Each student has a username and password created automatically. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/compaccess.htm] For security reasons, the password has specific requirements and must be changed every 90 days. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/password.htm]

You need the proper cable to connect your computer to the campus network. It's typically called a network or CAT-5 cable; it looks similar a telephone cable but it's larger. Measure the distance from the wall port to your preferred computer location and purchase the cable from the UCCS Bookstore, computer store, or office supply.

You can also connect your laptop to the wireless network. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/wireless.htm]

There are two ports on the wall for phone and computer. They're the same size. (Hint: If your phone has a dial tone, the other port is for the computer.) To ensure everyone has reliable access to the UCCS network, dorm ports are controlled and monitored. In addition the network is shared so the speed depends on the number of current users. Do not use routers, bridging, or your own wireless to increase the number of ports in your room. Our network is designed to support one device for each port. You can use your Xbox or similar game console to play on the internet, but not peer-to-peer with another student in the dorms due to security restrictions.

While on the UCCS network, we provide your internet service (ISP). Do not use the AOL or MSN browsers while connected to our network. They only cause problems. You can go to www.aol.com or www.msn.com to check an email account or use instant messaging. We provide file storage for students and faculty. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/filestorage.htm] Student storage is 700 megabytes.

Dorm students are required to install Symantec Anti-Virus (corporate version of Norton). The Information Technology Department manages this product to protect your computer and our network. You must remove any other anti-virus program before installing SAV to prevent problems on your computer. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/dorm-net.htm]

Webmail is an official means of communication at UCCS and you're encouraged to check it at least weekly. The campus email system has a spam filter that helps eliminate unwanted email. For your convenience, you may redirect your email to another address, but you're still responsible for reading the email even if the redirect fails. [www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/webmail.htm]

Your room phone is your official phone number used by staff and faculty to contact you. Please take 5 minutes to set up your voicemail. [www.uccs.edu/it/telecommweb/voicemail.htm]

There are three large labs available to all students in the Library, Columbine 231, and Engineering 233. Hours and locations for these and other labs can be found at www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/computerlabs.htm.

The IT Help Desk is located on the first floor of the El Pomar Center. We're available Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm, to assist with password problems, network connection issues, email concerns, etc. Due to limited resources, we're unable to clean viruses or spyware from your computer, nor perform repairs. However we'll be happy to assist you in finding a local vendor who can help. To prevent problems, please see www.uccs.edu/helpdesk/netsecurity.htm. We also have an extensive website with explanations, instructions, and other help at www.uccs.edu/helpdesk. New students might especially benefit from the Getting Started section. We can also be reached at 262-3536 (3536 on your dorm phone).

If you suspect a problem with the network (not telephone) port in your room, please call the Help Desk while you're at your computer so we can troubleshoot the connection. If we need to send someone to your room, you must be present. We will call your room phone for access to the dormitory. Report telephone problems to the Housing Office in Monarch.