Get a computing account

Your campus computing account is your key to nearly all UC Davis computing services. Your account was probably set up when you began your UC Davis job or enrolled here as a student; for more information about opening an account, go to computingaccounts.ucdavis.edu. If you need help, contact the IT Express Computing Services Help Desk weekdays (except on holidays) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at (530) 754-HELP (4357).

Get a computer

For faculty and staff: When you're buying a computer for personal or university use, please check with your department's technology support staff to determine whether to buy a Mac or PC, and which systems you might want.

For students: Every entering undergraduate is expected to own a computer that meets minimum performance standards and can connect to the Internet. Rather than require a specific system (i.e., PC or Mac), the campus states its expectation as a minimum set of functional requirements: students should have a computer that will run a word processing program, a spreadsheet program, an email program, a World Wide Web browser, and is equipped with a CD-ROM drive. A printer is recommended.

Equipment feature suggestions for desktop and laptop computers are available at computerownership.ucdavis.edu. Desktop systems and laptops that meet or exceed the campus recommended specifications can be purchased at competitive prices at the UC Davis Bookstore's TechHub computer shop. Students eligible for need-based financial aid can apply for additional funding to pay for these systems through the Financial Aid Office.

Get online

Wireless access to the campus network is available in many areas on campus. Find a wireless map and other information here. Students living on campus can connect directly to the Internet from their rooms using ResNet, the high-speed residence hall network.

Get secure

Guarding against computer viruses, hacker intrusions, and identity theft is an important part of campus computing life. The campus IT security group Web site has information on campus security efforts, plus instructions on how to prevent compromised passwords, identity theft, and other security problems.

The campus offers free downloads of Sophos Anti-Virus to UC Davis faculty, staff and students via my.ucdavis.edu/software.

Get to the campus computer rooms

Open-access computer rooms provide access to the Internet and a range of software programs used in UC Davis courses. You can drop in whenever they're open; ditto for two "media" computer labs that specialize in the viewing, editing, and distribution of various types of media. You can also use any of the many computer classrooms when they're not being used for instruction. Some campus departments have computer rooms, too; check with the department's main offices for availability and locations. And if you live in a dorm, you can use computer rooms (called Learning Resource Centers) in each residence hall area. Go to http://iet.ucdavis.edu/rooms/computerrooms_summary.cfm for locations, hours, availability, and other information about campus computer rooms.

Get the latest computing news

Visit the TechNews Web site to sign up for a weekly email with links to updates on computer security, wireless, and other important campus tech news. You can also get TechNews headlines through Twitter (account name UCDavisTechNews).

Get the scoop on downloading music/file sharing

The Student Computing Guide has resources on filesharing to help students understand their rights and responsibilities in this area.

Get help

The IT Express Campus Computing Services Help Desk provides assistance with many topics, including Internet software, campus Internet access, and activating and accessing your UC Davis email and computing accounts. Call them on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on holidays, at (530) 754-HELP (4357).