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Student Technology Guide (Academic Year 2024-2025)
What computer, printer and hardware should I buy?
PC or Mac?
- We support both, its up to you!
- Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors should go with a MacBook because a Unix-like operating system provides a better experience for technical users.
- Primary Device: Dell laptop (Windows) or an Apple MacBook (macOS) are recommended and work best with our WIFI.
- Dell education pricing at https://www.dell.com/uwlax
- Apple education pricing at https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop
- Secondary Device (Optional): Chromebook or iPad, these are not recommended as a primary device as they are unable to run necessary software for some classes.
- Extended Warranty? This is recommended, with accidental coverage is preferred, so you are covered if accidents happen.
Recommended Minimum Computer Specs:
- Processor: Latest Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or Apple Silicon
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Memory: 16 GB
- Operating System: Latest Windows or macOS
- If your budget allows: increased RAM, storage and/or processor
Should I buy a printer?
- Printing is available on campus. The rates are $0.05/page for black-and-white and $0.60/page for color prints.
- Personal printers cannot use Wi-Fi and must be connected via USB to a your computer.
- See also: Printing - Student Printing - Pay for Print (Academic Year 2024-2025)
What software and apps do I need?
Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus is FREE for attending UWL!
See Office 365 - Accessing Office 365 Applications (and Installing Office)
Additional Productivity Tools and File Storage
See Also:
Adobe Creative Cloud
Depending on your major, you may want/need to buy Adobe Creative Cloud. Courses that use this software generally have computers to use during class and the lab in Murphy Library also Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe does offer education pricing if you do need their software on your computer, see https://www.adobe.com/education.html
Antivirus & Malware Software
Virtual Desktop (WVD - Windows Virtual Desktop)
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The UWL VPN service allows you to connect to campus remotely from many available network connections, almost anywhere. This includes from home, many hotels, and even from some company networks. See VPN - Install and Connect
Zoom
Your UWL Zoom account allows you to host and join Zoom meetings. See Zoom - FAQ
What accounts do I have and how do I manage my passwords?
NetID
- For more information about your NetID, check out https://www.uwlax.edu/its/knowledge-base/netidemail/.
- Note: Student accounts are deactivated and deleted, or they lose access to their school accounts, about 6 months after graduating or leaving UWL.
Student ID Number
Your student ID number is a 9 digit number that is only associated to you and it shows you are a part of UWL. This number should have been originally provided to you by Admissions. If you misplace or forget your student ID please contact Records and Registration. Your student ID number is not the same as your NetID. It is used for a various of reasons including activating your NetID via First Time Access and when you need Account - Password Reset Help
Note: If you need assistance with a physical student ID card, then please reach out to the Card Office. Information about physical student ID cards can be found here too:https://www.uwlax.edu/university-centers/services/eagle-id/.
Account and Password Management
- First Time Access if you have never used your NetID;
- Password Management if you need to recover or reset your password;
- Account Locked if you are experiencing an account lockout.
What is multi-factor authentication (Okta)?
Okta is our 2-step authentication method needed when logging into UWL accounts, like Canvas, WINGS and email. This authentication method requires a second device, like the Okta Verify Mobile app on a smartphone, which is our most recommended and most common choice of Okta device. This makes your UWL account more secure against online attacks and phishing because if your password becomes compromised, only you have access to the Okta device for your account.
Need more info? See Okta - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
How do I access the student information system (WINGS)?
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Log in at: http://wings.uwlax.edu.
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WINGS Help: https://www.uwlax.edu/wings/
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Need more info? See WINGS - How do I log in?
How do I access my courses in Canvas?
- Canvas - Accessing Canvas
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Canvas Support can be reached at 1(833)-826-8719 or see Canvas - How do I get help with Canvas?
How do I access the free WIFI for students and visitors?
Note: Personal routers not allowed
UWL-Eagle (for Students)
UWL-Guest (for Visitors and Smart Devices)
UWL-Guest is available to family, friends and guests for Internet-only access. It should be used for smart devices that do not accept your UWL NetID. i.e. XBox, Playstations, Switch, SmartTV's, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Firesticks, etc...
Where should I backup or store my files?
What, where and how do I print?
You may print remotely to multiple printers on campus from your computer using your NetID. More info at Printing - Student Printing - Pay for Print (Academic Year 2024-2025)
What is Phishing?
Sometimes you may receive "phishy" or spam-like emails sent to your UWL email account. Thus, we encourage UWL students to be on the lookout for potential phishing attacks and emails. More info at Cyber Security - Phishing - How to spot.
Need Help? Contact the Eagle Help Desk