Computers

Computing is a vital part of life at Yale. You will use computers for e-mail, browsing the Internet, registering for courses, accessing library catalogs, writing papers, submitting assignments for classes, and countless other tasks. Each student is provided with secure network storage space that can be used for data backup and for hosting personal Web pages. All students are required to abide by the University's policies for computer usage. These policies can be found on line policies for computer usage.

Activating Your NetID

Your NetID is a unique identifier that gives you access to Yale online resources and e-mail. You will receive a letter in late June with instructions on how to activate your NetID, choose a password, and set up security questions.

Personal Computers

Yale College has no computer ownership requirement or operating system preference. However, over ninety percent of Yale undergraduates own personal computers, with a Windows to Macintosh ratio of about two to one. Students with personal computers can connect to Yale's network from their rooms, using in-room Ethernet connections, or from various locations around campus by means of wired and wireless networks. Information about connecting to Yale's network can be found at the ITS Student Technology Collaborative Web site.

Additional Resources

If you bring your own computer, bring along all documentation, software media, and warranty information. These materials are essential to connecting to the network and solving computer problems. A method for backing up data, usually to an external hard drive or DVDs, is also recommended.

The Student Technology Collaborative offers technical support to students with personal computers. Each residential college and the Old Campus has its own team of Student Techs (STS) whose job is to assist fellow students with technology issues. Students can also get walk-in or phone assistance at the Technology Troubleshooting Office, located in Bass Library. To get more information or contact an ST using the online request form, go to the ITS Student Technology Collaborative Web site.

Computing Facilities

Academic Media & Technology operates approximately twenty computing facilities on campus. These include a computer room in each residential college as well as larger facilities in Phelps Hall, Connecticut Hall, Bass Library, Dunham Laboratory, and Sterling Chemistry Laboratory. These computing facilities offer convenient places to access e-mail and the Internet. They also have special hardware and software (such as color laser printers, scanners, and digital imaging software). The major facilities are staffed by sts, who can answer questions and help with problems. In addition, Academic Media & Technology provides e-mail kiosks throughout the campus for quick access to e-mail and the Internet. For more information about Yale's general-access computer clusters, see the Cluster Support Services Web site.

Wireless Computing

Many public areas on campus, including dining halls, libraries, and residential college courtyards, offer wireless Internet access to computers with 802.11b/g-compatible adapters. Most dormitory rooms are not yet set up for wireless access, but Yale currently plans to make wireless access available across the campus within the next two years. For information and recommendations regarding wireless computing, see the ITS Student Technology Collaborative Web site.

Buying Computer Hardware and Software

Students who wish to purchase new computers should consider the recommendations published by the Student Technology Collaborative (STC). During the summer, computer specifications and special Yale prices from selected vendors will be posted on the STC site. Yale students are not required to buy computers through the STC, but the Yale-negotiated prices and packages are worth investigating. For information about Yale student computer purchasing recommendations and discounts, visit the ITS Student Technology Collaborative Web site.

The STC strongly recommends that you have the following accessories for your computer:

1. Accident coverage for protection against spilled liquids or dropped computers (check with your manufacturer or vendor to see if your warranty covers these contingencies)

2. Four-year extended warranty for protection against computer hardware failure

3. Laptop lock to secure your computer to your desk

4. External hard drive or recordable cds or dvds for data backup

Many software vendors sell software at academic prices. The STC has negotiated special pricing for Microsoft Office; for information see the ITS Student Technology Collaborative Web site. In addition, Yale provides, free of charge, some major site-licensed software, including Symantec AntiVirus. For a list of software currently available to students, visit the Yale ITS Software Library.

Information Sessions

You should also plan to attend one of the "Computing@Yale" information sessions, which give a brief orientation to Yale computing resources. More information about the times and locations of STC orientation events will appear in the Calendar for the Opening Days of College.