Student Technology Guide (2021-2022)

A technology overview for UWL students.

Quicklinks:

Your NetID

Your NetID is an important part of your technology profile. It’s your unique username allowing you to log into most UWL technology services. For new students, it consists of your last name followed by four randomly generated numbers in the format [Lastname.####]. For example: smith1234. 

Your Student ID Number

Your student ID number is a 9 digit number that is only associated to you and it shows that you are a part of UWL. This number should have been originally given to you by Admissions, but your student ID number can also be retrieved from Records and Registration if you have miss-placed or have forgotten it overall. Your student ID number is not the same as your NetID and it is used for a various of reasons, especially when needing to use the password reset page in order to activate your NetID for the first time, to recover your "Expired or Forgotten" password or to be able to use the "one-time" passcode code option for Duo as a back-up (see "Account and Password Management" below to learn more about the password reset utility page and what it has to offer). 

Account and Password Management

ITS provides a convenient self-service password and account reset page. This tool helps students gain first-time access, the ability to reset passwords, unlock your account and manage your Duo devices 24x7 at: https://www.uwlax.edu/password. Click on First Time Access if you have never used your NetID, click on Password Management if you need to recover or reset your password, click on Account Locked if you are experiencing an account lockout and click on Duo Device if needing to manage your Duo account and devices or send yourself a one-time passcode.                                                                                                                                                      
 

duoLogo-web.png Duo

Duo 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 using the Duo Mobile app on a smartphone, which is our most recommended and most common choice of Duo device. When logging in, you will need your username and password along with the numerical code that a Duo device generates. These codes change after a short time interval and can only be obtained from a Duo activated device which is assigned to your account. This makes your account more secure against online attacks and phishing because if your password becomes compromised, only you have access to the Duo device for your account. 

Canvas

Canvas is our learning management system (LMS), and is the central hub for online course materials for face-to-face as well as entirely online classes. You can find Canvas resources and your login page at: https://www.uwlax.edu/canvas. 

WINGS

WINGS is the name for UWL's Student Information System (SIS). This software provides students, faculty, and staff with access to information relating to recruiting and admissions, records and registration, financial aid, student financials, and enhanced self-service capabilities. 

UWL Mobile

This site provides a wealth of information on the campus. You can view your courses, e-mail, connect via social media, see maps, and utilize a host of other resources. It can be viewed from your computer or any mobile device. Give it a try at: https://www.uwlax.edu/mobile. 


Virtual Desktop (WVD - Windows Virtual Desktop)

This service allows campus faculty, staff, and students to use their Windows, Macintosh, Apple iOS, or Android devices to connect 24x7 to a Windows desktop and software like those in the ITS computer classrooms and labs.

Remote Computer Access

New this year is another way to get access to computers on campus remotely. Remote Computer Access allows you to access computers physically sitting on campus like in Murphy Library or a computer classroom. This also allows access to software not available in the Virtual Desktop like Adobe Creative Cloud, Tableau, and OriginLab to name a few. Please see the below KB article on how to use Remote Computer Access.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) CiscoAnyConnectVPNLogo.png

UWL's VPN service allows any UWL associate to connect to campus remotely from any available network connection almost anywhere in the world: including from home, from many hotels, and even from within some company networks. 

PrintIcon.pngStudent Printing PaperCutLogo.png

You can print remotely to multiple printers on campus from your computer using your NetID. 


 Online File Storage

Students have existing storage through OneDrive (1 TB), Google Drive (30GB), and our UWL network storage or the U: Drive (200MB). Online files can be accessed using your NetID from campus computers, from home, and as read-only files online. 

Antivirus & Malware Software AntivirusSoftwareIcon.jpg

ITS encourages safe, virus free, computing. Without antivirus software your computer can become severely infected. ITS recommends that all computers have antivirus software installed before using the campus network.

phishingimage.jpegPhishing Information - Cyber Security 

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. 

 Computer Purchasing Advice

For recommendations and purchasing information about computer technology at the UWL go to: https://www.uwlax.edu/its/technology-purchases/purchasing/#tab-students.

