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Frequently Asked Questions

Student Computing > My Computer

I want to create my email account.

Where can I use computers on campus?

What software can I get for free? At a reduced cost?

Can you help diagnose what’s wrong with my machine? Can you save my data?

I have a hardware problem with my personal machine.

How can I print on campus?

Can I print in colour?

I can no longer log into the wireless network / I received an email saying my computer might be infected.

  • I want to create my email account: New undergraduate and graduate students receive accounts on Mailservices. General information about email on campus is available on our email resource page.

  • Where can I use computers on campus?: Most computing labs on campus are Nexus labs. Visit your faculty helpdesk to set up your Nexus account and to learn about Nexus labs.
    There are also public computing stations in the libraries which do not require a login, but can only save your data to a disk you provide.

  • What software can I get for free? At a reduced cost?: Freely distributable software for the UW community is available through our Software Depot.
    Microsoft software is handled through the MSDN-AA website. Installation files may be downloaded or ordered on disk while obtaining the free-of-charge licenses through MSDN, or may be borrowed from the CHIP.
    A subset of the non-Microsoft software licensed on campus is available to students at reduced costs in the CHIP. Staff and faculty should consult the complete list for available packages.
    The TechShop offers reduced student rates on certain software.

  • Can you help diagnose what’s wrong with my machine? Can you save my data?: If you suspect your computer is infected, would like to back up or recover your files, or need to reinstall your operating system, you can visit us in the CHIP if you require assistance.
    Our services cost $30.00 and the first 30 minutes are free. Your faculty helpdesk may also be able to offer assistance.
    See below for details of our hardware repair services.

  • I have a hardware problem with my personal machine: The IST hardware shop can repair Apple and many PC brand computers. They offer warranty repairs for Apple and IBM/Lenovo machines. Current rates are listed on their website.
    Bring your machine to the CHIP to submit it for repairs.

  • How can I print on campus?: You can read about the several choices for printing on campus on our printing information page.

  • Can I print in colour?: Engineering and ES currently support printing in colour, for a surcharge, from a Nexus lab using your XAS account. Please contact their helpdesks for current information.

  • I can no longer log into the wireless network / I received an email saying my computer might be infected. : If you receive an email message saying your access privileges have been suspended, or the authentication page gives you an error regarding system patches or unauthorized use, follow our directions to understand why, and how to regain access.
    Can’t connect for other reasons? Use the wireless troubleshooting guide or visit us in the CHIP for assistance.

-- PeggyDay - 11 July 2011