COMPUTING AT SU

Syracuse University’s online and network systems enable you to manage business matters like financial aid, course registration, and seeing your grades. As an SU student, you’ll also get an e-mail account ending in syr.edu. But before you do any of that, you’ll need to get familiar with our computing systems. Here’s how to get started.

NetID

Access to the University’s computing network and services is controlled by a unique personal identifier—the NetID. If you have not activated your NetID, do so now. It’s simple to activate your NetID and create a password from your home computer by visiting http://netid.syr.edu.  You will need your SUID to activate your NetID.  Your SUID number can be found on the letter you received from SU Financial Aid.  NOTE: Although your SUID card contains a ten-digit number, use only the first nine digits.

Important: Never share your password with anyone. Nobody at Syracuse University, including Information Technology and Services (ITS), will ever ask for your password. Do not respond to any requests to reveal your password or other private information, including online and e-mail requests. Treat your password like the PIN for your ATM card – a well-guarded secret.
Once your NetID is activated you’ll have access to a wide range of computing services and facilities.

MySlice

This is your virtual gateway to life at SU. You can use it to view the online course catalog, register for classes, view grades, and request transcripts. You can also access financial aid, tuition, housing and meal plan information and services through MySlice. Consider configuring MySlice to share pieces of your access with others, like your parents. You can share access on your bursar account, financial aid, class schedule, and more.

E-mail

Official e-mail accounts for students are established in a system called SUmail. The University manages SUmail, which utilizes Microsoft’s Live@edu e-mail service. This partnership provides students several powerful and convenient features, including:
• 10 GB inbox and 20 MB attachments
• Optimized Outlook experience including customizable
user interface
• Shared calendar and contacts
• Message tracking
• Folders to organize e-mail
• Forwarding, POP3, IMAP, and Outlook Connector for
mobile phone and personal computer access
• Spam filtering and phishing protection
• Collaborative workspace
• Keep your e-mail address after you graduate
• As a registered SUmail user, you’ll be able to take advantage of other Live@edu services at no cost, including Office Live Workspaces; Windows Live SkyDrive; Windows Live Spaces; Microsoft SharedView beta; Windows Live Messenger; and Windows Live Alerts; and Microsoft’s support for all these services.

Syracuse University has established e-mail as a primary vehicle for official communication with students, faculty, and staff. An official e-mail address is established and assigned by Information Technology and Services (ITS) for each registered student, and current faculty and staff member. Check your account often; all University communications sent via e-mail will be sent to this address.
You can use only one e-mail package to pick up messages from your syr.edu account. If you choose to re-direct your syr.edu e-mail to another account, such as gmail.com, or yahoo.com, you do so at your own risk.

Getting Online

You will receive information about connecting to the SU wired and wireless networks when you arrive in August.  Students will receive instructions on how to register their computers on the SU network with their room key when they check into their residential facility.  To connect, you’ll need your NetID and password and a current version of antivirus software installed and running on your personal computer.  Be sure to bring an Ethernet cable so you can connect to the wired network. Our network uses access control software that checks to insure that you have valid anti-virus software running and up to date, that your firewall is turned on, and that Windows Auto-Updates are enabled. In addition to these requirements we also request that you disable any peer-to-peer file sharing services (i.e., Limewire, Bearshare) before arriving on campus. Personal wireless access points, wireless routers, and Airports are not permitted on campus.

Be Prepared

Please be sure to bring to campus with you all of the original CDs/DVDs that came with your computer, as well as the original CDs/DVDs and applicable license or key codes for additional software you load on your computer. These will be necessary for you, or any technician, to reload your computer software should you have a hard drive failure or other serious problem that requires a software reinstallation.

BUYING A COMPUTER

Windows or Apple? Check with your school or college.
Your school or college publishes recommendations for student computers; check before making any decisions. If your school or college says you can buy either Mac or Windows, buy the one with which you are most comfortable. Most standard software is available for both platforms, although running a Windows operating system (i.e., Bootcamp) on an Apple computer will add cost.

START AT THE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE

• Computers sold through the University Bookstore meet
or exceed requirements of the schools and colleges.
• Dell and Apple computers purchased through the
Bookstore include upgraded warranty service (Dell
for 4 years; Apple for 3 years). That warranty includes
coverage for non-intentional accidental damage such
as cracked screens, liquid spills, and dropped
computers. We encountered over 50 instances of these
in the first semester last year. Standard Apple and Dell
warranties do not cover accidental damages.
• Dell and Apple computers purchased through the
Bookstore are also covered under ‘Cuse Care, an
enhanced warranty service for student computers that
is provided by SU’s Information Technology and
Services (ITS).
• Computers purchased at the SU Bookstore include
McAfee VirusScan, a 2GB flash drive with SU Logo, a
notebook security lock, a category 5 network cable,
and a Computing Services Support coupon from ITS.