Wireless Access: UWL-Eagle techguideeaglewifi.png

Wireless is available throughout campus. UWL-Eagle is a secure wireless network which requires you to enter your NetID and password. This should be your default wireless network for full access for UWL students. 

Wireless Access: UWL-Guest

UWL-Guest is available to family, friends and guests for Internet-only access. One other reason to use UWL-Guest is to connect to your smart TV or gaming consoles to the wireless network if staying on-campus. Register them at https://mydevices.uwlax.edu. Once registered, connect the device to the UWL-Guest wireless. For more information about the "My Devices Portal," then please check out this KB here: Wireless - My Device Portal

 GooglegSuiteIcon.pngAccess to Productivity Tools

UWL utilizes Office 365 campus-wide, but students also have access to Google Drive, Sheets, and Sites. You may access all of these tools through the UWL website Quicklinks https://www.uwlax.edu/ or sign into your UWL Google account by using your UWL email address and current password at https://accounts.google.com.

Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus for Students

Through Microsoft Office 365, students are able to download and install Office 365 applications such as Outlook (email), OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more at no cost for up to 5 personal devices. To gain access, visit the site: https://portal.microsoftonline.com. Once you log in, click on the button that says “Install Office” which is located on the upper right corner of the page.

ZoomIcon.jpg  Zoom 

  • UWL provides students a Zoom account that they can use to host and join Zoom meetings with and information about how to sign into your UWL Zoom account can be found here: Zoom - How do I sign in?.

Software Purchases

Students can purchase a variety of discounted software through WISC at https://wiscsoftware.wisc.edu/wisc/.


UWL Tech F.A.Q. - Technology Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. PC or Mac?
    • We support both at UWL, so it’s up to you
    • Dell provides education pricing at https://www.dell.com/uwlax. Prices start around $800. Typical price (XPS13) around $1100
    • Apple provides education pricing at https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop. Prices start around $850. Typical price (MBP13) around $1500.
  2. What are some recommended minimum computer specs?
    • 256 GB SSD Storage
    • 16 GB RAM
    • Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor
    • Latest Windows 10 or MacOS
    • Increased storage, RAM, and processor speed are better if your budget allows.
  3. Can I use a Chromebook or iPad?
    • We do not recommend these as primary devices. They are great additional resources to a laptop or desktop, but they are not sufficient replacements.
  4. What software do I need to buy?
    • We provide Microsoft Office 365 for FREE! Students can download Office from their email portal.
    • Antivirus software is recommended. Paid versions offer more features, but there are free options available. Examples: Bitdefender, Avira, Webroot, Malwarebytes
    • Depending on your major, you may want/need to buy additional software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
  5. Should I buy a printer?
    • We have a printing 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 student’s computer.
  6. Is Wi-Fi available on campus?
    • Wi-Fi is available for FREE to all students by connecting to UWL-Eagle
    • UWL-Guest is available for visitors
    • Personal routers not allowed
  7.  Do other electronics work on campus Wi-Fi?
    • Home devices are designed to work well on home networks, but many of them will not work on our enterprise network. We offer a MyDevices portal where these devices can be added to our network, but we do not guarantee all of these products will work.
    • Devices include: Smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Firestick, Chromecast, Echo, HomePod, Google Home, etc.

Social Media

Like us on Facebook @UWLITS  
Follow us on Twitter @EagleHelpDesk

Need online tech help?

Check out our online KnowledgeBase (KB) site available 24x7 at https://kb.uwlax.edu.


For more information go to:

See Also:



Keywords:student, technology, guide, tech, new, UWL, NetID, account, password, canvas, wings, mobile, virtual desktop, printing, online file storage, antivirus, malware, software, computer purchasing advice, wireless, access, UWL Eagle, productivity tools, Microsoft, Office, 365,Pro Plus, purchases, Duo, information, ID, number, zoom, faq, frequently, asked, questions   Doc ID:91037
Owner:Erin B.Group:UW-La Crosse
Created:2019-04-15 08:56 CDTUpdated:2021-08-27 08:53 CDT
Sites:UW-La Crosse
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