Get a computing account and verify your password

Your campus computing account is your key to accessing nearly all UC Davis computing services, and it's vitally important that you have one, as you will need it to use email and register for your classes. If you haven't already gotten a computing account, or can't seem to remember your LoginID or password, head over to IT Express in room 182 of Shields Library. Student representatives will be there to help you out and answer your questions. You can also sign up for an account online at computingaccounts.ucdavis.edu.

Get a computer

Every entering undergraduate student is expected to own a computer that meets certain minimum performance standards and can connect effectively to the Internet. Rather than require a specific system (i.e., PC or Mac), the campus states its expectation in terms of 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 also 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 Computer Shop. Students who are eligible for need-based financial aid can apply for additional funding to pay for these systems through the Financial Aid Office.

Get online

Students living on campus can connect directly to the Internet from their rooms using ResNet, the high-speed residence hall network. Wireless access to the campus network is also available in many areas on campus, including Shields Library and the Memorial Union. Students living off campus will need a modem to access the 56K Student Modem Pool.

Get secure

Guarding against computer viruses, hacker intrusions, and identity theft has become an important part of campus computing life. The campus IT security group maintains a comprehensive Web site that provides information on the latest campus security efforts, and helpful instructions on how to prevent a wide range of security issues, including compromised passwords and identity theft.

The campus has also made the latest edition of Symantec AntiVirus available to UC Davis students for free download via the MyUCDavis Web portal.

Get to the campus computer rooms

Open-access computer rooms are available on campus for drop-in use and provide access to the Internet and a range of software programs used in UC Davis courses. Many computer classrooms are also available on a drop-in basis when not being used for instruction, and two "media" computer labs are available that specialize in the viewing, editing, and distribution of various types of media. Computer rooms reserved for dorm residents (called Learning Resource Centers) are available in each of the residence hall areas. Some campus departments also have computer rooms; check with the department's main offices for availability and locations. Go to http://scg.ucdavis.edu/docs/comproomsmap_11x17.pdf to download a map of the campus computer rooms.

Get the latest computing news

Students can visit the TechNews Web site and sign up to receive a weekly email that includes links to the latest information on computer security, campus wireless, and other important service changes and upgrades.

Get the scoop on downloading music/file sharing

Copyright issues surrounding filesharing and the downloading of music and other digital media are popular topics of discussion at universities nationwide. To help you better understand your rights and responsibilities as a UC Davis student, the Student Computing Guide provides a number of resources on filesharing.

Get help

IT Express, the campus computing help desk, provides assistance with many topics, including Internet software, campus Internet access, and activating and accessing your UC Davis email and computing accounts.