NSIT Welcome
Section 2: Get Your Computer Set Up and Connect to the Network
Get a computer
As a student at the University of Chicago, you are eligible to take advantage of computer discounts negotiated on your behalf by the University. You can purchase computers through the University's authorized campus reseller at the NSIT Solution Center or via our online catalog, oStore. We also provide a list of recommended computer bundles, which provide savings to University students.
For more information, visit:
Get Software
The University of Chicago offers a wealth of software, some of which you can get at a discounted rate, or at no charge at all! For example, you can buy all of Microsoft Office for just $25 under the campus site license. To get discounted software, check out our Connectivity Software or the Site Licensing Office. NSIT's Solution Center is available to assist with software sales in person, or you may use our online catalog, oStore. In addition, you can also visit one of the USITE computer clusters, which have a standard suite of software installed on each machine.
For more information, visit: nsit.uchicago.edu/software
Network on Campus
The entire campus, including residence halls, is wired for Ethernet, which provides a direct connection to the campus network and to the Internet. To use a jack, you will need an Ethernet port in your computer, which is standard on all recommended computer bundles offered through the Solution Center. You will also need an Ethernet cable. If you are a College student you will receive an Ethernet cable at O-Fest along with your Chicago Identification Card. You will also need to register your computer on the network. To do so, just open a web browser on your computer and follow the Network Registration instructions. Once you've registered, you will have network access for your computer for the remainder of the school year.
Wireless Internet is available throughout campus and in the residence halls. When you connect to the Internet you will see a page which requires your CNetID and CNet password. Once supplied, you will have wireless network access; however, you may need to log in again with your CNetID if your computer sleeps or if you close your browser.
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you, as a University community member, access University network resources as if you were on campus, no matter where you are in the world. However, you do not need the VPN to access library resources and most other campus resources. It is only necessary to access certain restricted resources, such as network-based file shares.
For more information, visit: nsit.uchicago.edu/tipsheets/connect
Protect Your Computer
As technology becomes central to our everyday lives, keeping that technology safe becomes all that much more important. NSIT offers tips and solutions for protecting your computer and practicing safe computing.
While you're thinking about safety, don't forget to protect yourself too. cAlert is the University's electronic emergency-notification system. Now is a good time to set up for notifications in case of an emergency on campus.
For more information, visit:
Policies
Computers at the University are subject to University information technology policies, including the Eligibility and Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology (EAUP) and the File Sharing policy. For information on these and other policies, visit our policies website.
For more information, visit: nsit.uchicago.edu/policies
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Last updated: 9/23/09