ResTech
MyUW is your personal network doorway into the
UW
Properly managing your computer is the secret to
avoiding virus infections.
The UWICK CD, available at the University
Bookstore for $1, has all the software you need to
securely connect to the UW, including anti-virus
programs.
D2U takes you to
legal, easy to use streaming audio and video, downloads,
and podcasting
News about computers and networks in UW residence halls
Getting Started
Prepare your computer before you plug it in
Prepare your computer with a firewall and anti-virus software BEFORE plugging in.
Making the 'Net work for you
Every residence hall room has a connection to the UW networks. Follow these step-by-step procedures to successfully get onto the networks.
Setting up your own wireless? Do it carefully!
Improper configuration of a wireless access point (AP) will cause conflicts with others. Keep in mind that anyone who connects to your AP using an infected computer can cause your UW network access to be restricted.
Once you are connected
Services you can use
The UW offers you outstanding information technology resources, including fast Internet connections to every residence hall room. You can send and receive email, create your own Web page, use computer labs, download anti-virus software, take free computing classes, and much more.
Computer workshops and training classes
A variety of computer workshops and training classes are available to UW students. For information about free, walk-in workshops offered by students for students, check out the Walk-in Worshops page. For $49 per year, students can access over 1,000 non-credit technology courses. Students can also get a 50% discount on most instructor led courses offered by UW Computer Training.
Discounts on Microsoft software
Through a special license agreement with Microsoft, the UW is able to offer students a select number of Microsoft software titles at signficant discounts. The software can be purchased online and delivered to you. Browse the list of software available and check prices. When you are ready to buy, login with your UW NetID and provide credit card and delivery information.
Getting help
UW Technology offers assistance over the phone for Internet and email connectivity issues. If you are having difficulty getting connected, call 206-221-5000 or send email to help@u.washington.edu
Phones and TV
Telephones in every room
Local telephone service is provided in each residence hall room including coverage of Western Washington. You provide your own touchtone phone. You can add long distance service by filling out a form at the front desk of your residence hall or apartment management office.
Husky TV has lots of channels
HuskyTV provides you with over 70 channels. If you have questions about HuskyTV residence hall service, contact Housing and Food Services at 206-543-4017.
Using the UW services and networks
Sending email requires your UW NetID and password
To send email through the UW email services, you must authenticate (enter your UW NetID and password during your email session). If in the past you have used Dante or WebPine to send email, this new requirement will not affect you. Just enter your UW NetID and password when asked. If you use some other method to send email, such as the Outlook Express or Thunderbird email programs, you may need to make changes in how you have your program configured.
Some email attachments are renamed by UW Email
In email sent to you attachments with names ending in ".zip", ".rar" and ".exe" will have their file names modified by the UW email system. This is done to prevent virus infected attachments from automatically executing or opening once they reach your computer. If you are expecting the file, you can just change the name back and use it. If you are not expecting the file or you have any other reason to be suspicious about it, the safest action is to delete the message.
Server traffic has low priority
File sharing server programs like BitTorrent, eDonkey, and others have a tendency to use a lot of the network capacity. To ensure that others can do their work, traffic from servers in the residence halls to off-campus locations is automatically limited.
Copyright laws apply here
Sharing copyrighted files (music, movies, pictures, etc.) from your computer without permission may be a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The UW honors copyright law. Complaints alleging illegal sharing of copyright protected material are taken seriously and action is taken to contact the alleged violator. Copyright violations may result in disciplinary action and permanent bans from access to University computing systems.
Protect yourself, your computer, and the UW
Do not share your UW NetID and password
Your UW NetID is how you identify yourself to UW's online services. Do not let any other person use your NetID and password.
Keep your computer up-to-date
The Internet is filled with viruses and worms. Do not give them a chance to get onto your computer. Whether your computer is Windows or Mac, keep up-to-date on the latest operating system patches. The safest method is to turn on Automatic Update so that improvements are installed as soon as they are available.
Run anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep it up-to-date
Viruses can really mess up your computer. Spyware can collect passwords and other personal information. The UW provides McAfee anti-virus software free to all students. Since anti-virus software is only effective if kept up-to-date, configure yours to automatically update its data files. In addition, you can download good anti-spyware programs for free.
Infected computers may get restricted
If your computer gets infected with a virus or worm, it may start trying to infect other computers, prompting the UW network management people to restrict your network connection. When restricted, you will not be able to get to Web sites outside the UW. If you do get restricted, clean up your computer first. You may have to completely reinstall your operating system and other software. Then request that your connection be unrestricted.
The Computer Vet can help you clean your infected computer
The Computer Vet service assists students who have had their network connectivity restricted due to a virus infection. Staff at the OUGL Computing Commons and MGH Computing Resource Center assist students in cleaning, patching and safely returning their computers to the campus network.
