. This list rejects mail from known spam sources. You also can sign up for SpamBox, which filters out any spam that gets past the list and places it in your SpamBox folder. It's a good idea to regularly check this folder for any misplaced messages before deleting the spam. These measures will reduce, but not eliminate, spam.

For more info on dealing with spam, visit the U-M Spam Busters website.

How can my parents get access to my online billing information?

You will need to provide your parents with a Friend Account and authorize them to access specific services, such as University billing statements and financial aid data.

What computing skills should I have when I arrive?

If you own a computer, we encourage you to learn as much as possible about using and maintaining your system and application software. Some students take advantage of community classes before coming to U-M to learn advanced computer software skills.

Where can I learn more?

Once you get to campus, there is a variety of information available to students through ResComp, ITCS, University Library, and the U-M Computer Showcase.